ACC Football: Week 9 Power Rankings

The Virginia Cavaliers move up one spot in this week’s power rankings despite their close loss to the Louisville Cardinals 32-25. The Cavaliers have lost three straight ACC games since their 1-0 start but they showed progress with one of the tops teams in the conference. They are now 1-3 in ACC play.

The Cavaliers led 10-7 at halftime but were outscored 25-15 in the second half. The offense managed to account for just 322 total yards of offense. The defense gave up 508 total yards but held Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson to 88 rushing yards and no touchdowns. They contained Jackson’s running ability but not his passing ability.

The Cavaliers defense gave up 361 passing yards and four touchdowns, including the game winner with 13 seconds left in the game when they lead 25-24. Quarterback Kurt Benkert threw for 238 passing yards and three touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. The Virginia offense managed just 17 first downs in the game and was 4-of-14 on third down conversions.

This Week: @ Wake Forest

The Virginia Cavaliers travel to Wake Forest next week to face the Demon Deacons. Wake Forest has won the last two meetings between the teams.