Football rises in power rankings and prepares for the Tar Heels, Braxton Key’s addition already making an impact

Yesterday, we discussed a ton of UVA football, analyzing the team’s win over Duke, providing an updated depth chart ahead of Saturday’s contest against North Carolina, and even throwing out the idea of a possible conference championship game appearance. The ACC also named Bryce Hall its defensive back of the week. On the men’s basketball side of things, the new AP preseason poll marked the Hoos at the number five spot and the NCAA (finally) granted transfer Braxton Key his hardship waiver. OK, now on to more news from Monday:

UVA maintains focus as they prepare for the Tar Heels (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch shed light on the football team’s mentality as they welcome a struggling UNC to Scott Stadium on Saturday. On the game, Bryce Perkins said the #NewStandard doesn’t allow for any “lolly-gagging,” while Coach Bronco called his team “very determined.” UVA has not won three ACC games consecutively in a season since 2011.

Following the announcement that Alabama transfer Braxton Key would suit up for the Hoos this season, CBS’ Jon Rothstein had some favorable words for the team, now calling them his ACC favorites.

Updated Power 5 conference rankings (ESPN)

Another day, another college football power ranking. On Monday, ESPN released their week eight edition of the list, positioning Virginia as the third best team in the ACC behind only Clemson and NC State and one spot ahead of Virginia Tech.

TOTD:

I like this tradition.