Cavaliers hit the road to face unbeaten N.C. State
For the first time in 14 years, Virginia has started back-to-back seasons with a record of 3-1 or better after knocking off Louisville 27-3 on Saturday. The Cavaliers dominated the Cardinals in every facet of the game which included allowing just 214 total yards.
Virginia (3-1, 1-0) did not surrender a touchdown to the Cardinals for the first time in an ACC game since 2009. The Cavaliers will now get a tough road test against N.C. State (3-0) who is coming off of a 37-20 win over Marshall last week.
The last meeting between the two teams back in 2012 produced a 33-6 win for Virginia, but don’t look for the Cavaliers to have an easy time in Raleigh this go around.
“They’re making plays even when they’re covered and even if there is pressure,” Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall said about the Wolfpack. “They’re making plays even when it looks like on film the defense should be good here, but it doesn’t end up that way. They just have good players.”
Virginia has good players as well.
Quarterback Bryce Perkins has been one of the best signal callers in the ACC this season and has proven to be a nuisance to opposing team’s defenses. The Wolfpack average over 478 yards on offense this season but also give up close to 350 yards per game. Perkins will need to continue his hot start and put points on the board for his defense.
The Cavaliers have been one of the best second-half teams in the country and have only allowed 16 points in the second half through four games.
“The quality of opponents and different styles of play against us are still helping us shape what our identity is going to look like,” Mendenhall said. “We are still redefining ourselves a little bit on offense and defense.”
Virginia’s toughest stretch of their season kicks off with their matchup against N.C. State on Saturday as the Cavaliers look to continue another solid start under Mendenhall. Virginia started the season 5-1 last season before losing six of their final seven games. A tough road test against the Wolfpack will show where the 2018 version of Mendenhall’s team stands.
