SMU was thought to be the best of the trio of ACC realignment schools on the football field.
Maybe not.
The Mustangs won 11 games and the American Athletic Conference championship last season.
Many thought SMU could contend for the conference title.
Friday night, the Mustangs lost to BYU in Dallas, 18-15.
The Cougars pushed SMU around all game.
Cal travelled across the country (get used to that) into the center of the SEC and beat Auburn in front of its 80,000 fans, 21-14.
The Golden Bears picked off four Tiger passes, and QB Fernando Mendoza completed 25 of 36 passes for 233 yards and two scores.
After an opening drive score by Auburn, Cal blanked the Tigers for the next 3 1/2 quarters.
Cal made a statement to the ACC that their value was more than their share of the Northern California TV market.
Virgina needs to be solid, and may just be
It’s good for the conference if some of the flagship programs are good.
Yes, Virginia is a flagship program in the conference.
It’s not been a cakewalk for Tony Elliott in his time in Charlottesville.
Saturday’s battle of endurance against Wake Forest, resulting in a thrilling 31-30 UVA win, may have been a turning point for Elliott and the program.
It’s Virginia’s first 2-0 start since Bronco Mendenhall‘s final season in 2021.
Five of UVA’s losses in 2023 were by a touchdown or less, three coming by three or fewer points.
Saturday night, Virginia didn’t pack the bags early.
UVA battled back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to win a close game.
That’s the significant factor here.
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Chris Graham
