Mendenhall still confident in Benkert despite 4th-quarter benching

Bronco Mendenhall still has faith in his starting quarterback even though he pulled him from last week's game against North Carolina.

Virginia pivot Kurt Benkert did not show well in the Cavaliers' 35-14 loss to the Tar Heels on Saturday, completing 19-of-32 passes for just 126 yards before being lifted in the fourth quarter in favor of backup Connor Brewer. His head coach wanted to state his faith in Benkert going forward, however, and did so during his weekly press conference Monday.

"Kurt Benkert will be our quarterback moving forward and I have confidence in him," Mendenhall said, according to Andrew Ramspacher of The Daily Progress.

The junior performed well in Virginia's two wins, most notably against Central Michigan when he completed 27-of-43 passes for 421 yards and five touchdowns. Consistency has been an issue for Benkert, but with not much pressure coming from down the depth chart, Mendenhall may not have any choice but to be confident in his current No. 1 option.