Keys to victory for Saturday night’s ACC matchup between Virginia and Stanford.
Virginia
Stay steady up front: Virginia’s offensive line has undoubtedly been better through its first three games this season than in any other three-game stretch during fourth-year coach Tony Elliott’s tenure. The Cavaliers haven’t allowed a sack yet and are one of only five teams in the country to achieve that through the first three weeks. The Hoos invested in their O-Line this past offseason, adding seven offensive linemen through the transfer portal with starting experience. But only one of those seven is currently starting and that’s UAB transfer center Brady Wilson. Cavaliers offensive line coach Terry Heffernan has developed the group around him and returners like McKale Boley, Noah Josey and Drake Metcalf have been terrific. Their test on Saturday is to slow down Stanford’s pass rush. The Cardinal’s three sacks per game are tied for the 16th most in the FBS. UVa needs to stay steady up front.
Keep mixing and matching on offense: Last Saturday in UVa’s demolition of FCS William & Mary, the Cavaliers piled up a school-record 700 yards of total offense. Offensive coordinator Des Kitchings found ways to get all of his different skill players involved, which is something he’s done extremely well this year. In each of its first three contests, UVa has had a different leading rusher and a different leading receiver. Kitchings should continue scheming and planning to highlight the various skill sets of his players, and by doing so he’d keep Stanford’s defense guessing.
Swarm to Ford: Cardinal running back Micah Ford is Stanford’s best offensive player. He has two 100-yard rushing performances through the first three games. Stanford coach Frank Reich said Ford, “just has a great knack and he’s tough to bring down.” UVa must have all 11 of its defenders chasing Ford to gang tackle him. The last time the Hoos matched up with an excellent runner, NC State’s Hollywood Smothers, Smothers had 140 rushing yards and two TDs. The Cavaliers did a better job swarming to the football a week ago against William & Mary.
Stanford
Continue to play sound defense: Under first-year defensive coordinator Andy Thompson, Stanford’s defense has given the team a chance to be competitive each week. They haven’t given up more than 27 points in a game and are only surrendering 23.3 points per contest. Last week against Boston College, Stanford blanked the Eagles in the second half to secure its win. The Cardinal will need their defense at its best against the Cavaliers, who rank eighth nationally in total offense, eighth nationally in rushing and is tied for 17th in the FBS for scoring offense. Stanford linebacker Matt Rose’s 30 tackles are the second most in the ACC.
Get Roush more involved: Cardinal tight end Sam Roush’s 69-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was the catalyst for Stanford getting back in the game against Boston College and ultimately rallying for a victory. Roush, a 6-foot-5, 260-pounder, had 40 catches last season, including two touchdowns. He needs to be targeted more often in this game. He has only seven catches through the first fourth of this season. Roush is a reliable, veteran target and Stanford would benefit from getting the football to him more frequently.
Don’t give away possessions: Stanford’s biggest issues early in the year have been turnovers. Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson threw three interceptions in the first two games, which derailed Stanford’s chances to win at Hawaii and BYU. He avoided throwing any interceptions last Saturday, though, which was a major step forward. He’ll need to be clean with the ball again against the Cavaliers.
Greg Madia
gmadia@dailyprogress.com
@GregMadia on X
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Greg Madia
UVa Sports Reporter
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