This afternoon, UVa plays at Tech in its ACC season opener. A win would be the Wahoos’ first step toward disproving the naysayers who believe they are destined for the league basement this season.

Tonight, the search for whatever it is that has been missing continues when Virginia (4-4) plays host to Hampton (5-4) in the team’s final tune-up — er, engine overhaul — for the ACC season.

For the second straight week, the Cavaliers mounted an improbable comeback in the second half, defeating No. 21 Georgia Tech 24-17 to move into sole possession of first place in the ACC’s Coastal Division. It marked Virginia’s first road win over a ranked opponent since upending Clemson in 2001.

While UVa defensive backs had a few hiccups in the first half, the unit came up huge when it really counted.

Although Virginia inside linebacker Antonio Appleby had his right ankle heavily taped and dressed out for the game, junior Darren Childs got the first start of his career.

The more Virginia wins, the more accolades come the Cavaliers’ way. While channel surfing the past few nights, I couldn’t help but notice all the warm comments directed toward UVa football coach Al Groh.

After salvaging its season with a three-game win streak at home, Virginia (4-3, 2-1 ACC) is suddenly a player in the conference race — for now.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while wondering if Virginia can snap its road woes in Atlanta on Saturday ...

Shortly after Paul Johnson arrived at Georgia Tech last winter, all he heard from critics was that his option-style offense wouldn’t work in a league like the ACC.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while noting that the Maryland vs. Virginia rivalry has developed into one of the league’s best over the past couple of seasons…

Scattershooting around the ACC, while noting that the Maryland vs. Virginia rivalry has developed into one of the league’s best over the past couple of seasons…

In her last at-bat as a member of the Fluvanna County softball team, Danielle Dike demonstrated what being a team player is all about. Trailing eventual Group AA champion Broad Run by seven runs, Flying Flucos coach Nick Ward gave Dike instructions about what to do if she saw a pitch inside.

The timing was completely off. The irony was eerily appropriate. As fans filed out of Davenport Field on Saturday, a song written by AC/DC describing a road trip to Satan’s home blasted through the stadium’s speakers.

For the first time in over a month, Virginia exploded offensively against an ACC opponent. Ultimately, it did not matter.

In the first 16 starts of his collegiate career, most of which came last season, Matt Packer had never managed to retire a batter in the seventh inning. That changed Thursday night at Davenport Field in what could easily have been Virginia’s most important contest to date.