Joe Gavazzi
W.T. F. (Wrong Team Favored) Game of the Week
Virginia (+7-) at Duke 12:30 PM ET
We go for our 7th straight W.T. F. victory. Each of these teams comes off upset victories last week meaning the letdown factor could be in place. Each of these teams is also playing outstanding ball for the season with improvement in their power ratings by a touchdown. There are indicators, however, which point to the fact that Virginia may well be the better team. A closer look at last weeks stats show concern for this Duke team. They were tied with Georgia Tech at 7 in the 3rdquarter before they translated 3 consecutive Georgia Tech fumbles into 3 TD passes in less than 2 minutes! We gladly accept fortunate Top Play winners like that. A closer look at the stats, however, tells us Duke was outrushed in that game 229-98. The week before Duke could only manage 68 RY vs. VA Tech. And there is no guarantee they can rely on QB Jones who has returned from injury. Against Broncos Mendenhall’s Cav defense, in two previous seasons, he has completed half his passes with 7 picks with the Cavaliers winning those games 28-21 and 34-20. Now in his third season, the defensive concepts of Mendenhall are beginning to click for a Cav team who allows just 19 PPG. As well, the offense finally has a leader in QB Perkins. Noting all the above along with the fact that Virginia is a “150 Running Dog”, I must truly question is the Wrong Team Favored.