The Hoos eked out a 35-29 win over FCS trouble maker William & Mary on Saturday.

The offense showed signs of actually being able to move the ball and create big plays. Both the defense and special teams displayed glimpses of greatness with a huge goal-line stand and UVa’s first punt retuned for a TD in a decade. But each showed more lapses than greatness with a missed field goal, a blocked punt allowed, and a perfectly executed onside kick by the Tribe.

For the first 25 minutes of the game the William & Mary’s offense moved the ball almost at will, racking up 235 of its 371 yards in just 30 plays (7.8 yards per play – YPP). The Tribe did the same in the final 10 minutes of the game, collecting 144 yards on 28 plays (5.14 YPP) but their final pass attempt mercifully sailed well beyond the intended receiver and Virginia survived.

I know fans are disappointed in the team’s performance and readers likely will think I’m trying to put lipstick on a pig but here are some ‘happy’ perspective numbers that may still offer some 2015 hope.

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