Breaking Down the 2011 Football Schedule

The 2011 schedule was released while I was on my Wahiatus, so I missed the chance to comment on how I think it fell into place for Virginia.  I plan to cure that ill NOW.

9/3 -- William & Mary
Yes, I know we lost this game in 2009.  I don't expect a repeat in 2011, even though we'll be breaking in a new starting QB.  Superior talent should win the day.  1-0

9/10 -- @ Indiana
This game scares me a little bit, but we're a better program than Indiana with better talent across the board.  Should be a win.  2-0

9/17 -- @ UNC
I don't like our matchups against Carolina this season, especially on the road.  I think they win a close one.  2-1 (0-1 ACC)

9/24 -- Southern Miss
This is a pivotal early season game.  Make no mistake, Southern Miss has a good team and could very well be favored to win this game.  If we want to get to six wins and a bowl game, this is one we really need to win.  It's a big game, and the kind of stepping stone that could elevate us from "bad" to "mediocre."  I have faith that Mike London will have the team ready, and that the home crowd will provide a lift.  Win.  3-1

10/1 -- Idaho
The Vandals have a terrible football tradition, but their teams have been decent of late, with Mike Iupati on the offensive line and Nathan Enderle at QB, both NFL talents.  Unfortunately for Idaho, they are both gone now, and this game is being played in Scott.  Win.  4-1

10/15 -- Georgia Tech
I love that we have a bye week to prepare for this game.  It's winnable, but we'll need a good gameplan against that option attack.  My head says it's still likely a loss, but my heart says it's a hard-fought win and another stepping stone for the program.  I'll allow my gut to break the tie.  Win.  5-1 (1-1 ACC)

10/22 -- NC State
Hope and pray that Russell Wilson chooses baseball this summer.  If he does, we have a good chance to win this game.  If he sticks with football for another year, this is a near-certain loss.  As a Virginia fan, I have come to expect the worst.  I'll say this is a loss, to sort of even out the odds on the GT pick.  5-2 (1-2 ACC)

10/27 -- @ Miami
Ha ha ha.  They'll get us back for last year, count on that.  Loss.  5-3 (1-3 ACC)

11/5 -- @ Maryland
I hate that they stumbled across a franchise QB in Danny O'Brien and I hate that they stumbled across a good coach in Randy Edsall.  It pains me to say it... Loss.  5-4 (1-4 ACC)

11/12 -- Duke
With FSU and VT left to play, we'll need to win here to get to bowl eligibility.  I think we'll [finally] take care of Duke.  Win.  6-4 (2-4 ACC)

11/19 -- Florida State
If you asked me which game we are least likely to win this season, this would be the one.  Loss.  6-5 (2-5 ACC)

11/26 -- Virginia Tech
Big game for Mike London.  I think a win here buys him an extra year of goodwill from the fanbase, while a loss makes 2012 a make-or-break season.  I've got a hunch that we'll hang tough.  But a win?  I can't call it either way.  7-5 (3-5 ACC)

MILITARY BOWL, BABY!