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Jay Johnson
UVA’s transitory year has been a disappointment for the fans and the team. Regardless of the season’s overall record, if the Cavaliers manage to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies Bronco Mendenhall’s rookie effort will be considered a resounding success. UVA has nothing to lose, and much to gain by snapping VPI’s 12-game winning streak. The Cavaliers are sick of losing to the Hokies. Frustration or apathy continues to blossom within the Hoo fanbase. UVA is going to bring everything they have. In the last four meetings the game has been won by four points or less. This season signals a change for both programs. New head coaches, new staffs (mostly), and new philosophies, to me means the last 12 meetings provide little indication on this year. UVA is starting senior, Matt Johns, whether that means he will play the entire game or not probably has more to do with his performance. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Benkert under center. Over the last few weeks the Hokies have shown susceptibility to the deep passing game, and Benkert has been streaky before. I think the Hoos are overmatched in every facet of the game (except their punter is pretty good). Their secondary will struggle with dealing with Ford, Hodges, Phillips, and Carroll. The UVA defensive line cannot give Evans time. If they are able to hurry the Hokie QB they can slow the VT offense. If they are unable to make Evans uncomfortable, it will likely be a very long day for the Cavalier defense. The Hoos absolutely cannot let the Hokies get up by multiple scores, If VT can dominate early then I think UVA may curl up and the game will get out of hand. On the other side… it is a rivalry game, full of frustration and emotion. If UVA can pressure Evans into early throws and find a way to get some big plays on offense the game could be another nail biter. Though, I do think the Hokies control this game. Fighting Gobblers win, 35-17.
John Schneider
I am nervous about this game. Matt Johns isn't better than Benkert, but he certainly has a big head of steam up about this game. It's his final game as a Hoo, and given that he hasn't been a QB generating any serious professional interest, it's going to be his final football game, period. That's a dangerous quality all its own. The Wahoos don't match up against us well at all. Frankly this should be a blow out game and we should win sprinting away, like we did with Miami or ECU. The problem is that we are favored by EVERYONE to win in a sprint away blowout, with lots of garbage time for backups. So that makes me very edgy. We just haven't done well with those sorts of previews. I think that we pull this off, and eventually build up a head of steam to win. 32-16 Hokies.
Bryan Manning