PLAYERS TO WATCH
–DB Juan Thornhill grabbed two interceptions in Virginia’s win over Miami and is exhibiting the form he had during the past two seasons. After a slow start to the year, Thornhill showed his playmaking ability against the Hurricanes and looks to use that momentum moving forward.
“Juan wants to be good and he wants our team to be strong,” coach Bronco Mendenhall said of his senior. “He plays with emotion and passion. He is a playmaker and he plays his best when he is on edge.”
–QB Bryce Perkins has thrown five interceptions in his last two games after having two picks in the first four games of the season. Perkins struggled against a stout Miami defense last Saturday but was bailed out by a strong defensive performance from the Cavaliers. Saturday will be another challenge for Perkins as Virginia faces a Duke defense that is allowing 215 passing yards per game and giving up just 17 points per game to their opponents.
–K Brian Delaney is now a perfect 3-for-3 kicking field goals on the season after making his debut against Miami. The sophomore kicked a 46 yarder and showed his confidence and strength in his leg. Kicking has been a problem for Virginia over the past few seasons but having a kicker they can rely on, is something coach Bronco Mendenhall knows is important.
“It does a lot for all of us when we know we have a FG range,” Mendenhall said. “With the expansion of how far out we can kick, it does a lot to know we can get points.”
SERIES HISTORY: Virginia leads Duke 36-33. The Cavaliers defeated the Blue Devils, 28-21, in Charlottesville last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We simply made the plays that we were in the position to make Saturday on defense. They happened to be at critical times. Plays we didn’t make at N.C. State, we made in that game.” — QB Bronco Mendenhall, on his team’s win over Miami.