‘We’re here’: Virginia defense sends a message in dominant showing against NC State
- Virginia's defense held NC State to 168 total yards, limited experienced quarterback C.J. Bailey to a career-low 84 passing yards and allowed four third-down conversions on 13 attempts in the opener.
- First- and second-down run efficiency repeatedly forced obvious dropbacks. A rebuilt secondary then held up in man coverage, allowing John Rudzinski to bring second-level pressure or disguise exotic coverages; both sacks came from the second level.
- Michigan transfer Brandyn Hillman immediately changed the back end, producing an interception and forcing a fumble. Virginia's defensive backs added seven pass breakups and were praised for run support as well as coverage.
- The front maintained pressure through a deeper rotation, and the defense showed little drop-off without linebacker Kam Robinson. Robinson was close to returning, but Virginia chose not to push him with two weeks before its next game.
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