The Sampler: Central Michigan

The Sampler looks at the Virginia football win.
Kurt Benkert set a new school record with 421 passing yards in the win. ~ Kris Wright

The Sampler gets to take on an explosive Virginia win this week as the football team raced past Central Michigan on Saturday, 49-35. Wow – 49 points and 569 yards!

The day featured record-setting performances for Kurt Benkert, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Doni Dowling to help pile up those numbers. Benkert hit a new program mark with 421 passing yards and threatened Dan Ellis’ 6-touchdown record with 5 TD tosses too. Zaccheaus posted career-highs with 8 receptions for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 82-yard touchdown catch that broke a second-half tie is the longest since 2005. Dowling matched his career best with 5 receptions and set a new career high with 98 receiving yards. Many of Dowling’s catches came as Cover 2 busters along the sidelines.

The defense’s day was a little bit of feast or famine as the Hoos forced 7 punts and snared an interception to go with 3 sacks. UVA also allowed 402 passing yards, the most since 2013, and gave up an 85-yard touchdown reception.

The first win of the Bronco Mendenhall era brought out plenty of smiles no matter what the numbers say, though. The Sampler takes a closer look at some of the things within the game.

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