Talent Composite:
GT #36
UVA #66
FEI Comparison:
Overall
GT #67
UVA #70
Offense
GT #43
UVA #76
Defense
GT #88
UVA #49
In terms of talent, GT has the advantage. IMO, anything within two tiers is about equal, and we're 3 tiers higher than UVA. We have the talent advantage, but it's not a chasm size advantage. Make no mistake, UVA is playing well right now. In their last 4 ACC games (NC State, Miami, UNC, BC), UVA could have easily won all 4. They did beat UNC, but lost by only 3 points to the other 3 teams. Tony Elliott has UVA playing their best football since he's taken over even if the record doesn't reflect it. It's UVA's defense that's been pacing their improved play.
The good thing is, GT's offense is coming off a game where our offense is playing close to an elite level. UNC is an elite offensive team, and GT was able to outgun them and their NFL QB. Can we continue that trend, or will we fall back into the pattern of playing well one game and playing atrocious the next? IMO, our offense when playing well is probably a top 20 offense.
Unfortunately, you can't play football without playing defense as well. Our defense is every bit as bad as our DFEI of #88, but the bright spot it seems our defense had moments of promise the 2nd half of UNC. Can we keep that going? UVA's offense isn't great, but our defense tends to make the other team's offense look elite.
Everyone knows GT's nightmares in Charlottesville. If we want to go bowling, IMO, we'll have to figure out a way to overcome the Charlottesville curse and beat UVA. If our offense plays well, and our defense just plays average, I think GT wins comfortably (by 2 TDs), but given our history in Charlottesville and our defensive struggles, our offense can not play a game full of mistakes (see BC and Bowling Green games) and expect to walk out of Charlottesville with a win.
This sets up to be a close game. Getting Smith back at RB helps a LOT. Not only to keep Jamal Haynes fresh, but because Smith is more of a natural runner and has homerun potential. I'll make a prediction that the team that wins the rushing battle will win the game. For GT, that means we need to minimize the time our defense is on the field because it's the side of the ball that's been a liability for us.
It'll be a nerve wracking game for us GT fans...but let's hope it all the nail biting ends in a GT win.