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2026 Week 7 Preview: Virginia Cavaliers @ SMU Mustangs

The SMU Mustangs enter Week 7 as the ACC’s latest surprise package, riding a No. 24 national ranking into a showdown with Virginia at Gerald J.

Ford Stadium in Dallas. Despite a recent conference loss, the Mustangs remain in the thick of the ACC title hunt, having already claimed one ACC win in their first season in the league.

Their 33–7 victory over Virginia in their last meeting last November underscores their offensive firepower, and a -9.5 spread suggests they’ll look to extend their current winning streak against the Cavaliers. Meanwhile, Virginia (4–2, 2–1 ACC) has shown resilience after two lopsided losses, clawing back from a 10-point deficit to beat Syracuse last week.

The Cavaliers’ offense, however, remains a work in progress, with quarterback Beau Pribula struggling to regain his early-season rushing momentum and the team’s run game producing just 200 yards combined in its last two conference games. Running back Jekail Middlebrook’s 95-yard, two-touchdown performance offers a bright spot, but Virginia will need more from its backfield and veteran offensive line to keep pace with SMU’s physical play.

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