I’m often asked why I do not give grades to coaches. I can see the results of their coaching but without the benefit of knowing the play call, execution is difficult to grade. Second, while coaching certainly takes place during games, the real work, the development, the teaching, and the learning happens during practice.

With that said, the way Virginia football coaches Tony Elliott and Des Kitchings executed the end of the first half in the Hoos’ 29-26 loss at Miami was mystifying.

With 4:03 remaining in the first half, UVA began its final drive of the half from its 25-yard line. With 2:31 left the Hoos had a 1st-and-10 at their own 37. It took three plays and 1:32 to get a first down. It took 1:26 and 3 more plays to get to the UVA 49-yard line with a first down. With 1:01 left on the clock, Virginia was 21 yards from Will Bettridge field goal range. Two of the top seven receivers in the ACC are on the UVA offense and Virginia is 19th in the FBS with 24 pass plays over 20 yards. Field goal range was doable.

After needlessly burning 17 seconds of clock, the call from Kitchings was wide-right sweep with Perris Jones 2 additional yards deep in the backfield met by a huge push from Miami’s loaded 6-man front that cost UVA 3 yards. Coach Elliot called a timeout 9 seconds after the Perris run concluded. The next call was a horribly executed quarterback draw that the Canes appeared all but ready for. With 28 seconds left in the half and two timeouts remaining, Coach Elliot apparently gave the OK to snap the ball with 4 seconds left where QB Tony Muskett was taken down by a dangerous sack that could have resulted in a turnover or injury. If you are not going to try to score, then take a knee.

...