Redshirt junior Riley Skinner knows how to get the job done. He has already tried the career record for most wins as a starter at 18 and helped march the Demon Deacons down the field against the Cavaliers last season, including two fourth-down conversions.
PREDICTION: This will not be pretty. Virginia will be happy after it’s victory against Miami and the ingredients will be there to lay an egg against one of the best stories in the ACC.
Jim Grobe is a better coach than Al Groh and he will make the right adjustments to keep the offense moving. Virginia was able to limit Wake Forest to field goals last season to help secure its victory, but I do not think it will be as easy this time around.
Josh Adams and Skinner will put up big numbers en route to challenging Clemson for the Atlantic Title.
PREDICTION: WF 38, UVA 13
Game 11: vs. Clemson: The Spoiler?
SET-UP: Virginia would love nothing more than to spoil the season of the Clemson Tigers. The Cavaliers have not played the prohibitive ACC favorite since a 30-10 victory at home in 2004.
Though that was a wonderful thrashing, Heath Miller is not exactly around anymore and the Tigers have the best offensive player in the conference along with a rushing tandem that may be impossible to stop.
So can Virginia’s own tandem of Simpson and Peerman pull out a shocking upset?
PREDICTION: We all know Clemson has had a penchant to underachieve lately, but this really seems to be their year. Virginia could easily be a trap game because the Cavaliers will be far better than where they are at the start of the season.
They remember the 29-game losing streak that brought shame and they have a very stout defense and an efficient offense.
However, they have a hurting secondary.
Cullen Harper will light up Scott Stadium and make the big plays when he needs to in order to keep drives alive. Harper will make up for a sub-par performance from the rushing game and keep Virginia on its heel.
The Clemson defense will also have a big day putting pressure on Lalich where he will become close friends with the turf. I would love to pick the upset but logically, Clemson has too many weapons.
RESULT: Clemson 35, UVA 17
Game 12: at Virginia Tech: The Rivalry of Insignificance
SET-UP: It has been five long years since Virginia defeated its archrival and the trend does not seem to be improving. The Cavaliers have actually played better on the road than it has at home against the Hokies, but they have still yet to record a victory at Lane Stadium since the 1998 comeback victory.
Virginia Tech will have either Sean Glennon or Tyrod Taylor firmly cemented as their quarterback by this point and its young defense led by Macho Harris will have solidified nicely.
Virginia will be older, but will they be wiser?
PREDICTION: Virginia’s biggest weakness in these rivalry games has been its inability to score. The Hokie defense has physically pounded the Cavaliers and even though Virginia has gotten tougher it has not gotten much faster. Without a vertical passing game, VT has stacked the box and pinned their ears back. Since the Hokies typically don’t miss tackles, Virginia cannot sustain long drives.
Lalich may be accurate, but he has not shown a great deep ball. Therefore, VT will be able to keep everything in front of them and continue a disappointing series for the Cavaliers.
RESULT: VT 28, UVA 10
A 5-7 season for the Cavaliers and no bowl game. Certainly not what people were hoping for but, fortunately, that is why they play the games.
I hope the Cavaliers prove me wrong, for there certainly is the potential for an even better season. Some of those losses could easily be turned around but, then again, so could some of the wins. After all, others are predicting a winless ACC season.
Thankfully, we’re about a week away from finding out!
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