With the exception of an inexplicable lack of aggression and ultimately failing to recover a late game onside kick, the Virginia football team played its second most complete game of the season (Notre Dame was the first) in Saturday afternoon’s 27-21 victory against Georgia Tech.

The UVa defense limited Tech’s high octane option offense to its fifth lowest yards per carry average (4.4) over the last 32 games, and held GT to its fourth fewest points (21) and second fewest yards rushing (144) in 41 games. The defense did allow Tech its most passing yards in 22 games but if the Jackets are posting 172 yards and throwing more passes in the third quarter than they average in a game, they’re losing.

Offensively, the operation was efficient with quarterback Matt John’s connecting on 60% of his passes for 175 yards, a TD, and a pick. The run game continues to improve and while I would not call Saturday’s performance dominant (close), the progress we’ve seen since the Pittsburgh game continues and the run game was a significant factor in the win (more on this in the trend report).

Special teams collected average or higher grades from four of five operations and would have hit five of five were it not for the inexplicable handling of GT’s onside kick late in the fourth quarter. In one trend, I share some helpful hints for the coaching staff from a football legend that might help mitigate these continued errors that have far too frequently meant (or almost meant) the difference between a win and defeats.

...