This is the time of year when fans, sportswriters and even coaches start to discuss the critical, must-win games of the year. Here’s a scoop: To win the ACC title and compete for a national title, Virginia will likely need to win all of its games. But each year there are games that mean a little something extra. These are essential wins.

What are essential wins? Essential wins are statement games. Essential wins are victories that defy precedent or are in some way unique. Clearly to win a national championship Virginia must defeat Temple. But to elevate the program to an elite status there are trends in recent UVa history that need to be broken. Typically, championship teams have certain characteristics. They have swagger and confidence, they perform well in the spotlight, they handle adversity and they maintain a consistent, high level of performance.

The Cavaliers have a recent history of doing one thing consistently poorly – beating good teams on the road. Of the 17 losses during the Groh era, 12 have come on the road. Ten of those losses have been to teams that concluded their seasons with winning records, combining for a 92-50 mark. During the same period the Wahoos have only two road wins against teams with a .500 record or better. Both victories came with dramatic comebacks. In 2002 the Hoos posted a 38-34 win at Wake Forest, and in 2001 they survived a 26-24 thriller against No. 19 Clemson. Winning on the road is essential for championship teams.

As Ric Flair likes to say, “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.” Championship teams have to beat the very best. Championship teams perform well when the lights are bright and the attention of a nation is focused squarely on them. To be a champion you must win pivotal road games again quality opposition. There are five games this season that meet the benchmark of essential wins. The Edge takes a look at these five contests:

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