Good morning! Is there a better way to start off your Thursday morning than by watching some Jake Gelof highlights bright and early? We submit to you that there is not.

What are we serving up in today's Brew?

⚾️ Virginia’s best of the best
🥎 Rookie of the year
​⚔️ And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Best In State. The Virginia Association of Sports Information Directors (VaSID) voted Coach Brian O’Connor as the state’s Baseball Coach of the Year! He has earned this title for three of the last four seasons. Connelly Early was tabbed Pitcher of the Year and Kyle Teel earned Player of the Year. Seven other Cavaliers earned All-State honors, more than any other program in the state.

🔼 Fresh Prince. Jack O’Connor was a standout this spring as a freshman for Virginia. Now he’s one of the most intriguing players in the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer. After wrapping up his first year at the University of Virginia, he’s one of the top players in the 2025 draft class—and as a native of Virginia, attending the University was an easy decision for the 6'5” righty.

“The coaching staff is phenomenal at UVA and that really made it a no-brainer. Also, my parents would be able to come watch and play a lot. It was an easy decision for me.”

⚾ Read more from Daniel Curren on how Jack O’Connor is continuing to improve daily.

This week’s edition of the Midweek Adjustment is brought to you by The Joint Chiropractic—a nationwide network of chiropractors delivering quality, affordable, convenient chiropractic to families. Whether you’re seeking relief from everyday aches and pains or looking to maintain a healthy, active life, our friends at The Joint Chiropractic can help.

Following their bye week, Virginia gets a Thursday night game in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. This will be the team’s first visit to Atlanta since 2018—with Virginia’s last win in Atlanta coming all the way back in 2008.

This year’s Wramblin Wreck are 3-3, after starting the season 1-2. Following a 27-10 loss to UCF, the Jackets fired head coach Geoff Collins (as well as their athletic director) and the team responded to the change with a road win over a ranked Pitt team and then a home win over Duke.

How can Virginia overcome the odds and stop a Georgia Tech team with some wind in their sails? Let’s get to it…

1️⃣ Limit The Dual Threat: The Jackets are far enough removed from the Paul Johnson era that they should’ve been able to move past any issues which stem from the previous triple-option offense. However, since Paul Johnson left, the Jackets have peaked at just 71st nationally in total offense. Initially, this was explained as the fact that running a conventional offense with players recruited to play triple-option can be difficult. But those players are gone by now. And the offense ranks 113th right now.

Georgia Tech is led by QB Jeff Sims, a dual threat signal-caller who has always been just a bit better of a runner than he is a passer. One thing new head coach Brent Key has done is free Sims up to run more. Through six games, Sims has rushed for 301 yards on 84 carries (3.6 ypc). The past two games have accounted for 176 of those yards on 36 carries (4.8 ypc).

2️⃣ Get Better In The Trenches: Virginia’s defense has struggled against the run most of the year. In the last game, the ‘Hoos allowed 198 rushing yard to Louisville. The week before they allowed 248 yards rushing to Duke. Those two games come on the heels of allowing just 75 yards rushing against a Syracuse team that has a very good ground game.

3️⃣ Don’t Let The Smoke & Mirrors Fool You: The Jackets have an interesting defense. They rank 80th overall, and 108th against the rush. But they are 37th in pass defense and 22nd in pass efficiency defense. They are also 30th in interceptions, 32nd in sacks and 20th in TFLs.

It is a 4-2-5 defense, and despite playing just two LBs, that is the strength of the unit. The team leader in tackles is Ayinde Eley, who transferred from Maryland prior to last season. In 11 games last year, he had 3.5 TFLs and 0.5 sacks. This year, in 6 games, he has 9 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. He has also forced three fumbles and defended three passes.

🤔 HOOS TRIVIA

Mister Popular. Sports isn’t a popularity contest but if it was, Coach Brian O’Connor would be at the top of the list! He’s got his hands full with VaSID awards lately and has won multiple Coach of the Year awards since 2004.

Our question today…

Including this year, how many has Virginia’s head baseball coach won?

Think you got it? Scroll down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

⏪ ICYMI

We like our Brew hot n’ fresh. But we’re not opposed to you reheating your cup. Here’s some news you may have missed recently…

Chico Bennett Jr. is nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The team recognizes extra efforts made off the field and commitment to community service. Players nominated must be involved with a charitable organization or service group while staying strong in the classroom.

📬 STICK WITH US

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📅 UPCOMING SCHEDULE

FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER

📅 Saturday, Sept. 2

⚔️ Virginia vs. Tennessee

📍 Nashville, Tennessee

🎟️ Grab your tickets here!

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: 12

⚔️ ​Have a great Thursday, y’all!