Thrilling special teams and lock down defense leads UVA to a 48-7 victory over Coastal Carolina

Charlottesville (VA) - The Cavaliers took it to the Chanticleers 48-7 after a slow start in the first quarter.

The Virginia offense started slow with some bad looks by QB Chandler Morris, with a near interception on the first drive on 3rd down. After UVA did not convert on 4th down in their own territory, a Coastal lead looked inevitable. The Chanticleers made a field goal to go up 3-0, however, an illegal formation was called on the Hoos and gave Coastal the first down. Coastal would then go on to have their second bad snap of the game, this time resulting in Wahoo possession after James Jackson recovered it. The Cavalier offense continued to struggle early. By the end of the first quarter, Chandler Morris had only completed 3 passes out of 7 and took a couple hits. However, Chandler Morris then went on to complete a 46-yard pass to the JMU transfer Cam Ross who fell just short of the endzone. J’Mari Taylor then rushed it in for a yard and the Hoos first touchdown of the game.

The Cavaliers then gained a spark early in the second quarter when Landon Danley blocked the Coastal Carolina punt, and it was picked up by Trey Mcdonald. "The punt before I should have got it, but I didn't, I didn't do my job, but the second play, Ethan (Minter) told me go block that real quick." - Landon Danley. With the great field position, Virginia went on to score off of a direct snap to Harrison Waylee who ran it into the endzone. While the Hoos defense kept locking up, the offense finally started to pick up. Chandler Morris threaded the needle beautifully between multiple Chanticleer defenders for 29 yards to Cam Ross for his first touchdown pass in a Virginia uniform. The Hoos then got a chance to run the 2-minute drill before the end of the half with 1:34 on the clock at their own 20. After a couple of successful plays, Trell Harris, who had been a tad quiet so far, made what could be a catch of the year candidate. The 48-yard pass had Harris needing to beat out two defenders and then reeling the ball in with one hand. When he initially made contact with the ball, he bobbled it as he fell, but still somehow found a way to complete the catch. After that, Chandler Morris threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Purdue transfer Jahmal Edrine. The score at half was 28-0.

On the first play of the second half, Coastal Carolina QB MJ Morris threw an interception to Ethan Minter who then returned it to the house. Unfortunately, an illegal block in the back brought back the return but did not take away the great play Minter made.

This is where things got scary for UVA. QB Chandler Morris took off in a scramble and made a great play avoiding tackles. But instead of sliding he tried to get in the endzone, where he took a huge hit from a Chanticleer defender. Morris was down for a couple minutes but then jogged off the field. Morris went to the tunnel and did not return to the game. His status is a mild shoulder injury and will be getting looked at for sure Sunday morning. Taking his place at Quarterback was Nebraska transfer Daniel Kaelin. J’Mari Taylor then rushed for 2 yards into the endzone for the Hoos. Coastal Carolina would finally score on the following drive after a long sequence ending in a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Ja’Vin Simpkins. So how did Virginia respond? Cam Ross continued his electrifying night by taking the kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. After a couple of field goals by Will Betridge, the game would be final by a score of 48-7.

Quick Takeaways:

Slow start - The UVA offense and Chandler Morris had a very slow start in the first quarter. Once they got going they were excellent but cannot have a start like that against tougher opponents.

Defensive clinic - The defense was outstanding for the Cavaliers. Only giving up 7 points all game. This all new defensive back room did not give up much in the air at all, only giving up 163 passing yards. There was not too much pressure on the QB, but UVA pretty much only sent 4 pass rushers all game and did not blitz much.

Chandler Morris - When Morris was in the game, he was great after his slow start. He finished 19-27, had 264 yards, and 2 touchdown passes. He also had 50 yards on 5 rushes. The main problem… HE NEEDS TO SLIDE. The hit he went down on was not the only hit he took. The offensive line protected him pretty well, but when he ran out of the pocket, sliding was not his priority.

Special Teams - UVA blocked a punt and took a kickoff to the endzone. The last time Virginia blocked a punt was by Noah Taylor against Pitt in 2019. The last time Virginia returned a kick to the endzone was by Joe Reed against Duke in 2019. Coincidence? I think not.

Des Kitchings running game - UVA combined for 42 rushes, 177 yards and 3 touchdowns. Not bad by the offensive line and the running back room.

Best depth ever for Coach Tony Elliott? - Virginia's depth was evident being able to rotate offensive linemen, running backs, and many other positions to keep legs fresh.

The Hoos will go on to face NC State in Raleigh next week in a non-conference game.