No. 13 SMU (9-1, 6-0 ACC, No. 13 CFP) will face off against Virginia (5-5, 3-3) this Saturday at 12 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
BetMGM has set the odds with SMU favored by 9.5 points.
This matchup marks the first time these two teams have met on the football field.

The stakes are high as both teams seek to achieve their season aspirations. A win for SMU would secure their place in the ACC championship game in their inaugural season in the conference.
Meanwhile, Virginia looks to become bowl eligible for the first time since the 2021 season.

A key element to watch in this matchup will be the performance of Virginia’s Jonas Sanker, who has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the nation this season.
He will be challenged by SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and a deep pool of wide receivers.
The Mustangs have had at least seven different players catch a pass in all but one game this season.
Their adaptable offensive scheme has successfully navigated injuries throughout the season.
Virginia has been effective when applying pressure with blitzes, yet SMU has allowed only 11 sacks over 10 games, showcasing their strong offensive line.

In terms of standout players, SMU’s Brashard Smith is noteworthy, as he has accumulated an impressive total of 1,026 rushing yards, 203 receiving yards, and 243 yards on kickoff returns.
Last week, he became the 12th player in the program’s history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season.
On the other side, Virginia’s third-string quarterback Grady Brosterhous is utilized in short-yardage situations with a play mimicking the Philadelphia Eagles’ “tush push.”
He has completed 8 out of 9 attempts this season during such plays, showcasing his effectiveness.
Additionally, this tactic appears to run in the family, as offensive lineman Blake Steen’s older brother, Tyler, is part of the Eagles’ offensive line.

Looking at some interesting facts, Virginia has achieved victories in three out of their last six home games against teams ranked in the AP Top 25.
Simultaneously, SMU has established a streak of nine consecutive wins in away games.
The Mustangs boast the best run defense in the ACC, conceding only 99 yards per game.
Furthermore, Virginia has been able to rush for a minimum of 125 yards in each of their past two games.
This matchup also coincides with senior day for the Cavaliers, adding another layer of significance to the contest.