The Sunday Sampler 2011 – Southern Miss

The defense couldn’t come up with some crucial stops in the loss on Saturday.

When it looked back at the game film, the Virginia football team must have lamented its third down defense during Saturday’s 30-24 loss to Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles converted 10 of 21 chances on third down in their win and nine of those conversions came on scoring drives. The Cavaliers’ inability to get off the field proved costly as they fell to 2-2 on the season.

Throw in the fourth down conversion on a fake punt during USM’s second touchdown drive and it’s clear that the Hoos needed to come up with a crucial stop, but couldn’t in too many key situations.

...