PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Joe Reed showed once again how vital he is to the Virginia offense in the Cavaliers’ loss to Georgia Tech. Reed caught just two passes but took one 56 yards for a touchdown and ended the day with 78 yards receiving. Despite the loss, Reed has proven that he needs to be targeted more often as a wide out to complement his kick return ability. He ranks second in the ACC in yards per return.
–LB Jordan Mack made a huge impact in his second game back from injury against Georgia Tech. Mack made a team-high 12 tackles, including four solo, and has inserted himself back into Virginia’s talented defense. Against a Virginia Tech team that has had success running the ball against the Cavs in the past, Mack will need to continue to clog up the middle behind a Virginia defensive line that has been hot and cold this season.
–QB Bryce Perkins gets his first taste of the in-state rivalry that has become one-sided over the past 14 years. Despite not having played in the series, Perkins has already shown his interest in knocking off the Hokies and is coming off another game where he recorded both a passing and rushing touchdown. Perkins is one of just two quarterbacks in the country along with Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray to have 2,200 passing yards and 700 rushing yards.
SERIES HISTORY: Virginia Tech leads Virginia 57-37-5. The Hokies won last season in Charlottesville, 10-0.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I am very clear how important this game is to our university, fans and players. It is disproportionally more valuable than any other game.” — Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall on the Virginia-Virginia Tech rivalry.
