Insight on football’s late game play calling, Hunter and Clark making impressions

On day two of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Ryan provided his latest picks on the betting lines for last night’s contests. Elsewhere on STL, we dished out week 14’s bowl watch and gave more insight on Virginia’s defensive adjustments in the Battle 4 Atlantis championship game last Friday.

How cautious play calling factored into UVA’s loss in Blacksburg (Daily Progress)

Bryce Perkins and the Virginia offense was on fire during the second half of Friday’s Commonwealth Cup clash, as the team scored touchdowns on its first four possessions - three of which came from the arm of Perkins - to start the final 30 minutes. But, after finally taking a lead in the fourth quarter, the Hoos played it safe on its next two possessions, passing the ball just once on both drives combined. After the game, Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall recalled offensive coordinator Robert Anae emphasizing one thing, “Man, a little too conservative.”

The ACC named UVA’s De’Andre Hunter the conference’s player of the week on Monday for his efforts in the Bahamas. Hunter, who was named the tournament’s MVP, averaged 19.3 points to go along with 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists over the team’s three contests.

Kihei Clark making his presence felt as a freshman (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

In just his sixth game, Kihei Clark got his first start at point guard for Virginia - a shorter wait time than what both Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome endured. For Head Coach Tony Bennett, it is Clark’s hard-nosed mentality, which reminds him of Muggsy Bogues, a former teammate of his on the Charlotte Hornets, that helped him make the move. Bennett noted, “He just makes his team win [...] He plays like a bulldog or a warrior.” Through six games, the freshman is averaging 6 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds; we’ll see how he progresses as the season wears on.

TOTD:

We appreciate you, coach!