60 minutes is just not enough for Virginia football.
Despite the fact that the Cavaliers (7-1, 4-0 ACC) scored their fewest points all season, they just cannot lose a game in overtime. With a score of 10-10 that had been deadlocked since the second quarter, Virginia pushed North Carolina to overtime in Chapel Hill N.C.
From there, a touchdown from graduate running back J’Mari Taylor followed by strong defense on a two-point conversion sealed a 17-16 victory over the Tar Heels (2-5, 0-3 ACC).
However, Saturday’s win was, overall, a poor showing by the Cavaliers.
For the first time all season, Virginia failed to score multiple touchdowns in regulation. Entering the game, Virginia had allowed just five sacks in seven games. The Cavaliers allowed six Saturday against North Carolina.
The first half of the game was plagued with mistake-ridden football from both sides. Missed tackles and poor pass protection were abundant, and both offenses failed to generate points.
Virginia and North Carolina traded three-and-outs to start the game. That kept the scoreboard blank — although a fumble out the back of the end zone for the Tar Heels spoiled an early chance to get on the board.
The teams swapped punches the whole first half. Virginia struck first with a field goal from senior kicker Will Bettridge in the first quarter, but North Carolina followed it right up with a field goal of its own from senior kicker Rece Verhoff. A couple possessions later, a 30-yard pass from graduate quarterback Chandler Morris to senior receiver Trell Harris got the Cavaliers their first touchdown of the game. But yet again, it was followed up with a touchdown run from sophomore quarterback Gio Lopez to tie the game up at 10.
Offensive struggles continued for Virginia in the second half. Morris, dealing with a lingering shoulder injury, overthrew receivers on easy passes and was hesitant to scramble out of the pocket when facing pressure.
Even when the Cavaliers managed to move the ball downfield, they could not punch in a second touchdown in regulation. A goal line opportunity in the third quarter was squandered by overconfidence from the sideline — instead of running the ball in the short-yardage situation, an incomplete pass led to a turnover on downs just one yard away from paydirt.
“We got to get our rhythm back,” Coach Tony Elliott said. “We’ve had to plug and play with some guys, continuity is a big thing we’ve missed.”
Virginia’s offense went from bad to worse as the second half wore on. An interception from Morris gave the Tar Heels the ball in their offensive half. However, Lopez would give it right back as graduate defensive end Mitchell Melton pulled down a deflected pass for an interception.
The refunded possession went nowhere as penalties killed the ensuing Cavalier drive — although North Carolina would not take advantage, as it went three-and-out.
Going into the fourth quarter, offense was nowhere to be found. Deadlocked at 10-10 for almost half the game, the next team to score would almost certainly win. With 56 seconds left and just one timeout, the Tar Heels took the field with a chance to upset Virginia. Despite marching to midfield, Lopez threw an interception with just seconds left to graduate safety Antonio Clary, sending the game to overtime.
The Cavalier offense was ruthless in overtime, waltzing down to the three-yard line before Taylor punched in his touchdown on a play from the wildcat formation. With a need to defend, a Virginia defense that had been staunch all day floundered. It took just five plays for North Carolina to score a touchdown. But, a clutch tackle from junior cornerback Ja’Son Prevard on the two-point conversion won the game for the Cavaliers.
Yet another close victory is how the ‘Cardiac Cavaliers’ continue earning their nickname. Virginia just seems to barely keep pace with an opponent and find a way to eke a victory out in the end. While certainly a rollercoaster, the sustainability of this style of play is very much in question. With tougher opponents like California and Duke coming up next, the perseverance of the Cavaliers will continue to be tested.
“We’re going to play however long it takes,” Elliott said. “That is one of the bedrocks of our program, we play 60 minutes or however long it is going to take to find a way to win the game.”
Virginia continues its road trip next weekend as they head out west to face the Golden Bears. Kickoff time is still undetermined, but one thing is for sure — the Cavaliers will likely play that game down to the final minutes.
Read More
Devin Tillis is here to do what he does best — win
By Thomas Baxter | 4 hours ago"You put me in any scenario, and I'll make sure we win.”
With finesse and physicality, men’s basketball wins home exhibition against Villanova
By Thomas Baxter | 5 hours ago“For both teams to be in pressure situations there,” Odom said postgame, “invaluable experience."
The Cavaliers’ Four Horsemen give opponents plenty to fear
By Ben McNiff | 6 hours agoThese defenses may, understandably, have a tough time sleeping at night — there is plenty to fear about the four horsemen.
