Both Virginia and Wake Forest are coming off wins in their season opener.
The Cavaliers defeated in-state foe Richmond 34-13. After winning the starting job over Tony Muskett, Anthony Colandrea got off to a strong start, going 17-23 for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
Malachi Fields was Colandrea’s primary target. Fields caught five passes for 100 yards.
Virginia’s rushing game was also clicking. Senior Kobe Pace gained 93 yards on 11 attempts.
The Cavaliers head to Winston-Salem, hoping to start the ACC season with a win.
Wake Forest dispatched North Carolina A&T 45-13.
Keys:
Get The Hoos Running: Head coach Tony Elliott had to be pleased with the offensive line as the Cavaliers ran for 200 yards. Along with Pace’s 93 yards, junior running back Xavier Brown ran for 44 yards. If Virginia can avoid second and long, the running game will stay a threat, and the pressure on Colandrea to make a play will be less significant.
Limit Claiborne: Demond Claiborne is Wake’s most dangerous player on the offensive side of the ball. If Claiborne is effective, the quarterback will mean less. Last week, Claiborne rushed for 135 yards on just 17 carries, which was needed as Wake played Michael Kern and Hank Bachmeier at quarterback.
Turnovers: Short fields might be the most crucial factor behind the running game. The quickest way to flip the field is to get a turnover. Wake Forest didn’t commit a turnover last week, and Virginia’s only turnover came when Muskett threw an interception. As dull as it might seem, the average starting field position is a stat to pay close attention to.
