MEET VIRGINIA
CAVALIERS WILL TRY TO MAINTAIN ACC COASTAL LEAD AGAINST CARDINALS
Keys for Virginia
Big plays for Bryce: The Virginia offense lives and dies on the arms and legs of junior quarterback Bryce Perkins. Although averaging just 350.1 total yards a game, the Cavaliers are scoring at a 31.1 clip due in large part to the big plays provided by Perkins. Another three-touchdown performance like Perkins had last season against the Cardinals would be ideal this time around. Force Louisville to run inside: The Cardinals boast one of the top rushing attacks in the ACC, led by the league’s No. 2 runner Javian Hawkins. Hawkins does a lot of his damage outside the tackles as does quarterback Micale Cunningham on the read option.
Virginia’s outside linebackers will need to squeeze down and keep Hawkins and company from getting to the edge in order to slow the Louisville offense.
Keys for Louisville
Better blocking: Like many teams, the Cardinals were manhandled up front by Clemson’s defensive front seven. The offensive line surrendered seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss against the Tigers. Virginia, which is tied for the ACC lead in sacks (27), presents another major challenge that must be met with an improved effort by the Louisville blocking corps. Grind out 200 or more:
Louisville is 4-1 this season when it gains 200 or more yards rushing with the only setback coming against Notre Dame in the opener. It may be more difficult to crack 200 against Virginia, however, depending on the availability of running back Hassan Hall. Hall has been a big part of the rushing attack as the backup to starter Javian Hawkins, but his status for Virginia is uncertain after suffering a lower body injury against Clemson last week.
Prediction
Virginia 24, Louisville
14. The Cavaliers are very good on defense and just good enough on offense, thanks to quarterback Bryce Perkins, to keep winning games. They’ll lock down the Cardinals to maintain their lead in the ACC Coastal Division.