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2026-10-17 10:49 UTC → 2026-10-18 19:53 UTC ·
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The Virginia Cavaliers enter a matchup against No. 24 SMU facing a significant injury crisis. Early reports indicated that defeated the defensive unit would be heavily impacted University of Virginia 23-13 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, extending the Mustangs’ undefeated home record in ACC play since joining the conference in 2024. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw two touchdown passes during the contest and surpassed 10,000 career passing yards. Running back Kendrick Raphael added 124 rushing yards to the victory. The SMU defense, led by linebacker Alexander Kilgore, limited Virginia to 137 passing yards. Virginia struggled offensively, totaling only 258 yards and scoring just three points in the loss second half. The Cavaliers’ performance was hampered by the roster attrition previously noted, including the absences of cornerback wide receivers Kam Courtney and Rico Flores Jr., as well as defensive backs Omillio Agard to a torn ACL, alongside the doubtful status of Brandyn Hillman and Corey Costner. As Momentum shifts during the game approached, the injury list for Virginia expanded were attributed to include slot receiver Kam Courtney. Head coach Tony Elliott characterized the mounting absences as the “collateral damage” of a gladiator sport. SMU, entering the contest as a favorite following critical fumble by Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula and a bye week, seeks late roughing-the-passer penalty in the first half. With the result, SMU moves to utilize its conference-leading passing offense against a depleted 5-1 overall, while Virginia defense. The game holds implications for the ACC standings, as both teams currently hold one conference loss. falls to 4-3.