| Conner Vernon’s first catch will be his ACC-record 233rd. (US Presswire) |
Virginia (2-3, 0-1 ACC) at Duke (4-1, 1-0 ACC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET (RSN)
Spread: Duke by 1.5.
Watchability: It looks like the Phillip Sims era will begin Saturday when the Alabama transfer is expected to get his first start for Virginia. Duke’s Conner Vernon will break the ACC career receptions record with his next catch.
Shining stars: Virginia: WR Tim Smith is averaging 18 yards a catch. With 59 yards, he’ll reach 1,000 for his career. Duke: WR Desmond Scott has 31 catches for 329 yards in the past four games, including 11 catches for a career-high 134 yards against Wake Forest last week.
Who could steal the show: Virginia: Sims has played all five games this season, coming on in relief of starter Michael Rocco. He has a higher completion percentage and passer efficiency rating than Rocco and has one fewer touchdown, despite throwing 100 fewer passes. Duke: True freshman RB Jela Duncan leads the team in rushing with 205 yards and became the first freshman to score a touchdown for Duke since Brandon Connette two years ago.
You going? Ranking the trip: It’s a little early to notice any changes, but Duke is embarking on a $100 million renovation that will give Wallace Wade Stadium a facelift. Seating will move closer to the field. The open end of the stadium will be enclosed. And a new tower will house the press box and luxury suites. “Wait’ll you see that tower,” coach David Cutcliffe said. “You’re not going to want to come down and talk to me. I’ll have to come up to talk to you.”
Magic number for Virginia: 45.8. The Cavaliers are rushing for 119.5 yards per game this year, which is 45.8 yards fewer than last year, with the same running backs -- Perry Jones and Kevin Parks -- getting the majority of carries.
Magic number for Duke: .512. In their first two-and-a-half games, the Blue Devils converted just nine of 50 third-down attempts. Since then, they’ve converted 18 of 26, a .512 improvement in third-down conversion rate.
The game comes down to: Quarterback play. Neither team is entirely set on who will be under center Saturday. Virginia coach Mike London said Wednesday that Sims would “more than likely be the starter for us,” replacing Rocco. For Duke, starting QB Sean Renfree is day-to-day with an elbow injury. Backup Anthony Boone led Duke to victory over Wake Forest and could get the start Saturday.
Prediction: Virginia 21, Duke 17
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.