The streak lives on.
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Cedric Peerman put the game into overtime with this fourth-quarter TD. |
In its first overtime win since 2006 over Wyoming, Virginia upset No. 18 North Carolina 16-13 on a two-yard touchdown run by tailback Cedric Peerman , as the crowd rushed the field.
“That was an awesome win for our team and I am tremendously proud of our players,” Virginia coach Al Groh said. “Happy for them that they got a chance to celebrate what they did and feel that perhaps maybe every team has got to do something over the course of the year to find its identity and we clearly think that over the last three weeks, we’ve started to find our identity.”
With the loss, the Tar Heels continued their losing ways in Charlottesville. They now have 14 straight losses in Scott Stadium since 1981.
Continuing the trend of the game, Virginia’s defense held strong in overtime, limiting the Tar Heels to a field goal.
Virginia’s previously anemic offense came alive on their final possession of regulation as QB Marc Verica completed 7 of 8 passes marching his Cavaliers 82 yards down the field.
“We talk about the fact that we just we’re going to be at our best at the end and we certainly were,” Groh said. “Marc did a great job on the two-minute drive. It’s something we practice a great deal. We just did what we do.”
Although Verica’s theatrics won the game, the effort by Clint Sintim and Co. can’t be overlooked. Never mind the fact that the Hoos were playing without two backbones of their operation, Ras-I Dowling and Antonio Appleby injured early in the first quarter, the Cavaliers’ defense held strong. Stepping in for the injured, Chase Minnifield and Darren Childs anchored the secondary, which held Tar Heels QB Cameron Sexton to only 166 yards in the air.
For Groh, the ability of Minnifield and Childs to step in and perform the way they did speaks to the character of the players and the team.
“We took two hits there right on the first series with two of our best players, Antonio Appleby and Ras-I Dowling going up and going out and for Darren Childs and Mike Parker and Chase Minnifield to step up the way that they did against a quality opponent like that was just awesome,” Groh said. “We’re very proud of those guys. They certainly were true of the character of the team.”
After giving up 133 yards of offense (40% of the total, 332) in the first quarter, Virginia’s defense clamped down, especially shutting down the run game. Shaun Draughn, who exploded early for 80 yards in the first quarter, was limited to only 60 the rest of the way in a crucial adjustment for the Cavs’ defense.
“Both of them were pretty hard to deal with,” Groh said. “Both Draughn and Houston were pretty hard to deal with but we put a lot of pads on them, it’s a tribute to them to take it. … Again a great job by the players of being able to take the information that we were trying to pass on to them and to take the adjustments that we were giving them and to make them work.”
In addition to slowing down the run, the defense did everything it could Saturday to propel the offense. The D recorded two interceptions (Byron Glaspy and Nick Jenkins respectively) and a fumble recovery. The offense, however, was unable to capitalize in a game-changing way, only coming away with one field goal off those turnovers.
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Jon Copper led all defensive players with 16 tackles. |
Once again this week, the defense held firm especially on third down, stopping 8 potential third-down conversions, none bigger than late in the fourth quarter when it looked as if the Tar Heels might put seven on the board. That would have put the game out of reach. Linebacker Jon Copper pulled down WR Hakeem Nicks after only a two-yard gain to force a field goal, giving the Cavaliers the ball back for their final drive.
“This defense never quits,” senior linebacker Clint Sintim said. “Today we worked hard for an entire 60 minutes and it paid off. The resiliency on this team is undying and we work hard to get victories like this one.”
Copper led the team with a career-high16 tackles, including 10 solos. According to Groh, his leadership contribution was as meaningful as his production.
“Jon was amongst the players, not the only one, but certainly amongst the players that by performance and verbally was all about the resolve that we’re going to win this game,” Groh said. “Whatever it takes, we’re going to win. I heard him exhort his teammates on many occasions to do that and then backed it up with a terrific performance.”
Going into the now completed three-game homestand, Virginia was 1-3 after coming off an embarrassing loss to Duke. The distance the program has traveled in three weeks, rattling off three consecutive victories against quality opponents, has completely re-directed the momentum of the season.
“It’s extremely satisfying,” Sintim said. “To come and just get on a roll like we’ve been doing and produce the way we have means a lot. This team has tremendous character and these guys on this team never cease to amaze me with the dedication and effort they put into every game, I’m just proud of everybody on this team.”
TE John Phillips said a win like this is why you play.
“Those were the greatest plays that we have been a part of as a team,” Phillips said. “To come in here and get a win like that – that’s what the game of football is all about.”
A smiling Peerman said tonight’s victory was truly sweet.
“This is the best game I have ever been a part of here.”
