ACC Football Power Rankings, Week 5: There’s a Hurricane brewing
By Dante Pryor
7. Virginia Cavaliers (1-0, 1-0)
The V-men came into this season with many questions.
When the Cavaliers staff decided Brennan Armstrong would start at quarterback replacing the graduating Bryce Perkins, many wondered if Armstrong could shoulder the load Perkins shouldered. With an abbreviated offseason, how much could the offensive line improve? Who would replace the production of Hasan Dubois and Joe Reed?
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After their season opener against Virginia Tech was postponed until December, those questions were answered in their opener against Duke. Brennan Armstrong played well, throwing for 269 yards and four total touchdowns. The running game was solid against Duke’s defense, rushing for 188 yards led by Wayne Taulapapa’s 95 yards and two touchdowns.
Lavel Davis and Billy Kemp combined for 171 yards receiving. The defense was solid to open the season. The defense registered seven takeaways, including intercepting Chase Brice four times and sacking the graduate transfer five times.
The Cavaliers have their hands full against Clemson this weekend. This game will prove how good Virginia’s pass rush is and how well Armstrong has developed.