The ACC announced Monday night that Saturday’s game between Virginia and Virginia Tech has been canceled, marking an end to the season for both teams. This will be the first time since 1969 that the two schools will not compete in football.
The decision to call off the game was made following the fatal shooting of three Virginia football players — junior wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr., junior linebacker D’Sean Perry and sophomore wide receiver Devin Chandler. Junior running back Mike Hollins and second-year student Marlee Morgan were both injured and have since been discharged from U.Va. Health.
“The decision was made following communication between the Atlantic Coast Conference, Virginia and Virginia Tech athletic department administration,” the ACC said in a statement released Monday night. “The ACC and Virginia Tech continue to support U.Va following the devastating tragedy.”
This also follows the cancellation of Virginia’s game against Coastal Carolina last Saturday.
With neither Virginia nor Virginia Tech set to receive a bowl game berth this season — each team is well below the six-win threshold — canceling the matchup will not pose any issues for bowl preparation or placement.
With the Cavaliers (3-7, 1-6 ACC) no longer making the trip to Blacksburg, the team will have to wait until 2023 to try for their first win in the rivalry since 2019 and their second win over the Hokies (3-8, 1-6 ACC) in the last 19 matchups between the in-state rivals.
Despite being bitter rivals on the gridiron, Virginia Tech has shown an outpouring of support toward the Charlottesville community. The football team carried a Virginia flag out of the tunnel for its contest against Liberty on Saturday among other demonstrations of solidarity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Elliott, his staff, the Virginia football team and the entire Charlottesville community during what I’m sure is a very difficult time,” Virginia Tech Football Coach Brent Pry said last week. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through with the loss of these talented young men.”
The cancellation of the contest will mark the end of Virginia’s 2022 campaign. It will undoubtedly be a difficult offseason as the Cavaliers heal from the senseless tragedy of losing three teammates.
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