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Virginia will not have defensive end Chico Bennett when it faces Tennessee in Nashville on Saturday.
That news was announced on Tuesday afternoon. Bennett did not appear on the Cavaliers’ depth chart for week as he recovers from minor knee surgery.
Tony Elliott later said Bennett was “pushing for this week” but next Week 2 is more “realistic.”
#UVA coach Tony Elliott says DE Chico Bennett "was pushing for this week." Had a minor procedure to remove bone fragments from his knee.
"I'm anticipating next week is realistic for him."— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) August 29, 2023
It’s a big loss for Virginia, as Bennett is regarded as one of the ACC’s top pass rushers going into 2023. He recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks last season.
Ben Smiley is listed as the starter at defensive end for Virginia. Smiley has 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his career. On the other end in the ‘Bandit’ role, Kam Butler is expected to start. Butler recorded 4.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks last season.
Virginia will be playing in its first game since 3 players were killed in a shooting on Virginia’s grounds last November. Earlier this week, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said they would be honored with helmet decals and a moment of silence before kickoff.
Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
