Virginia Versus Duke University Football News and Notes Saturday 3:30 Scott Stadium Charlottesville, Virginia
Virginia and Duke (4-3,2-1 ACC) hook up Saturday afternoon in a 3:30 key ACC match-up in Charlottesville. The Hoos are 32-28 all-time versus the Blue Devils and the Hoos are coming off an embarrassing loss last year (3-31) against Duke. Virginia (3-4, 2-1 ACC), and Duke have been playing each other the longest of any ACC rivalries, since 1890. The game last year broke a run of 8 straight victories by the Hoos. Since 1982, Virginia has won 21 of the last 26 match-ups.
This affair is a bit more intriguing than usual, as it features the ACC’s top passing defense (UVA), against the leagues top passing offense (Duke). UVA is the 5th ranked defense nationally, allowing only a meager 151.29 yards per game. The Dookies are slinging the rock for an outstanding 322.57 yards per contest. Virginia has not given up a passing touchdown in four games and has give up the 2nd fewest passing TD’s in the nation
Duke is led by their senior, 4-year starter, Thaddeus Lewis. Lewis has thrown for over 300 yards in three straight games, and Duke has won two straight conference games for the first time since 1994, and in the third three hundred yard passing game, Duke played Va. Tech tough. Look for Duke to try and attack Chris Cook at the cornerback position as well as challenging Minnifield and Ras-I at the other corner. If Virginia can put pressure on Lewis, and force him out of the pocket I look for the Hoos to have an excellent chance to win the game. Virginia 31 Duke 30
*Duke has scored 49 points twice this season. Last time they scored 49 once in a season was 1994.
*Virginia’s leading tackler on defense is redshirt-freshman Steve Greer who has 49 tackles.
*Duke had over 500 yards of offense last week against Maryland.
*The Hoos’ Chris Cook, and Ras-I Dowling have combined for 11 career interceptions.
*Duke’s Thaddeus Lewis is already the 10th all-time ACC leading passer with 8,707 yards.
Virginia’s senior defensive back Brandon Woods is from Durham, North Carolina and is looking to have a huge day agains his hometown Blue Devils.