Miami turned four UVa. turnovers into 28 points, including a pick-six six seconds into the game, and the Hurricanes deluged the Cavaliers in a 45-26 win on Saturday.
Virginia quarterback David Watford threw three interceptions, all of which led to Miami touchdowns, the first coming on the first play from scrimmage on a botched wide-receiver screen that was picked off by Tracy Howard and returned 19 yards for a touchdown and an early 7-0 Miami lead.
UVa. (2-9, 0-7 ACC) trailed 14-13 late in the first half when the turnover bugaboo struck again. A third-and-four pass from Watford in the red zone was intercepted by Ladarius Gunter and returned 81 yards to the UVa. 3 with 1:06 to go. Gus Edwards scored two plays later to send the ‘Canes into the half up 21-13.
Miami (8-3, 4-3 ACC) led 31-20 midway through the fourth when Watford was intercepted at the UVa. 30 by Kacy Rodgers, who returned the ball 14 yards to set up the UM offense in the red zone. Dallas Crawford scored from five yards out two plays later to extend the ‘Canes lead to 38-20.
Greyson Lambert, in at quarterback in mopup duty, drove Virginia to the Miami 10 before being sacked and fumbling. David Gilbert picked up the fumble and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown and a 45-20 lead.
UVa. running back Taquan Mizzell scored on a 7-yard run with 2:02 to go to close out the scoring.
Kevin Parks had a strong day at tailback for UVa., gaining 130 yards on 26 carries. Watford had another miserable day, going 10-for-25 for 106 yards and one touchdown and the three back-breaking interceptions.
Lambert, in relief in the fourth quarter, was 13-for-19 passing for 134 yards.
Virginia gained 483 yards of total offense, including 243 yards on the ground, and held Miami to just 304 yards of total offense.
The ‘Hoos have now lost eight straight games after a modest 2-1 start.
UVa. closes out its season next Saturday at home against in-state rival Virginia Tech, which has won the last nine and 13 of the last 14 in the series.
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