3 Biggest X-Factors for Duke to Defeat Virginia

The Duke Blue Devils are getting ready for a massive game tonight against the Virginia Cavaliers.

Duke will be heading on the road for this game, giving them a big challenge to overcome. Any Friday night game in college football can be tough, and the Blue Devils do enter the contest with a two-game losing streak.

The Blue Devils come into the game with a record of 4-2 on the year, while Virginia has gone 4-3 so far. Both teams are still alive in the ACC race, making this matchup very interesting.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Blue Devils to snap their losing streak tonight against Virginia:

1. Nate Sheppard Health

Duke star running back Nate Sheppard did play in the loss to the Tar Heels last week, but he was banged up throughout the game. Entering this week against Virginia, the Blue Devils are hoping that he is much healthier and that he can put out another electric performance for the team.

Sheppard has been the main offensive catalyst for the Blue Devils this year, rushing for 820 yards and eight touchdowns through six games. If he can get back on track this week, Duke's offense would have an opportunity to get rolling again, giving them a stronger chance to win.

2. Pressure Beau Pribula

Pribula has put together a nice year with the Cavaliers, throwing for 1211 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception. The Blue Devils' defense is going to have to find a way to slow him down, putting pressure on him early in the game to avoid him establishing a rhythm.

Pribula does have dual-threat abilities, with him rushing for 122 yards and two scores this season. Duke is going to have to find a way to contain him in this game; otherwise, it could be a long night for the Blue Devils.

3. Limit Penalties During Game

One area that has plagued the Blue Devils all season has been penalties, with the team hurting itself at different times. For Duke to reach the goals that they have set for themselves, making silly errors like this can't happen, especially against the Cavaliers this week.

Duke has committed 48 penalties through the first six games of the year, which attributes to over 400 yards given up. This is an easy way to lose games, and if the Blue Devils can clean this up this week, they would have a much better chance to snap the losing streak against Virginia.