Through three weeks, one theme has been clear for Virginia’s defense: the Cavaliers have been vulnerable to passes over the top. Both William & Mary and Stanford exposed the back end of the secondary with big plays, often the result of miscommunication between corners and safeties. Receivers found themselves wide open downfield not because of elite throws, but because someone didn’t pass off the route correctly or a safety didn’t rotate in time. It’s the kind of breakdown that may not cost you against a mid-major opponent but can quickly turn into back-breaking touchdowns against a top-10 team.

That top-10 team is coming Friday night, when Florida State visits Scott Stadium. The Seminoles haven’t been tested on the road yet this season, but they bring a roster full of weapons who can stretch a defense vertically and punish any lapse in coverage. Duce Robinson, at 6’6”, creates mismatches with his size and catch radius, able to win on jump balls and red zone fades. On the other side, Squirrel White brings explosive speed, the kind of receiver who can get behind a secondary in an instant and change the scoreboard with a single play. And they’re hardly alone—Florida State has plenty of other receivers capable of making big contributions, meaning Virginia cannot afford even one missed assignment in the secondary.

The good news for UVA is the return of veteran safety Antonio Clary. Clary’s presence should provide stability to the back end, where communication has been inconsistent. His experience and ability to read plays will help ensure corners and safeties are on the same page, and his range gives the defense an extra layer of protection against deep shots. For a secondary that has looked unsettled at times, having Clary more involved could be the key to avoiding the explosive plays that have plagued them early.

The formula for Virginia is simple but difficult: don’t let the ball go over your head. If the Cavaliers can force Florida State to sustain drives rather than strike quickly with long touchdowns, they give themselves a chance to keep the game close. While UVA’s offense has shown it can move the ball and put points on the board, it isn’t built to trade blow-for-blow in a track meet. The Hoos need to control tempo, limit possessions, and above all, avoid giving away cheap scores.

Friday night under the lights, the challenge is steep. Florida State is as talented as any team Virginia will face this season, and the Seminoles have the kind of wideouts who can flip a game in seconds. But if Clary’s return settles the secondary and the Cavaliers can eliminate the busts that showed up against William & Mary and Stanford, UVA can at least force Florida State to earn everything. Keep the deep ball contained, and Virginia has a puncher’s chance. Let it slip through again, and it could be a long night in Charlottesville.