By Jerry Ratcliffe

Photo: UVA Athletics

Virginia’s challenge of taking on 14th-ranked, once-beaten Wake Forest on the road this afternoon increased significantly when the Cavaliers’ top rusher, Jekail Middlebrook, was ruled “out” for the game (3:45 p.m., ESPN2).

While Middlebrook was not listed among injured players during Tony Elliott’s press conference on Tuesday, the Middle Tennessee transfer running back was classified as “doubtful” in Wednesday night’s availability, then downgraded to “out” on Thursday.

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   Navigating: Football

No. 14 Demon Deacons Take Cavaliers Behind Woodshed In 51-7 Rout

Virginia dropped its third consecutive game — and fourth in its last five outings — as No. 14 Wake dismantled the hobbled Wahoos, 51-7.

Jake Dickert

Wake Coach Prepared To Face Virginia’s ‘Old-Fashioned Offense’

Wake Forest is riding high with a 6-1 record, a four-game winning streak and is a heavy favorite over struggling Virginia in this Saturday’s ACC clash in Winston-Salem (3:45 p.m., ESPN2).