Virginia faces major road test at SMU

Virginia visits 4-1 SMU on Oct. 17 in a matchup testing the Cavaliers' run-first offense, protection and road execution. SMU's unbeaten home run, pressure defense and mobile quarterback Kevin Jennings are major concerns, while Middlebrook, Xavier Brown, designed runs and Daniel Sparks' field position could define Virginia's upset path. Elliott continues to stress early-down efficiency, protection and eliminating missed assignments.