Wahoo Wire

Duke and Virginia both opened the season by embarrassing the ACC with losses to FCS teams (Richmond and William & Mary respectively).  After their clash on Saturday at 3:30, however, one of them will be in second place in the conference’s Coastal Division.

The Blue Devils and Cavaliers have turned their respective seasons around somewhat, and both have played relatively well against conference opponents. Still, neither club can afford a loss to a beatable opponent if it has any hopes of reaching a bowl game this season.

Virginia, coming off a 34-9 thrashing at the hands of Georgia Tech, will look to rebound against the pass-happy Devils–a welcome contrast from the Yellow Jacket triple option. Virginia has defended the pass effectively this season (about 5 yards allowed per attempt), and Duke has struggled mightily on the ground.  The Cavalier defense should be in good shape–if its offense can keep them off the field for an adequate amount of time.

Jameel Sewell will need to play well for that to happen. Duke has struggled to defend the passing attacks of the likes of Maryland, North Carolina Central, and Army, so Al Groh’s offense should be looking to the air more often this week. The Cavs will also need to avoid costly mistakes such as missed field goals, inefficiency in the red zone, and fumbled punts if they want to knock off Duke.

Again, as insignificant as a game against Duke may seem, Virginia will have hopes of a bowl game and a finish near the top of the Coastal dashed if they can’t come out on top against the Blue Devils. A loss may also be the nail in Al Groh’s head coaching coffin. The Cavs need to take care of business at home before worrying about a tough stretch to finish the season.