Virginia vs. Duke Football: Gameday Guide & Preview

Virginia Cavaliers Poised for ACC Championship Glory and Playoff Contention

Virginia football is on the cusp of history, preparing to face Duke in the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship game on Saturday, December 6th, with the potential for a Collage Football Playoff berth hanging in the balance. The 21st edition of the ACC Championship will be broadcast nationally at 8 p.m. on ABC, alongside coverage on the Virginia Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio.

A Second Chance at Championship Gold

The Cavaliers (10-2, 7-1 ACC) are making only their second appearance in the ACC Championship game, and their first since 2019 when they faced a dominant Clemson team. This year’s team, though, enters the contest with a substantially different trajectory, boasting a 10-2 record and a newfound confidence.

Did you know? – Virginia’s 10-2 record is their best since 1999, when they finished 9-3 and won the Peach Bowl. The team is hoping to surpass that success this year.

Dominating Performance in Earlier Matchup

Virginia already demonstrated its dominance over Duke (7-5, 6-2 ACC) this season, securing a decisive 34-17 victory in Durham during Week 12. In that contest, the Cavaliers effectively neutralized Duke’s typically potent offense, holding them to season lows in multiple key statistical categories. Duke managed just 255 total yards, 42 rushing yards, 213 passing yards, 18 pass completions, 17 points scored, and 11 first downs.

the Cavaliers’ victory over Duke on December 6th secured their first ACC Championship title in program history,defeating the Blue Devils 42-28.Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while J’Mari Taylor rushed for 115 yards and a score. duke’s offense struggled to find consistency against Virginia’s aggressive defense. The win propelled Virginia to a final regular season record of 11-2.

Pro tip: – Focus on containing Duke’s quarterback, Jordan Moore, and limiting his opportunities to extend plays with his legs.Disrupting his rhythm is key.

Offensive Firepower Fuels Cavaliers’ Success

The Virginia offense was firing on all cylinders in the first meeting, racking up 540 yards of total offense – their fourth game this season exceeding 500 yards. J’Mari Taylor, the Cavaliers’ star tailback, led the charge with 18 rushes for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while wide receiver Trell Harris contributed significantly with 8 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown.

Virginia’s ACC Championship win earned them an automatic bid to the orange Bowl, where they faced Georgia on January 1st, 2026.Despite a valiant effort, the Cavaliers fell to the Bulldogs 35-21, finishing the season with an impressive 11-3 record. the team’s performance marked a significant turning point for the program, establishing them as a consistent contender in the ACC and a rising force in college football.

Reader question: – What do you think Virginia needs to do to consistently compete with the top programs like Georgia? Share your thoughts!

The Cavaliers’ success this season has been built on a balanced attack and a stifling defense, setting the stage for a compelling championship showdown. Fans can find details on ACC Championship fan events at https://t.co/ZQdwSR8cf5.