Seeking its first win since October 1, the Virginia Cavalier football program hits the road to face the now bowl-eligible Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on November 19.
The Cavaliers (2-8, 1-5), who last won against Duke on the road, are looking to snap a 5-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets (6-4, 3-4) have won three of their last four including a surprising 30-20 win at Virginia Tech last Saturday.
After starting junior Kurt Benkert at quarterback the first 10 games, first year Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall has given senior Matt Johns the nod heading into the final two games of the 2016 season. Mendenhall still supports Benkert and feels watching may be the best thing for his development, but he is also hoping Johns can provide a spark.
“I think it’s going to be really important for Kurt’s (Benkert) growth to step back,” Mendenhall said. “I’m going to allow Matt Johns to start the upcoming game. I think he’s earned the chance through not only his career here, but the season in leading our scout team offense and how unselfish he’s been battling his way to back into contention at quarterback. And I think it’s not only the right thing to do, I think it’s the fair thing to do. I think it’s the best thing for our team. I also think it’s the best thing to do for Kurt. I think he’ll grow and develop more so by playing this role for a little bit.”
Georgia Tech’s triple option attack is averaging 266.4 rushing yards per game, good for 10th in the nation among all FBS schools. Paul Johnson’s offense exploded for 309 yards rushing and three touchdowns in last week’s win over Virginia Tech. Two of the touchdown runs went for over 50 yards.
The good news for the Hoos is that Mendenhall has experience facing option attacks. He coached against Johnson and Georgia Tech twice — in 2012 and 2013 — and won both games in convincing fashion. Virginia will certainly have to defend the Georgia Tech rushing game better than it did Miami’s last week, when the Cavaliers surrendered 222 yards on the ground in a 34-14 loss.
Virginia Football Essentials
- Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
- Game Time: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, 12:30 p.m.
- TV Info: ACC Network (Affiliates)
- Radio Info: WINA 1070AM | Other affiliates | In Stadium: 91.5 FM | Satellite Radio – Sirius 157 | XM 194
- Live Radio Feed: Cavaliers Live
- Live Game Tracker Stats
- Exclusive Weather Updates
Hoo Facts
- Virginia last won in Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2008, defeating the Yellow Jackets 24-17.
- UVA has a 2-4 record versus Georgia Tech since 2010.
- LB Micah Kiser has amassed 231 tackles since the start of the 2015 season. This number ranks 2nd among all FBS players.
- With 169 yards rushing, running back Taquan “Smoke” Mizzell will eclipse 2,000 yards rushing for his career. He would be the 19th Cavalier to reach that mark. Last week, Mizzell became the first player in ACC history to rush for 1,500 yards and have 1,500 yards receiving.
- With five tackles, junior safety Quin Blanding will surpass Anthony Poindexter for the most tackles by a defensive back in UVA history. Blanding ranks 12th all-time in tackles in UVA history.
- Since 1982, Virginia is 10-3 versus Georgia Tech when committing fewer turnovers.
3 Hoos To Watch
- Quarterback Matt Johns.
His stat line didn’t reflect it, but Johns played well in the final quarter against Miami. Could he be the spark that ignites this Virginia offense?
- Nose Tackle Donte Wilkins.
Wilkins holding steady at the point of attack will be crucial in stopping Georgia Tech up the middle. UVA’s senior defensive leader will need help, of course, but he’ll have to play very well.
- Outside Linebackers Jordan Mack and Chris Peace.
This duo, solid all season long, will have to be sound on the edge against the Yellow Jackets. Staying on their assignments will be key.
3 Yellow Jackets To Watch
- Quarterback Justin Thomas.
Bronco Mendenhall said this about the quarterback position in the option offense: “There’s a reason you put your best player at quarterback in the option. And he’s one that makes the entire thing go. If you are going to err anywhere, it would be erring on the side of making sure the quarterback is handled.”
Thomas, who actually sat out last week’s win over Virginia Tech with an injury, is expected to return this week. Keeping him in check in the running game and not allowing big plays on play action passes is a must for the Hoos.
- B-Back Marcus Marshall.
Mendenhall also said this: “You can’t put all your focus there; otherwise you never get the ball back because of the fullback.”
Marshall played very well against Virginia Tech, rushing for 143 yards and a score while taking over for suspended starter and leading rusher Dedrick Mills. Mills won’t play against UVA either, so Marshall will get the call as the Yellow Jackets’ B-Back, or fullback position.
- Defensive tackle Patrick Gamble.
Gamble leads Georgia Tech in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (4.5). Containing him and the rest of Georgia Tech’s defensive line is important in providing Matt Johns time and helping him get in a rhythm.
3 Things To Watch
- Assignment football.
Mendenhall has had success in defending the option. However, Virginia’s defense is young with players who don’t have a lot of experience going against the triple option. How consistently those younger performers stay with their keys and assignments will probably be the story of this game.
- Tackling and turnovers.
Tackling had not been a big issue for the Cavaliers, but it was last week. Is that a one-week blip or a case of the team losing focus with the season winding down? We’ll find out this week. Following your assignment is the first step. Making the play is just as crucial.
Turnovers, meanwhile, have killed the Cavaliers this season. Virginia is minus-5 in terms of turnover margin, forcing 15 turnovers but surrendering 20. Georgia Tech is even in this category, forcing 13 turnovers and surrendering 13. UVA must hold onto the football.
- The Matt Johns factor.
Johns is a highly respected member of this team, so I have a feeling the players will rally around him these final two games. Johns, though, will have to play well and lead this offense to a consistency it has not yet found this season. Long, time-consuming scoring drives will be critical.
