RALEIGH, N.C. - The theme that encompasses Virginia football this season reared its ugly head once again Saturday, as N.C. State walked all over the Cavaliers in a 24-0 loss in Raleigh.
Costly mistakes at the worst times plagued Virginia (3-5, 2-4 ACC), as it could not take advantage of prime opportunities early in the game. Without the help of an early boost, the final score on Saturday was reminiscent of the 43-7 beating the Cavaliers endured against Florida State a week before.
N.C. State (4-3, 2-3) featured an offensive strategy that has given Virginia problems all season. Wolfpack running back Ray Robinson piled up 115 yards on 26 carries and 2 touchdowns as he bounced runs to the outside. The Cavaliers consistently have had trouble stopping running backs that can break it to the sidelines.
As a team, N.C. State had a balanced offense Saturday, which countered its usual reputation as a primarily strong throwing team. The Wolfpack racked up 196 yards on the ground and 217 in the air against a Virginia defense that looked run down in the second half.
After the Cavaliers went three and out on their initial possession, the Wolfpack marched the ball downfield, only to have their field goal attempt blocked by Cavalier Mike Mullins. With good field position, Virginia looked as though it was poised to score as it took the ball into the red zone. The offense sputtered, however, and the Cavaliers' opportunity produced no points, as kicker David Greene missed a 37-yard field goal attempt.
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"We had a number of regrettable plays that were really of our own cause," Virginia coach Al Groh said after the game. "We missed the opportunities to get something in the first half. As a result of that, we weren't able to get any production."
The Cavalier defense gave the offense another chance, however, as Jerton Evans recovered a fumble by Jerricho Cotchery deep in Wolfpack territory. The Cavaliers again looked as if they were going to capitalize on good field position as they took the ball inside N.C. State's 10-yard line.
On third down, Virginia quarterback Matt Schaub, who completed 15-of-27 passes for 149 yards, rolled out and threw the ball into the end zone for Cavalier wideout Billy McMullen. But the star receiver, who came up with 5 receptions for 71 yards, couldn't make the catch.
McMullen didn't help the situation as he pushed a Wolfpack player, drawing a flag for unnecessary roughness. The 15-yard penalty made for a 43-yard field goal attempt, which David Greene missed wide left.
The Cavaliers never seemed to recover as N.C. State scored a field goal on its next possession, after Virginia receiver Michael McGrew fumbled the ball at midfield.
Down 3-0, Virginia once again drove down the field only to have a field goal blocked after it was stopped in Wolfpack territory.
N.C. State looked as though it would gain more points going into halftime, but Virginia safety Chris Williams intercepted a pass from Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers in the end zone.
"We were optimistic going into halftime," Schaub said. "There were things that were available throughout the game. We just couldn't execute and take advantage."
After halftime, the Wolfpack quickly showed that they had no intention of giving over the lead. N.C. State scored touchdowns on its first three possessions of the second half, as Virginia's offense could not move the ball.
The Wolfpack's third touchdown in the second half took only two seconds, as they blocked a Virginia punt and recovered the ball on the one-yard line. After the Cavaliers failed on a first and goal opportunity, N.C. State never gave Virginia another opportunity to score.
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