DURHAM, N.C. – The last time Virginia traveled to Duke, the Cavaliers couldn’t run the football. On Saturday it was the only thing they could do well – and it was enough to produce an ugly but effective 37-16 victory at Wallace Wade Stadium.
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Alvin Pearman |
Alvin Pearman rushed for 223 yards – one shy of the school record – as No. 14 Virginia (6-1, 3-1 ACC) finished with 348 yards on the ground, compensating for shaky performances by Marques Hagans and the defense.
Wali Lundy added 82 rushing yards and two TDs for the Wahoos, who had trouble shaking the lowly Blue Devils (1-6, 0-4 ACC) until the fourth quarter. It was UVa’s fifth straight victory over Duke, but it was more difficult than expected.
“We got a ‘W.’ That’s what it’s about, no matter how you do it,” said guard Elton Brown. “Run the ball, pass the ball, whatever, as long as you get a win.”
In 2002, the Cavaliers ran for two yards but threw for 315 in a 27-22 win at Wallace Wade. This time they did things differently, largely because Hagans struggled with his accuracy. Sticking almost exclusively to the ground, Virginia piled up 217 rushing yards in the first half, 123 by Pearman.
Still, it was close. Connor Hughes kicked three field goals, all in the second quarter, as the Cavs took a 16-7 lead at the half. The Blue Devils totaled 337 yards, a season high, and drew within 23-16 going into the final period. But Pearman’s 3-yard touchdown run and a 4-yard scoring catch by Deyon Williams allowed the Wahoos to pull away.
Virginia now goes into its bye week before facing Maryland at home on Nov. 6.
(For complete coverage of Virginia’s game with Duke, please sign up for Sabre Edge. Edge subscribers will be able to read John Galinsky’s game analysis and Joe Lemire’s in-depth look at Alvin Pearman’s performance. Coach Groh’s postgame press conference and Greg Waters’ interviews with several players also will be available on audio along with Mike Ingalls’ photo gallery of the game.)
