UVa falls 35-31 in a heartbreaker at NC State
So close, yet so far.
UVa suffered its first loss of the season against NC State 35-31 on Saturday. In a game marked by offensive excellence and defensive struggles on both sides, the matchup came down to a late interception of Chandler Morris on what could’ve been the game-winning drive for the Wahoos.
It was a shootout from the start, with the Cavaliers (1-1) and Wolfpack scoring touchdowns on each of their first two drives. UVa did so methodically, converting on five of its first six 3rd down with one 4th down conversion that turned into a 39-yard touchdown for the running back J’Mari Taylor, his first of two in the half.
Meanwhile, the Wolfpack (2-0) flexed their explosiveness, driving 75 yards in just five plays for a touchdown on their first drive before doing it again on nine plays. It was a rough first two series for the Wahoos defense, but UVa rebounded with two straight three-and-outs.
The offense added a field goal in the second quarter from Will Bettridge, then capitalized on a 48-yard punt return from Cam Ross with a 27-yard touchdown drive that burned 2:47, leaving NC State with just 17 seconds left in the first half. The Pack kneeled it out, and the Hoos entered the locker room up 24-14.
But the defense regressed upon retaking the field in the third quarter, giving up three straight touchdowns. Across those three drives, the Wolfpack covered 230 yards in just 22 plays, taking and then retaking the lead with ease.
Taylor briefly gave UVa the lead back with his third rushing touchdown, rumbling into the end zone from 66 yards out to make it 31-28. But after NC State regained the lead with running back Hollywood Smothers’ second touchdown of the day, the Hoos’ offense stalled, despite the defense finally forcing two straight punts from the Wolfpack.
UVa ended its final three drives at NC State’s 30-, 8- and 12-yard lines, respectively, but came away with nothing.
The first ended with a missed 47-yard field goal from Bettridge, then the second with a failed conversion on 4th & 1, as Taylor’s rush up the middle was just short.
Finally, Morris’ interception, Virginia’s first turnover of the season, put the final nail in the coffin. Morris finished 30-47 for 257 yards and a touchdown, plus 56 yards on the ground.
Taylor led the UVa rushing attack with 150 yards and three touchdowns on 17 attempts.
NC State’s CJ Bailey finished 16-for-23 passing for 200 yards and a touchdown, scoring a second time on the ground while racking up 44 rushing yards. Smothers finished with 140 yards on 17 attempts with two touchdowns.
All in all, the Hoos outgained the Wolfpack in total yards 514-416.
