The Virginia football season ended in a similar fashion to how it began. The only difference between the BYU opener and the Virginia Tech finale is that UVa lost, something that became far too common during the course of the 2013 campaign.

Similarities popped up everywhere.

• Challenging weather: BYU thunderstorms and heavy rain; VT biting cold and some wind.
• Solid defense with one key touchdown drive: BYU 362 yards of offense with one 11-play, 92-yard touchdown drive; VT 364 yards of offense with one 7-play, 65-yard touchdown drive
• Good effort from Kevin Parks: BYU 65 yards rushing, 1 TD; VT 105 yards rushing
• Disruptive defense or special teams: BYU 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 take-away, 1 blocked punt; VT 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 take-aways

That last one is where things fell apart against the visitors from Blacksburg … and really for the whole season. Against the Cougars way back in August, UVa turned a blocked punt and an interception from Anthony Harris into 14 points on the scoreboard. Against the Hokies in November, UVa turned an interception and a fumble recovery into zero points. That proved to be the theme for the whole season. Virginia had 21 take-aways, tied for 49th nationally, but converted that defense into just 13 points (blocked punt doesn’t count as a turnover).

Beyond the in-game similarities from BYU to VT, one other question seems the same now as it did then. Quarterback. Who can be the quarterback to carry Virginia back to respectability? David Watford got the nod over Greyson Lambert after practice competition in the spring and summer. As the 2013 season unfolded, Lambert started to get snaps in lopsided games during October in November. Against Virginia Tech, Lambert took over late in the third quarter of a 10-point game after Watford couldn’t get the offense moving. Watford completed 13 of 23 attempts for 122 and 0 interceptions, while Lambert finished 4-of-16 passing for 54 yards with 1 interception.

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