By Jerry Ratcliffe

Go back through Virginia’s football history and for the most part, the better Cavaliers teams have been great pass rushing teams.

One of the biggest keys in the 2025 turnaround was putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, not solely getting sacks (which UVA did), but chasing them from the pocket, making them uncomfortable, forcing them to make bad decisions with the football, sometimes leading to interceptions or fumbling.

That’s what defensive coordinator John Rudzinski has once again challenged defensive ends coach Chris Slade and defensive tackles coach Kevin Downing with that task.

Fueled with new personnel who could get after the quarterback, Virginia’s defense made a major leap in the sacks department, going from the bottom of the ACC to near the top.

To read the rest of this article and even more award-winning coverage on the UVA athletics department, including its nationally-ranked football and basketball programs, be sure to subscribe to “Cavalier Exclusive” to follow all of Virginia Sports Hall Of Famer Jerry “Hootie” Ratcliffe’s analysis and content. It’s the best in the business for Wahoo Fans!