Slowly but surely, the Virginia Cavaliers (5-1) are moving from an ACC story to a national story.
After a bye week, the Cavaliers welcome Washington State (3-3)J’ to Charlottesville.
Before the bye week, the Cavaliers went on the road and knocked off Louisville 30-27 in overtime.
The Cougars have lost three of the last four games, giving up 59 points twice in that stretch.
Washington State changed quarterbacks from sophomore Jaxon Potter to senior Zevi Eckhaus, and the competitiveness of the team has increased.
Keys:
Stay in Front of the Chains
Virginia’s playcalls and success on first down could be the difference between this game being a multi-score game and one that comes down to the last possession or two.
It starts with the running backs J’Mari Taylor and Xavier Brown. When those two can put Virginia in second and five or better, the playbook opens up for offensive coordinator Des Kitchings.
Chunk Plays
If Virginia can run the ball, the playmakers open up for the Cavaliers. Trell Harris and Cam Ross have taken turns making plays downfield, and Taylor has been able to break off several big runs.
The Cavaliers’ offense has done a good job of making their opponents cover the entire field. Being able to get chunk plays in both the pass and rush game gives Virginia one of the best offenses in the conference.
Turnovers
On paper, Virginia is clearly the more talented team. The way to make the game more difficult than necessary is to turn the ball over.
The Cavaliers haven’t lost a fumble all season (knock on wood). Morris had four interceptions, but three of those came in the win over Florida State.
