CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia will try to run its winning streak to three games when the Cavaliers host in-state rival Liberty on Saturday. Virginia pulled away in the fourth quarter of a 45-24 home victory last season in the programs' first meeting.
TV: Noon ET, RSN. LINE: Virginia -16.5
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All three Cavaliers’ losses have come on the road and they’ve won six straight at home dating to last season. Virginia had a tough stretch of three losses in four games but has been rejuvenated by back-to-back ACC victories and a much-needed bye last week. The Flames need one win in their final two games to gain bowl eligibility in their first season as a fully bowl-eligible FBS program. Liberty, which is playing as an independent, has never defeated an ACC opponent in seven tries.
ABOUT LIBERTY (6-4)
The Flames have a star quarterback in Stephen Calvert, who will be eager to redeem himself after throwing three interceptions in last year’s meeting. Calvert is one of two active FBS quarterbacks with more than 11,000 passing yards, and he’s thrown 23 touchdowns with only three interceptions this season, including eight to star receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden (64 catches, 1,244 yards). The Flames’ defense has struggled against strong offenses and is likely to have a tough time against Virginia’s passing attack.
ABOUT VIRGINIA (7-3)
The Cavaliers have struggled to establish the run at times, but their passing game is a handful for opposing defenses. Quarterback Bryce Perkins is the only player other than Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts to pass for more than 2,400 yards and rush for more than 450 this season, and the Cavaliers have three receivers ranked among the top 11 in the ACC in catches (Joe Reed 61, Terrell Jana 53, Hasise Dubois 49). The defense was dominant early in the season but has been gashed on the ground recently, allowing more than 130 rushing yards in four straight games after holding five of the first six opponents to double-digits.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Virginia’s 34 sacks rank eighth in the nation and are tied for the fifth-most in a season in program history.
2. Reed needs 11 kick return yards to become the 10th player in FBS history with 3,000 in his career.
3. Calvert has thrown 281 consecutive passes without an interception - the longest active streak in the nation.
PREDICTION: Virginia 34, Liberty 20