— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS
The Virginia Cavaliers bounced back after trailing by 10 points at the top of the third quarter to hand the Tar Heels their first loss. With the win, the Cavaliers beat a top-10 opponent on the road for the first time in program history.
The Cavaliers took an early 7-0 lead after UNC’s offensive unit failed to advance the ball through the air. After completing a short pass to wide receiver J.J. Jones for a gain of five yards, UNC quarterback Drake Maye’s three pass attempts fell incomplete. Following the incompletions, UNC had to punt the ball away.
“That first drive was lackadaisical on offense,” said Maye. “Afterwards, they came down and scored. After that, we knew we were in a dogfight.”
UNC responded by moving 75 yards in just 2:29. Maye connected with wide receiver Tez Walker, who reached the end zone for the fourth time in two games. In total, Walker caught 11 passes for 146 yards.
The Cavaliers once again secured the lead after completing a fourth-down conversion to set up a three-yard rushing touchdown.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Maye connected with tight end Bryson Nesbit, who carried the ball 62 yards down the left sideline to the end zone.
For much of the second quarter, strong tackling and excellent coverage downfield from both defenses kept the game tied.
With under a minute left in the half, the Tar Heels executed seven plays for 54 yards, setting up a 43-yard field goal.
During UNC’s first offensive possession of the second half, Maye made plays with his legs, including a three-yard scamper to reach the end zone. With the rushing touchdown, UNC extended its lead to 10.
In response, the Cavaliers marched to the UNC 11 to set up a series of Mike Hollins runs, including a one-yard rushing touchdown. The touchdown shrunk UNC’s lead to three.
At the beginning of the fourth half, the Cavaliers reached the end zone for the third time to reclaim their lead. Although UNC had ample chances to put the game away, Virginia’s defense excelled in the second half, allowing only 10 points.
“Obviously, tonight was a disappointing loss for us,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown. “Congratulations to Virginia, they out-coached us and played better than us tonight.”