Jordan Ellis scored from three yards out in the third overtime to propel UVA to a 44-38 win over Syracuse Saturday in front of what was left of an announced homecoming crowd of 39,000 .
A missed field goal by Syracuse in its third extra possession provided the Cavaliers final scoring opportunity. Requiring only a field goal to seal the win, Virginia used five straight running plays to find the end zone. Ellis hit pay dirt on a burst up the middle. It was the Maryland transfer’s first score as a Cavalier.
Virginia improves to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the ACC.
In a game that was to say the least a tad bit ugly, but entertaining, nonetheless Virginia pulled ahead in the second overtime on a run by Taquan Mizzell, but another untimely Virginia penalty (unsportsmanlike conduct) gave Syracuse a short field to start its offensive possession.
Syracuse responded immediately with a 12-yard touchdown reception by Steve Ishmael.
The Orange scored first in overtime and as a result of another Virginia penalty, and played defense with Virginia backed up 15 yards as a result of a targeting penalty. Cavalier linebacker Zach Bradshaw was the flagged for targeting.
Virginia responded, however, as Matt Johns lofted a 36-yard touchdown strike to Canaan Severin on a third and long call.
Virginia worked its way back from a 24-14 deficit to tie the game on a 25-yard field goal by Ian Frye as regulation expired. It was an impressive drive on 88 yards on 18 plays that provided Frye with the opportunity. Along the way the Cavaliers converted two third down and one fourth down situations.
Despite the win, it was certainly far from a faultless game by Virginia.
The Cavaliers were victims of a converted fake punt by the Orange, the two late penalities on the Cavlaier defense, and a delay of game violation could have easily as it has in the past prevented a win by the Wahoos .
A bizarre, if not downright ugly, ending to the first half by Virginia ushered the team off the field with a chorus of boos from the home crowd.
Late in the half an ill-advised pass from Johns was deflected and intercepted by Syracuse defensive tackle Qaadir Sheppard at the Virginia 26. Quarterback Tony Dungey broke thru the middle on the next play, and high-hurdled safety Quin Blanding at the goal line to score. The score put the guest up 21-14 at the break.
Virginia survived the missteps and gained an all important win, that momentarily at least stops the hemorrhaging of the 2015 season.
Only time will tell if the win may save the season. After next Saturday’s trip to tobacco road to face North Carolina a further evaluation may be required.
– Story by Scott German
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