Inside Slant

The Sports Xchange

November 05, 2018 at 9:27 pm.

Cavs look to bounce back after loss to Pitt

After severely damaging their Coastal Division Title hopes in a 23-13 loss to Pittsburgh on Friday night, Virginia (6-3, 4-2) looks to close out their nonconference slate with a victory against in-state opponent Liberty (4-4).

The Cavaliers will also close out their home schedule on Saturday before going on the road for their final two against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech — two vital games for a Virginia team that still has ACC Championship hopes.

“It is a unique challenge to go from ACC to nonconference,” Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall said about the late nonconference game. “It is an opportunity to improve our team and play football.”

Liberty is coming in off a 62-59 three-overtime loss to UMass on Saturday but has enjoyed some mild success in its first season as an FBS school. The Flames rank 16th in the country in yards per game (477) and also average just under 37 points per game.

Virginia’s defense took a step back against Pittsburgh as it allowed 315 yards with 254 of those coming on the ground. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers still boast a stout defense and will look to slow down Liberty quarterback Stephen Calvert who has thrown for 2,528 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

“We are glad to have another home game,” Mendenhall said.

“There has been a noticeable difference in the atmosphere at Scott Stadium. The environment has been great and I’m so thankful for that. I hope to close out our home games with that same environment.”