When: Noon. Where: Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C. TV: 27, 35. Radio: WTAR/850AM, WRVA/1140AM, WKWI/101.7FM.
Why is this game important?
The Cavaliers are trying to improve to 2-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2004 and to build on the momentum of their 24-13 victory against Duke last weekend. Virginia also wants to prove it can win on the road, where it is 10-24 under coach Al Groh, in his seventh season with the Cavs.
Who are the players to watch?
The Tar Heels’ high-flying offense boasts two impressive weapons: Redshirt freshman T.J. Yates is leading the ACC with 281 passing yards per game, and junior wide receiver/kick returner Brandon Tate is a dangerous double threat. Tate had a 51-yard touchdown catch and returned a punt 58 yards for a TD last week. The Cavs’ two-quarterback rotation once again will be a subject of scrutiny as Peter Lalich and Jameel Sewell split time behind center, while many eyes will be on long snapper Danny Aiken after two errant snaps last week against Duke led to Blue Devil points.
What is the key matchup?
U.Va. defensive end Chris Long, on the preseason watch list for scads of national defensive awards, already has a team-best four sacks and 41/2 tackles for loss in 2007. Normally, a veteran DE would be licking his chops to get at a young QB making just his third college start. But Yates has settled in quickly, throwing for an ACC-best 562 yards and six TDs – tied for first in the league – in his first two games.
What can we expect?
Don’t look for a repeat of last year’s 23-0 blanking of UNC by the Cavs. Butch Davis’ Heels can move the ball, and the UNC’s defense has improved, too. And given Virginia’s struggles on the road, U.Va. goes into this game as the team with more to prove. If the improvements the Cavs made against Duke can be sustained and the mistakes can be eliminated, it will be a competitive conference test.
