Juan Thornhill
File-This Nov. 23, 2018, file photo shows Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins (3) tossing a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. Perkins wasn't with Virginia when the Cavaliers made their first bowl appearance in six years last season, but he's heard enough about it to be in tune with what to push them to do differently this time around. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Virginia looking for better bowl outcome after last year

By Hank Kurz Jr. Dec. 27, 2018 02:50 PM EST

File-This Nov. 4, 2017, file photo shows Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall reacting after a win over Georgia Tech in an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va. Mendenhall said the extra practices have been critical to the development of the team's up-and-coming players as he tries to build the program, but for seniors like safety Juan Thornhill, who will be playing his final game, much more is at stake in the year the leaders have hyped a `new standard' for Virginia. (AP Photo/Zack Wajsgras, File)
Georgia Tech at Virginia 11/4/2017

Dec. 27, 2018 02:34 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2018, file photo, Syracuse defensive lineman Alton Robinson, top, sacks Louisville quarterback Jawon Pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Syracuse, N.Y. Robinson, Florida State's Brian Burns and Boston College's Wyatt Ray are tied for eighth in sacks with nine each. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)
ACC defenders make national presence felt with clutch plays

By Gary B. Graves Nov. 14, 2018 01:08 PM EST

Duke head coach David Cutlciffe speaks to his players during the second half of the an NCAA college football game against the Georgia Tech, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Atlanta. Duke won 28-14. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Virginia, Duke meet in pivotal ACC Coastal Division matchup

Oct. 19, 2018 12:25 PM EDT

Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall heads to the locker room after an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. Virginia defeated Miami 16-13. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Virginia wants to be ACC contender, faces road test vs Duke

By Hank Kurz Jr. Oct. 15, 2018 04:30 PM EDT

Miami quarterback Malik Rosier (12) is sacked by Virginia linebacker Zane Zandier (33) and defensive end Mandy Alonso, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Virginia uses defense to beat No. 16 Miami, 16-13

By Hank Kurz Jr. Oct. 13, 2018 10:34 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2017, file photo, Miami head coach Mark Richt walks off the field after an NCAA college football game against Virginia in Miami Gardens, Fla. Virginia led 28-14 early in the third quarter at Miami a year ago, but two touchdowns, one defensive, in a span of seven seconds pulled the Hurricanes even, and they scored the last 30 points in a 44-28 victory. The Two schools meet on Saturday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Virginia looks to finish the job in rematch vs No.16 Miami

By Hank Kurz Jr. Oct. 12, 2018 02:16 PM EDT