Event Preview
Overview
The No. 17 Virginia Cavaliers (10-2) and the Duke Blue Devils (7-5) are set to clash in the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship Game on Saturday, December 6, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will be broadcast on ABC. This matchup is significant as both teams vie for their first ACC title. Virginia is aiming for its first outright ACC championship, having last shared the title in 1995, while Duke's most recent championship was in 1989. (reuters.com)
Season Snapshot
Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia has had a standout season, finishing with a 10-2 record and securing a 7-1 mark in ACC play. The Cavaliers' offense is led by quarterback Chandler Morris, who has accumulated 2,586 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns. Running back J'Mari Taylor has been a key contributor, rushing for 997 yards and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, Virginia ranks third in the ACC in total defense, allowing 311.7 yards per game. (reuters.com)
Duke Blue Devils
Duke enters the championship game with a 7-5 record and a 6-2 conference record. The Blue Devils' offense is spearheaded by quarterback Darian Mensah, who has been instrumental in their recent offensive resurgence. Duke's defense has faced challenges, ranking 97th nationally in points allowed per game, conceding 29.4 points. (reuters.com)
Recent Form
In their most recent encounter on November 15, Virginia defeated Duke 34-17 in Durham, North Carolina. The Cavaliers' defense held the Blue Devils to season lows in total offense (255 yards), rushing yards (42), passing yards (213), pass completions (18), points scored (17), and first downs (11). (virginiasports.com) Since that loss, Duke has shown offensive improvement, securing a spot in the ACC Championship Game by edging out Miami based on tiebreakers. (reuters.com)
Talking Points
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Virginia's Balanced Attack: The Cavaliers' offense and defense are both top-tier in the ACC, making them formidable opponents.
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Duke's Offensive Resurgence: After a mid-season slump, Duke's offense has regained form, leading to their championship berth.
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Coaching Strategies: Both teams have experienced coaches—Tony Elliott for Virginia and Manny Diaz for Duke—who will be crucial in game planning.
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Playoff Implications: A victory could secure Virginia a spot in the College Football Playoff, adding extra stakes to the game.
Players to Watch
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Chandler Morris (Virginia QB): With over 2,500 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, Morris is pivotal to Virginia's offense.
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J'Mari Taylor (Virginia RB): Taylor's 997 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns make him a key player in the running game.
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Darian Mensah (Duke QB): Mensah has been instrumental in Duke's offensive resurgence, making him a player to watch.
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Virginia's Defense vs. Duke's Offense: Virginia's top-ranked defense will face a Duke offense that has been finding its rhythm.
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Quarterback Play: The performance of quarterbacks Chandler Morris and Darian Mensah will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.
Fun Facts
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Virginia has only recorded one other 10-win season (10-3 in 1989). (reuters.com)
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Duke's last ACC championship was in 1989. (reuters.com)
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The game will be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. (bleachernation.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Virginia's defense contain Duke's rejuvenated offense?"
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"Will Chandler Morris lead the Cavaliers to their first outright ACC title?"
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"How will Duke's coaching adjustments impact the rematch?"
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"Is this the year Virginia finally breaks through in the ACC Championship?"
Prediction
While Duke has shown offensive improvements since their last meeting, Virginia's balanced team and strong defense give them the edge. The Cavaliers are likely to secure their first outright ACC Championship with a close victory.