The drought is over.
For the first time in six seasons, Virginia is ranked in the AP Top 25. The Cavaliers (4-1, 2-0 ACC) check in at No. 24 in the latest version of the rankings which were released on Sunday afternoon, and that spot was earned on the heels of their dramatic, double-overtime victory against then-No. 8 Florida State on Friday night in Charlottesville.
It was UVa’s seventh-ever win in its history over an opponent ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll.
The last time the Hoos were ranked was at No. 22, and that was in between their 2019 win over Virginia Tech to close the regular season and their loss the following week to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.
UVa finished that campaign 9-5 overall and 6-2 in the ACC, but it hasn’t had a winning year since. And this fall, they entered coach Tony Elliott’s fourth season with an 11-23 ledger under his watch.
So far, though, this version of Elliott’s Cavaliers have proven to be better.
They’ve won four of their first five contests with all four wins coming at Scott Stadium to clinch their first winning record at home in a season under Elliott.
They’re dynamic on offense, too, with North Texas transfer quarterback Chandler Morris thriving in Elliott and offensive coordinator Des Kitchings’ system. Morris has combined for 14 touchdowns (10 passing, four rushing) and he has a hoard of receivers — Trell Harris, Cam Ross and Jahmal Edrine lead the way — he can throw to as well as a complement at running back in former North Carolina Central star J’Mari Taylor.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers’ defense forced Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos to throw two interceptions, which were both picked off by UVa nickel cornerback Ja’son Prevard. On the last play of the second overtime, Prevard caught Castellanos’ desperation throw to the end zone to secure the Hoos’ win.
Florida State fell to No. 18 in this week’s rankings while UVa’s next opponent, Louisville, is receiving votes.
Greg Madia
gmadia@dailyprogress.com
@GregMadia on X
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Greg Madia
UVa Sports Reporter
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