Against a well-coached Duke football team on the road, the Cavaliers needed to be better than average. Unfortunately, average is what they were and a 20-13 loss is what they got.

There were too many little mistakes that had big consequences and too much inefficiency – especially on offense – to prevail. A defense that had relied on turnovers and pressure to shut down other offenses was neutralized by Duke’s David Cutcliffe and his “get the ball out quick” passing attack. In the end, however the Hoos were done in with the one aspect of the game where I thought they had the edge: running. Virginia chose to not exploit its successful run game in the second half. As for the defense, it was not done in by the quick strike pass attack but a nine-play, touchdown drive where 55 of the 65 yards were on the ground.

Greg’s Grades

Offense

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