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Samuel L. Jackson narrates pregame tribute video honoring Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry

Matt Connollyby:Matt Connolly09/09/23

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(Lee Coleman | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Virginia football team is playing a home game on Saturday for the first time since Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler and D’Sean Perry were tragically killed last November.

Before the game, Virginia released a tribute video honoring the three.

The video is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. You can view it below:

“Through grief and anguish, pain and tears, sadness and sorrow, three of our own were taken from us for reasons we will never understand,” Jackson said in the video. “Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, D’Sean Perry — no longer can we hear their laughs, see them play or feel their embrace. But their impact will always be with us.”

Davis, Perry and Chandler were tragically shot and killed on a charter bus that was on the way back to Virginia’s campus following a school trip on November 14, sending shockwaves across the college sports landscape.

Virginia running back Mike Hollins was one of two victims injured in the shooting who survived. In an interview with Michael Strahan last year on ‘Good Morning America’, he revealed what he took away from the tragic experience and how it changed his life.

“I’ve never been as, like I said, vulnerable or emotional,” Hollins said. “But now it’s just like I don’t really care, I can’t control it, I’m not afraid to tell my friends or my teammates I love you, looking forward to seeing you again, and really meaning it now. I’m doing it for my brothers I lost. I’m still doing it for the people I love, for the people that were on that bus and everything I do from here on will be in their name, in their light. And I just wanna do as much as I can to keep their flame lit.”

Hollins scored a touchdown in the first half of Saturday’s game against James Madison to pull Virginia within 3. James Madison led Virginia 17-14 at the half.

ACC Power Rankings updated after Week 1

Virginia had a tough opener in Week 1, facing a loaded Tennessee team. Here is a look at where the Cavaliers are in the ACC power rankings after the first week of the season:

1. Florida State

It’s no surprise that Florida State is No. 1. The Seminoles dominated LSU in the second half and made a statement in the process.

2. North Carolina

Another ACC team that had success against an SEC opponent in Week 1 was North Carolina. The Tar Heels beat South Carolina by two touchdowns in Charlotte behind Drake Maye and a strong defensive performance.

3. Duke

The Blue Devils took care of business against a Clemson program that has won seven of the past eight ACC titles. It was an impressive performance by Riley Leonard and company.

4. Clemson

The Tigers had chances but didn’t take advantage of them against the Blue Devils. Clemson very well could be a contender to win the ACC by the time the season is over, but the Tigers struggled in all three phases in their opener against Duke.

5. Miami

Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes got off to a strong start with an impressive showing against Miami (Ohio).

6. Louisville

It was a tale of two halves for Jeff Brohm‘s club, which struggled against Georgia Tech in the first half, before grabbing control in the second half.

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7. Virginia Tech

The Hokies really struggled in Brent Pry‘s first season but appeared much improved in Week 1 against Old Dominion.

8. NC State

It wasn’t pretty, but the Wolfpack opened the season with a win at UConn. Up next, NC State hosts Notre Dame in what should be a fun matchup.

9. Pitt

The Panthers did exactly what they were supposed to do against Wofford, controlling the game from start to finish.

10. Wake Forest

This is a new-look team with Sam Hartman and some other talented players gone, but the Demon Deacons got off to a nice start with a win over an overmatched Elon team.

11. Syracuse

The Orange looked good with a 65-0 win over Colgate. The team set a school record with 677 yards on offense. It was also the Orange’s most points since Nov. 28, 1998.

12. Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets had plenty of chances to upset Louisville but a poor second half proved to be costly against the Cardinals.

13. Virginia

Tony Elliott’s squad hung around against Tennessee for a while, before the Vols pulled away. Tennessee simply had too much talent for the Cavaliers to compete with.

14. Boston College

It was an ugly loss for Boston College as the Eagles opened the season with a loss to Northern Illinois. The Eagles will need to improve drastically before ACC play.