ATLANTA, Ga. The Cavaliers, who before Saturday's game averaged more than twice as many points in the second half than in the first, seemed all set to write another miracle comeback script Saturday, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.
After three consecutive receptions, one by senior receiver Billy McMullen and two by freshman Jason Snelling, junior quarterback Matt Schaub called his own number on a quarterback draw that put the Cavaliers on the Virginia 40-yard line. Seven plays, 72 yards and two and a half minutes later, the Cavs appeared to have finally arrived in Georgia for their customary 30 minutes of football. So smooth. So efficient.
Although Virginia has been able to put together storybook endings in wins over Wake Forest, Clemson, and North Carolina, the book slammed shut Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium thanks to the Cavaliers' weak first half play. Missed opportunities early in the game, like a missed field goal in the first quarter, cannot happen if Virginia hopes to win against the top-notch competition that it will face for the rest of the season.
Junior quarterback A.J. Suggs and the no huddle, spread Yellow Jacket offense made short work of the Cavalier defense seemingly running and passing at will all the way to a 23-point lead. Georgia Tech amassed 160 passing yards and 137 yards on the ground in the first half.
This 23-0 halftime deficit simply created a hole too big for Virginia to escape. Against a hungry Georgia Tech team and a large homecoming crowd it's difficult to be that far down and still pull out a win.
Granted, the defense for Virginia performed better in the second half. It held the Yellow Jackets scoreless for the rest of the game and came through with a key three-and-out series that gave the Cavaliers one last shot at the tie with little over two minutes left in the game. With that said, giving up nearly 300 yards of total offense and almost seven yards per rush in the first half is not getting the job done.
The blame does not lie solely with the Virginia defense. Streaky offense and poor special teams played a role in Virginia's disastrous first half.
All around, the Cavaliers have shown off a much greater talent and ability than they displayed in the first half. Relying on a second half spark has been the Cavaliers' game, but this weekend's loss should prove that one half of football is not enough on the road against a quality opponent.
With their schedule heating up, the Cavaliers must now determine a way to play better, earlier, if they want to win another game this season. Virginia coach Al Groh has expressed hope of winning the ACC, and for that hope to become a reality, his team will need to execute better on both sides of the ball.
Virginia flirted with competing with the Jackets in the second half, but poor defense and an erratic offense proved too much to overcome. A consistent 60 minutes of play is crucial if the Cavaliers hope to write a happy ending to their storybook season.
Read More
As the postseason approaches, Virginia softball aims to surprise
By Emory Huffman , Ben McNiff and Cierra Lyles | 14 hours agoThree beat writers discuss expectations for Virginia and assess its season so far.
No. 7 women’s tennis cruises through NCAA Championship regional
By Gracie Genereux | 17 hours agoVirginia advanced to the third round for the fifth straight year.
Bryce Perkins’ story: How Virginia football inspires resilience and growth
By Xander Tilock | 2 days agoPerkins, the quarterback of the 2019 team that conquered Virginia Tech, has conquered ample adversity.
