By Garin Turner
#17 Virginia looks to defeat Duke in the ACC Championship for a spot in the college football playoffs. The game is on December 6, at 8 PM EST on ABC.
What’s at stake (besides the ACC Championship)
Virginia needs to win to get into the college football playoff and to ensure a team from the ACC gets in. Miami has a shot but most likely the best-case scenario is a Virginia Cavaliers win. The best win for Virginia was week six against Louisville, 30-27. At the time, they had a quality win against then #8 Florida State 46-38. The Seminoles finished the season 5-7.
Duke winning would move them to 8-5, but they wouldn’t get into the college football playoffs. It would mean a better bowl game and, of course, the ACC Champions and knocking Virginia out of playoff contention. Duke went 0-3 against ranked teams, including a 34-17 defeat against then #19 Virginia three weeks ago.
First game
Virginia scored in every quarter. They ran 42 times for 224 yards and two touchdowns. J’Mari Taylor gained most of those yards with 133 on 18 carries, and he also had the two scores. Quarterback Chandler Morris threw for 316 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Trell Harris caught eight passes for 161 yards and a score.
Duke couldn’t capitalize on the two turnovers. They also couldn’t get the running game going. Nate Sheppard carried 12 times for 43 yards. Quarterback Dairan Mensah threw for 213 yards and a touchdown.
Keys to the game
Duke’s defense. The Blue Devils have allowed teams to score 30 or more points in half their games this season.
Duke’s offensive line. Mensah has been sacked 24 times this year. Both teams are on two-game winning streaks. Can Virginia block out all the noise and take care of business?
Virginia Team Leaders
Passing: Chandler Morris, 2,586 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Rushing: J’Mari Taylor, 207 carries for 997 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Receiving: Trell Harris, 56 catches for 809 yards and five touchdowns.
Duke Team Leaders
Passing: Dairan Mensah, 3,450 yards with 28 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Rushing: Nate Sheppard, 157 carries for 865 yards and nine touchdowns.
Receiving: Cooper Barkate, 63 catches for 978 yards and six touchdowns.
Prediction
Virginia struggles early but pulls away in the fourth quarter, winning 28-13, and will then see what the selection committee decides.
