While the storylines varied somewhat from the North Carolina game, Virginia’s 33-28 victory over Georgia Tech was a lot like the win over the Heels the previous weekend.

The offense was very good, special teams played a strong supporting role, and the defense showed up in the fourth quarter.

Some key areas I’ve focused on the last two weeks in the “One More Thing” segment were in play again this weekend. Virginia’s difficulty producing big plays or sustaining extended drives was limiting the offense and the team’s ability to produce points. Going back to the post Louisville analysis, I noted that “Last season UVA averaged almost four plays of 20 yards or more per game and two of 30-plus in its 8 wins.” Those big play numbers held true in the UNC win (6 -20+/4- 30+) and the victory over the Jackets (4- 20+/2-30+).

I also looked at Virginia’s scoring success when producing extended drives. “The Hoos are averaging 7.37 plays per drive when they score and 4.53 when they do not.” Again this week, those numbers held true as the offense managed six drives of nine plays or more and Virginia scored on three of those drives and the final nine-play drive consumed the last 5:30 of the game to secure the win. The other three scoring drives came off a short field following an INT (plus 28-yard line) and the other two included, you guessed it – explosive plays, where one accounted for 86% of the drive yardage.

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