The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown in the ACC Championship Game, as Virginia and Duke square off with a conference title on the line. For the Cavaliers, this marks just the second time in program history they’ve reached this point-the last coming in 2019-and it’s a defining moment not just for the team, but for head coach Tony Elliott in his fourth season at the helm.
On the other sideline, Manny Diaz has Duke back in the title conversation, leading a Blue Devils squad that’s battled through a tough season to earn their shot at the crown. At 7-5, Duke’s record doesn’t jump off the page the way Virginia’s 10-2 does, but in a one-game scenario with everything on the line, records can quickly become irrelevant.
Still, there’s no denying that Virginia enters this matchup with momentum and a more complete body of work. Elliott’s group has shown consistency across all three phases-offense, defense, and special teams-and that balanced approach has been the backbone of their 10-win season.
Whether it’s winning gritty games on the road or handling business at home, the Cavaliers have checked a lot of boxes this year. They’ve taken down quality opponents and developed a level of poise and execution that’s hard to ignore.
Duke, meanwhile, has had a rockier road to the title game. Inconsistency has been a theme, but Diaz has kept his team focused and competitive.
Despite the ups and downs, the Blue Devils believe they belong on this stage. And in a championship setting, belief can go a long way.
Elliott, for his part, is keeping things grounded. He’s sticking to the same approach that’s carried his team this far: treat every game like it’s the biggest one of the season. That mindset has helped his players stay locked in and avoid the distractions that often come with high-pressure moments.
Ahead of the game, Elliott plans to take his team through the stadium for a walkthrough-an intentional move to help them get comfortable with the environment before kickoff. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks to how methodical and focused this Virginia team has become.
“This is the biggest game,” Elliott said. “And you prepare as if it’s the championship game.
I think that’s done a lot for them in preparation for this. They’ve done a good job of blocking out the noise thus far.”
There’s no doubt that both programs are hungry. Virginia is chasing a historic season, while Duke is fighting to prove it belongs among the ACC’s elite. With two strong-willed coaches and two teams that have taken very different paths to get here, Saturday’s clash promises to be a true test of resilience, preparation, and execution.
It’s championship football-where every snap matters, and only one team walks away with the trophy.