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BREAKING DOWN THE SCHEDULE Coming off an 8-5 season in 2011, Virginia faces a tough schedule in 2012 while it tries to take the next step in the ACC. work) The Spiders have been among the top Football Sept. 1 vs. Richmond (3 p.m./Regional Sports Net- Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) programs in the country, but with so many starters returning UVa should be able to handle the in-state foe. in college football, but it is anyone's guess what this season will be like for Penn State after unimaginable offseason turmoil. Sept. 8 vs. Penn State (12 p.m./ABC) The Lions are among the most storied programs Sept. 15 at Georgia Tech (3:30 p.m./ESPNU) The Yellow Jackets' option attack always creates inter- esting challenges for opposing defenses. But Virginia's depth on the defensive line and experience at line- backer could bode well for the Cavs. Sept. 22 at TCU (Time and TV To Be Announced) The Horned Frogs are in the Big 12 now and offer another tough non-conference foe. TCU has done well against ACC competition in recent years, taking care of the Cavs and Clemson two seasons ago. but they won their final seven regular-season games last year and gave TCU a tough go in the Poinsettia Bowl. Most of their starters will be back. Sept. 29 vs. Louisiana Tech (TBA) Don't sleep on the Bulldogs. They aren't a big name, Devils program, but this could be one of the Cavaliers' easier ACC games. Oct. 6 at Duke (TBA) Head coach David Cutcliffe has improved the Blue Oct. 13 vs. Maryland (TBA) The Cavs have gotten the best of the rivalry with the Terps lately, and after struggling mightily last year Maryland lost quarterback Danny O'Brien to transfer. Oct. 20 vs. Wake Forest (TBA) After a 6-7 season last year, the Demon Deacons lost a few playmakers, but return quarterback Tanner Price, who threw for more than 3,000 yards last year and could test the inexperienced UVa secondary. Nov. 3 at NC State (TBA) Like Virginia, the Wolfpack went 8-5 last year in what might be considered a breakout season under Tom O'Brien. Mike Glennon is back to quarterback the Pack, who will also be looking to take the next step and com- pete for a league title. Nov. 10 vs. Miami (TBA) The Cavaliers won a nationally televised thriller at Miami last year and get the Hurricanes at home this time around. Miami might be improved in the second season under former UVa assistant Al Golden. Nov. 15 vs. North Carolina (7:30 p.m./ESPN) The Cavs turned their season around last year after losing at Chapel Hill. This year both teams will know if they are in the mix for a Coastal Division title when they meet for a Thursday night game on ESPN. Nov. 24 at Virginia Tech (TBA) Virginia was riding high with a shot to clinch the Coastal title when the Hokies came to Charlottesville last year, but Virginia Tech won in blowout fashion. This year the Cavs get another opportunity to see if they've caught their in-state rival. — Shane Mettlen CAVALIER CORNER ◆ AUGUST 2012 ◆ 26