Virginia will be without top pass rusher in Orange Bowl vs. Florida
By Jake Rill
Published:
Florida won’t have to face one of Virginia’s top pass rushers during Monday’s Orange Bowl.
During his Sunday press conference, Cavaliers head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced that his team will be without inside linebacker Jordan Mack, who recently underwent surgery after suffering an ankle injury in the ACC Championship Game vs. Clemson.
“The clear decision was, it was best for him, it was best for our team at the same time, to add some clarity to his recovery, his future and getting his health back,” Mendenhall told the media. “Jordan gave everything he has, and still is, to helping our program, but we’ll be without him for this game.”
Mack, a senior, had 69 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles for Virginia this season.
The Cavaliers will have to rely on junior Zane Zandier, their leading tackler, and true freshmen Nick Jackson and Josh Ahern at inside linebacker for the Orange Bowl.
Florida and Virginia are set to kick off on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
