Wake Forest ended Virginia’s seven-game winning streak Saturday evening in Scott Stadium with a 16-9 defeat, handing the ‘Hoos their first ACC loss of the season in the process.
The most challenging aspect of the loss?
For me, it’s simple: Wake Forest was far from impressive.
In fact, Wake failed to score an offensive touchdown, gaining just over 200 yards for the game.
But with quarterback Chandler Morris injured on a late, very late, helmet-to-head hit, knocking him out for the final two-plus quarters of play, Virginia’s offense was AWOL as well.
It would be easy to jump to the conclusion that backup quarterback Daniel Kaelin, a redshirt freshman transfer from Nebraska, was the reason for the Virginia offensive misfire.
And that wouldn’t be entirely false.
Kaelin lost two fumbles and never really seemed to gain any momentum in his passing game. But to place the blame squarely on his shoulders would be wrong.
Even while Morris was in the game, the Virginia offense wasn’t exactly moving up and down the field.
UVA’s first points came after a Kam Robinson blocked punt.
Even then, Virginia, deep in Wake Forest territory, was forced to settle for a field goal.
Score one for the Demon Deacons’ defense.
Yep, 3-0 Cavaliers in the opening minutes of play, and I was already getting a bad feeling.
Virginia’s offensive line failed to block and protect Morris and Kaelin efficiently the entire game.
Virginia’s 166 rushing yards were deceiving, as 97 of those were on two plays: a 54-yard scramble by Kaelin and Jamari Taylor’s 43-yard run late in the game.
But as disappointing as Saturday night’s loss was, Virginia needs to turn the page quickly.
Plenty is still on the table.
Virginia finds itself among the five conference teams with one loss, the others being Georgia Tech, Pitt, Duke and SMU.
ICYMI
- UVA Football: Wake 16, ‘Hoos 9 | The road to an ACC title-game spot hits a detour
- UVA Football: What’s the word on the status of QB1 Chandler Morris?
- UVA Football: Live Coverage | #12 ‘Hoos face Wake Forest in primetime
This game shouldn’t be that difficult to move on from, as one of those one-loss teams, Duke, is next up for Virginia.
Win in Durham and at home against Virginia Tech, and UVA is a 10-game winner for only the second time in school history.
If Virginia should end the season on a two-game winning streak, they finish with no worse than a share of first place in the regular-season standings.
Depending on the complicated ACC tiebreakers, the Cavaliers could very well end up in Charlotte for their second ACC Championship Game.
Despite the loss, things are trending up for UVA Football
Some things to consider.
The so-called “experts” picked this Virginia team to finish 14th in the conference back in July.
I’m guessing that, based on those predictions, a Virginia team that still has lofty goals within reach has been darn fun to watch this season.
Remember, this program hasn’t had sustained success since George Welsh was roaming the sidelines 25 years ago.
Saturday, Scott Stadium attendance was 55,568, the third straight 50,000-plus such gathering this season.
Yep, exactly as us folks in the press box have been saying, give the fans a solid product to support, and they will.
I have a strong hunch that while Saturday’s loss stings, it won’t derail the momentum this season has built.
Two games left, and plenty to play for.
Not bad for a team picked 14th.
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