Two clocks hang on the wall of the Virginia football team's locker room all season long. One counts down the hours and minutes until the Cavaliers' next game, while the other displays how much time remains until the annual battle for the Commonwealth Cup between Virginia and Virginia Tech.
Both clocks will hit triple zero this Saturday as the Cavaliers run out onto the field for the final game of coach Mike London's first season. With a victory against the No. 13 Hokies, the Cavaliers would bring home the Commonwealth Cup for the first time since 2003 - when current Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub held the reins - and emerge from Lane Stadium victorious for the first time since 1998.
Virginia (4-7, 1-6 ACC) seemingly does not have much to play for apart from its pride as the squad already has been statistically eliminated from bowl game and ACC championship contention. But the Cavaliers said not having a postseason ahead of them has not stopped them from preparing for Saturday's game with just as much determination as they would with any other matchup.
"This is our bowl game," junior defensive tackle Nick Jenkins said. "That's how we're treating it. I don't think many people have given us a chance in a lot of games, and I think that's been motivation all season. It's our seniors' last game, and we want to send them out on a high note."
The Cavaliers will need to play like bowl-contenders if they hope to upset the Hokies (9-2, 7-0 ACC) and snap a 12-game losing streak in November that dates back to 2007. After losing its first two games this season against Boise State and James Madison, Virginia Tech has rattled off nine consecutive victories - including seven against ACC opponents - en route to the ACC Coastal Division title.
Senior quarterback Marc Verica and his wide receiving corps should have their hands full with a Virginia Tech secondary that ranks eighth in the nation in pass efficiency defense and second in the nation in interceptions with 19. Sophomore cornerback Jayron Hosley leads the Hokie secondary - and the nation - with eight interceptions.
"When the ball's in the air, [Hosley has] the mentality that it belongs to [him]," London said. "You always have to be conscious of where ball hawks are because they go after the ball. He's a very complete player."
On defense, the Cavaliers will need to demonstrate some ball-hawking skills of their own to stop the Hokies' three-headed ground game. Senior quarterback Tyrod Taylor, redshirt sophomore tailback Ryan Williams and redshirt junior Darren Evans have combined for nearly 1,700 rushing yards on the season. In addition to scoring four times with his legs, Taylor also has thrown for 2,082 yards and 19 touchdowns, compared to only four interceptions.
"There's no way you can say you can defend him like this, like that, because he has all the tools," London said. "He's an athletic guy that makes things happen for him, and he's become a really good quarterback in terms of the passing game and things."
Jenkins said the Virginia defensive front seven is ready to step up to the challenge of keeping Taylor in the pocket and thwarting the attempts of Williams and Evans to plow their way downfield. The Cavaliers are currently the 15th worst team in the nation in rushing yards allowed, surrendering 203.9 yards per game. During last weekend's 17-13 loss against Boston College, Virginia allowed two Eagle tailbacks to rush for more than 100 yards each.
Despite the challenges that await Virginia in Blacksburg, the squad is hopeful that it can close out the season with a win as London continues to lay the program's new foundation.
"I don't want to say one game can make or break your season, but I think it would definitely be a great way to send the seniors out with a win against our biggest rival," sophomore linebacker Steve Greer said. "We're definitely taking big steps as a program, and we're going in the right direction. To get a win here would be huge [in helping rebuild the program]."
Kickoff is slated for noon Saturday.
Read More
Virginia baseball boasts the best catcher in the country — a Division III transfer
By Xander Tilock | 5 hours agoFerence has replaced Teel admirably, and will look to lift Virginia back to the College World Series.
Lacrosse defenseman Cole Kastner announces transfer to Stanford basketball
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayKastner is reviving a hoops career that has lain dormant since he graduated high school.
Virginia gets second Notre Dame rematch in a dynamic ACC Tournament bout Friday
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayThe Cavaliers will get a shot at redemption against a vaunted ACC foe, in a game with serious postseason seeding implications.
