By Jerry Ratcliffe
Virginia’s football team climbed one spot to No. 18 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week.
Miami is ranked the nation’s No. 2 team behind Ohio State, while the only other ACC team besides UVA in the Top 25 is unbeaten Georgia Tech at No. 12.
The Cavaliers enjoyed a bye week before hosting an improved Washington State team (3-3) this coming Saturday. WSU shocked many by taking No. 4 Ole Miss to the wire over the weekend before dropping a 24-21 contest. Undefeated Mississippi (6-0) dropped to No. 5 in the rankings after the performance.
Meanwhile, even with a bye week, Virginia continued to impress with its presence in the NCAA’s national statistics. Guess what category the Cavaliers are ranked No. 1 in the nation?
Kickoff returns. The Wahoos, certainly boosted by Cam Ross’ 100-yard return earlier in the season, are ranked at the top of the country in the category, averaging 42.8 yards per return.
Virginia still is ranked high in numerous offensive statistics, including No. 10 in scoring offense with 43.0 points per game and No. 13 in total offense with 489.2 yards per outing.
The Cavaliers are tied for No. 6 in first downs with 147 (67 rushing, 72 passing and 6 via penalty), No. 11 in third-down conversion percentage (.543), tied for No. 15 in sacks allowed (5) and No. 19 in rushing offense (217.5 yards per game). UVA is No. 34 in passing offense (271.7 ypg).
On the other side of the ball, the Wahoos are tied for No. 4 nationally in defensive touchdowns (2), tied for No. 27 in QB sacks (16) and tied at No. 23 in turnovers gained (9), while coming in at No. 45 in rushing defense (118.5).
Others Receiving Votes: Illinois 113, Michigan 73, Washington 36, UNLV 30, Navy 11, Mississippi State 8, Tulane 2, San Diego State 2.
Dropped From Rankings: Michigan (15), Illinois (17), Arizona State (21), Iowa State (22), Florida State (25)
