Missed Chances and Familiar Frustrations

From the opening quarter, it felt like Virginia was on the verge of taking control. The defense was flying around, the crowd was into it, and a blocked punt early should’ve been a scoop-and-score. Instead, the Hoos simply fell on the ball, settling for field position instead of a touchdown. That cautious moment became a theme for the night — the opportunities were there, but Virginia never seized them.

The red zone offense was again the difference. Multiple trips deep into Wake territory ended without touchdowns. The play calling lacked creativity, and execution was inconsistent. Danny Kaelin looked fine overall — poised in the pocket and composed for much of the game — but when your offense can’t finish drives, it doesn’t matter. You simply won’t win big games without the defense or special teams finding the end zone, like Wake’s did.

Turnovers were the other story. The Cavaliers fumbled three times, and every single one was lost — two by quarterback Danny Kaelin and one by running back J’Mari Taylor. Two of Wake Forest’s three field goals came directly after those giveaways, meaning 13 of their 16 points came off Virginia’s offensive and special teams mistakes.

And then came the backbreaker: an 88-yard punt return touchdown that flipped everything. The returner actually let the ball bounce before picking it up, and somehow there wasn’t a Cavalier within 10 yards of him. In an instant, a 6–0 Virginia lead turned into a 7–6 deficit, and the energy inside Scott Stadium was gone.

The defense, to its credit, was outstanding again — tough, disciplined, and stingy. They didn’t give up a single offensive touchdown all night. The only complaint? No takeaways. Just one turnover forced might have changed the entire game.

Now, all eyes turn to Chandler Morris and the severity of his injury. His health will determine how far this team can go. Without him, it’s hard to see Virginia reaching its potential. With him, the path to the ACC Championship Game is still alive — win the last two, and there’s a chance.

Would fans have taken 8–2 before the season? Absolutely. But this one hurt. A national audience, an electric home crowd, and another moment that slipped away. For many in attendance, it was an all too familiar feeling.

Virginia’s been playing with fire in close games all season, finding ways to escape week after week. Saturday night, the flames finally caught up — and the Hoos got burned.