In a season that has had more twists than a box of pretzels, the Cavaliers find themselves in contention for the ACC crown. After two bad road losses to Maryland and Boston College, followed by an electrifying upset Saturday night against Florida State, the Cavs are just two games back of the current ACC leader, Virginia Tech.
"I don't think it necessarily saved the season," sophomore safety Nate Lyles said, in reference to Saturday night's upset. "But it definitely turned things around after two losses."
Now, the players as well as the Cavalier faithful have a vested interest on the outcome of other ACC showdowns.
The ACC standings will "be something we pay attention to," sophomore tight end Tom Santi said. "But at the same time, we can only control what we do."
Currently, the Cavaliers are 4-2 (2-2) with four conference games remaining, while the Hokies are 6-0 (3-0) in conference with five conference games left on the schedule. That is one reason why tonight's game between Virginia Tech and Maryland suddenly can have huge implications for the Cavaliers' position in the ACC standings. Though unlikely, a Maryland win would put the Cavaliers just one game behind the Hokies.
"I'll be watching that game," Lyles said.
If the Cavaliers manage to win the Coastal conference, then they will play the winner of the Atlantic conference for the ACC Championship game Dec. 3 in Jacksonville, Fla. Even though it is a long way away, the possibility of reaching the ACC championship has resurfaced in the back of many Cavalier minds.
"December third is the ultimate goal," junior wide receiver Fontel Mines said.
The Cavaliers, however, are also well aware that they can't look too far into the future and can't focus too much of their attention on the successes and failures of ACC foes. A loss to this Saturday's opponent, North Carolina, would put any chance of an ACC crown out of the question.
"We play one game at a time," Mines said. "We've got to stay humble and stay focused. This win is over, and we've got a new goal. Saturday we play North Carolina
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