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With morale in Charlottesvile low and the hunger for a victory high, the Virginia Cavaliers will be looking to break a three-game losing streak with a new yet “tentative” starting quarterback as the Cavaliers travel to face Duke on Saturday.
Coach Mike London said in an ACC media call earlier today sophomore transfer Phillip Sims will “more than likely” be the starter at QB on Saturday after practicing, “moving around well”. This is a change from junior Michael Rocco, the starting quarterback for the past five games.
After relieving Rocco during the third quarter and going 10-17 for a pair of touchdowns in the fourth against Louisiana Tech last weekend, Sims suffered from what is being called a lower leg injury. London said earlier this week in his weekly radio show, “If [Sims] is ready to go, he will get snaps with the first unit.”
But will a change at QB be enough for the Cavalier offense to stop the Blue Devils, a team with its best football record (4-1) since 1994?
Duke, Virginia’s oldest rival, has been a much more consistent offense this season, to say the least. Averaging a healthy 37 points and 418 yards per game, the Blue Devils are ranked fourth in passing the ACC (1,524 yards).
This is a stark contrast to the Cavaliers’ defensive record, allowing their opponents an average 402.6 yards per game which marks them third worst in the conference.
Sims in at quarterback this weekend will hopefully change the biggest problem withUVA football- its overall fan support.
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The change in fan mood from the excitement of the first 25 minutes of football against LA Tech to the hopelessness of the next 25 was tough to watch for both the fans and the team.
Head coach Mike London said after the past game, "To the fans: Just hang with us. Don't leave. Hang with us. We'll be fine. We'll be alright. We need your support. We'll coach the guys harder, we'll coach the guys better."
Virginia will face Duke in Durham Saturday at 3pm.
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