Why We Beat Virginia

With a 38-27 win over the University of Virginia in Charlotte, WVU football did what it had to do in order to begin the “climb” back to relevancy in the college football world. It’s just a first step, but it was a big one. Let’s go over the key reasons and clutch moments that lead to this win.

The Defense played winning football

It wasn’t a perfect game from the defense, but when we needed stops, they delivered. We heard all week about UVA’s “veteran” offensive line and how experienced that group is. And after the first 2 games WVU played this year, it was easy to have some concerns about how are defense would match up against UVA. The first time they were on the field it looked like that narrative was going play out, giving up a methodical 12 play, 62 yard, touchdown drive. Admit it. We all thought we were in for a long night. On UVA’s 3rd offensive possession, they scored on a 47 yard run to go up 14 – 7, and it looked like our only chance of staying in this game was to score on every possession. From that moment on though, the defense locked in and held UVA scoreless on the next 5 possessions. That gave the offense enough time to find some rhythm, confidence, and a 21-14 lead. We’ll talk more about the defense in our key moments later…

Michael Hawkins Jr. was best player on the field

Michael Hawkins Jr. had a day accounting for every WVU touchdown either with his arm or his legs. He went 10/17 passing for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. He carried the ball 18 times for 123 yards and 3 touchdowns. Maybe the most important stat though… ZERO TURNOVERS! The two biggest things about this performance that jumped out to me was his decision and play making ability on 3rd down and his ability to limit negative plays. When we needed plays, he made them either with an accurate pass or a shifty run. He has found a dependable receiver in DJ Epps and has given us a reason to believe we will have a chance in every game.

We were the more physical team

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

That picture perfectly summarizes how we played on both sides of the ball. UVA player with scratched up helmet, on sideways after taking a hard hit that forced a fumble. WVU player walking away fists clenched. “They want a 7 on 7 drill, we want to make it a fist fight!”

Cam Cook brought his lunch pail

Speaking of physical… Cam’s numbers aren’t going to get him in the Heisman conversation (30 carries for 123 yards), but he ran so tough. In the second half specifically, it just seemed like he could get 4 yards for us anytime we wanted. In the 4th quarter, up by 14, they knew exactly what was coming and played it well, but he broke tackles and got us a huge first down that would force UVA to use timeouts and put the game out of reach.

Jaden Bray was clutch

DJ Epps is the receiver that is going to get the headlines with 2 touchdowns, and he probably deserves it. But Jalen Bray came up with 2 huge plays that really turned the momentum of this game. Michael Hawkins Jr. started out 0-4 in passing and looked shaky. His first completion was to a crossing Jalen Bray, and he turned it into a 29 yard gain with his legs. From that moment on Michael Hawkins looked like a different player. Later in the 4th quarter on 3rd and 5, UVA dialed up a blitz that forced Michael Hawkins to throw the ball to space with air under and just hope that Jalen Bray could make a play. Jalen delivered with a contested catch and a 38 yard gain. WVU would go on to score on that drive to go up by 14 points and the game was never really on doubt at any point beyond that.

2 key moments

WVU forced a UVA punt with 1:44 left in the first half and the game tied 14-14. After a 42 yard pass Michael Hawkins would run it in on the next play for the touchdown. WVU would take a 21-14 lead into the half. This touchdown put pressure on UVA, something that hadn’t felt in there previous 2 games where they lead by large margins for the majority of time. They knew they were in a fight, and we weren’t going anywhere.

In the 3rd quarter UVA tied the game up 21-21 after completing a long pass on 4th and 10 and momentum was starting to turn back in UVA’s favor. The WVU offense went 3 and out after a tripping penalty on Kevin Brown that negated a long pass play to Jaden Bray. Rich Rodriguez was yelling at anyone within an ear shot, and the WVU punter shanked one for 19 yards. It felt like the wheels were coming off for WVU. With UVA in excellent field position the WVU defense arched it’s back and forced a 3 and out. WVU would score a touchdown on it’s next drive taking the lead, and never looking back.

What moments jumped out to you? Who were your MVP’s from the game? Did the defense answer our questions? Let me know in the comments.