For the Virginia football team, how the 2024 season will ultimately be judged has come down to the final two weeks. At 5-5, the Hoos have a chance to reach bowl eligibility for the first time since 2021 and to possibly play in the postseason for the first time since 2019.
The schedule for those two weeks is challenging ACC leader SMU comes to Charlottesville on Saturday for a noon game at Scott Stadium. The 9-1 Mustangs can clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a win. That puts the Hoos in the role of spoiler on Senior Day as many players from Jonas Sanker to Jahmeer Carter to Brian Stevens suit up for the final time at home.
The following week offers the other opportunity for that sixth win, but it comes on the road in Blacksburg. Virginia Tech, also 5-5 at this point in the season, presents a unique test as the Hokies have dominated the rivalry this century. VT won 15 straight from 2004-2018 before UVA busted the streak in 2019, only to lose three more since.
In the peripheral of this big picture talk? The quarterback conversation.
Virginia has started sophomore Anthony Colandrea in every game this season, but a slump over the second half of this season has been under the microscope. Last week at Notre Dame, Colandrea had 3 interceptions that helped shortcircuit a close game in the first half. Over the last six games, he’s done one or more of the following: thrown for fewer than 200 yards, completed fewer than 60% of his passes, or tossed multiple interceptions. In total, he’s completed 96 of 170 passes (56.5%) for 985 yards with 5 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in that span.
Senior Tony Muskett led the offense in the second half at Notre Dame and produced a pair of scoring drives where he had 2 rushing touchdowns. Muskett finished 9-14 passing for 103 yards. That’s not his only appearance of late, though. He also checked into games against Clemson and North Carolina. He led multiple touchdown drives against the Tigers too and had a long touchdown pass against the Heels. For the season, Muskett has completed 26 of 40 passes (65.0%) for 367 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
With the high profile position of quarterback, there has been plenty of conversation about the spot with two games to play.
- If I thought their play was close, I'd get the difficulty. But I really don't.
- I may be in the minority but I think Colandrea has reached his ceiling.
- Muskett deserves a start, but who could not foresee those interceptions ...
- Coach Elliott says if the game were [Tuesday], Colandrea would start. Both QBs taking first team reps this week, though.
- Tony E: "I'm not turning this into a quarterback controversy."
It will be interesting to see the direction the coaches choose the final two weeks. In the meantime, Virginia fans will still be Hoos through and through. Check and the picks of the week.
Fan(s) Of The Week
Go Hoos!
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
Cheering from the hill.
Feature Photo Of The Week
It’s Heroes Appreciation Day at Scott Stadium this weekend.
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