Duke comes to Scott Stadium today @ 3:30 for a key ACC match-up against Virginia. If the Hoos (3-4) have any chance of going bowling this season, they will have to get to six wins. Including Duke, Virginia has five games remaining, only two of which they have a chance to be favored.
Duke @ home (UVA is favored by 7),
Miami away (Hurricanes will be favored by at least 9)
Boston College @ home (UVA will most likely not be favored, BC by 3)
Clemson away (Tigers will be favored by at least 8)
Hokies @ home (Hokies by 9) And there will be 30,000 "Burgundy Clad Hokie-Fans" shaking their keys on "Key" plays…Vile, and wicked as it will be…
I think the Hoos have a chance today, if they contain Duke’s excellent, four-year starter at Quarterback, Thaddeus Lewis. Look for Lewis to test Virginia all day, by throwing the deep ball. Virginia is going to have to come-up with turnovers, and the Hoos will be looking to keep Duke’s offense on the bench. Duke’s defense will try and confuse Jameel Sewell early and often, by mixing-up their blitzing schemes, and by sending-in many different guys in the blitz package.
Virginia must establish the running game early, in order to slow down the game, and let their defense catch their collective breath on the side-lines. Time of possession, as well as the turnover margin will be some of the keys to Virginia winning this game, and keeping their bowl chances alive.
Some factoids about the match-up and the two schools:
> This is game number 1,200 in the history of UVA football.
> Duke has come out victorious in it’s last 8 contests when they are in the lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.
> The Blue Devils have won only once in Charlottesville since 1999.
> Duke’s coach coached both of the Manning brothers in college. Peyton @ Tennessee and Eli @ Ole Miss.
> The Blue Devils are the worst rushing team in the ACC averaging only 74 yards per contest.
> Virginia lost to Duke last year in Durham by four touchdowns and NO ONE loses to Duke two years in a row in the ACC. NO ONE… Hoos 31- Duke 30.