Let's be honest. Even the most die-hard of Virginia supporters would struggle to find a reason for optimism as the Cavaliers prepare to visit 14th-ranked Wake Forest this Saturday.

Mired in a two-game losing streak and winless away from home, the Cavaliers (4-4, 2-3 ACC) take on a rested Deacons team that is 6-1 (4-1 ACC) and has won four straight, the last three in convincing fashion. Virginia can't even hope the Deacons get caught looking ahead, because their next game is against Merrimack.

But today's assignment is to find three reasons the Cavaliers could win, along with three reasons they might not. So, at the risk of stretching credulity, let's dive in:

Three reasons Virginia can win

1. They've beaten Gio Lopez before : A year ago, the Cavaliers intercepted Lopez twice in a 17-16 overtime victory over North Carolina.…