There really is no other way to describe Virginia’s 28-27 loss to North Carolina other than a total collapse. All three operations, and especially the Cavalier coaching staff, made late destructive mistakes that equally sealed Virginia’s fate.

Abysmal play-calling on Virginia’s final series was the start. A slow-developing receiver sweep got stuffed for a three-yard loss followed by a screen pass that was intercepted for Virginia’s second turnover of the day. Then the defense allowed a back-up quarterback to throw a 16-yard touchdown pass on third-and-15 to a wide open slot-receiver; it was virtually the same play with one minor route combination adjustment, from the same formation that the Tar Heels had connected on for a 27-yard completion just three plays earlier to convert another third-and-long.

But even then, there was still a chance. Even with a touchback, the Hoos needed to drive just 45 yards in four minutes to get into Ian Frye field goal range. Of course, that requires actually taking possession of the kickoff, which UVa’s special teams failed to do as Carolina head coach Larry Fedora calmly proclaimed “checkmate” with his onside kick move, which promptly was recovered 11 yards downfield by his coverage unit.

The fact that the Hoos were the dominant team for 54 minutes is meaningless. The fans deserved a better product. The players deserved better coaching and greater accountability among each other. The players deserve credit for working hard, overcoming adversity, and being unified. My grades will focus on how the players performed and executed what they were asked to do. There’s good to report and clearly the players could have done more to secure a win, but this loss can’t be hung on the young men who wear the orange and blue. Not this week.

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