Quarterbacks (A+)

Marques Hagans

Amazing how a week ago a B-minus is lambasted as harsh, yet a week later fans realize just how much better Marques Hagans can play. Virginia’s junior quarterback was virtually flawless, completing 11 of 12 passes for 202 yards and a 39-yard touchdown to Michael McGrew. Hagans also led the team in rushing with a career-best 81 yards on six carries (13.5 ypc). His 59-yard touchdown was a career long, the Cavs’ longest run of the season and the longest run by Virginia quarterback since a 61-yarder by Bryson Spinner vs. N.C. State in 2000. He becomes the first Cavalier quarterback to rush for two touchdowns in the same game since Aaron Brooks did it against San Jose State in 1998. Hagans also became the first quarterback to lead Virginia in rushing since Spinner did so against Georgia Tech in 2001.

And while 92-percent completion rate (third highest in UVa history) and 18.3 yards per completion are impressive, what might have been more impressive is what Hagans did as the leader of the offense – and how he did it. When he controlled the play, the Cavaliers converted five of eight third-down attempts. In the first quarter, on third and five, Hagans rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown. In the second quarter, on third and four, Hagans completed a 47-yard strike to McGrew. In the same quarter, on third and five, Hagans ran for a 10-yard touchdown.

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