Trell Harris’ three Touchdowns in first quarter lifts Cavaliers to 48-20 win over Stanford

Trell Harris’ three Touchdowns in first quarter lifts Cavaliers to 48-20 win over Stanford

(Charlottesville) - Virginia picked up a confident 48-20. victory over the Stanford Cardinal Saturday night. The night began with the return of MIKE Linebacker Kam Robinson getting a QB hurry forcing a quick three and out for Stanford. Virginia’s first play from scrimmage was a flea-flicker where receiver Trell Harris was WIDE open, however, Morris waited too long to make the pass, and it was incomplete. After two chunk plays in a row to Cam Ross, Trell Harris got his first touchdown catch of the season to open the scoring for the Hoos. The second drive from Stanford included a deep 60-yard completion to Bryce Farrell, beating safety Ethan Minter, leading to a three-yard touchdown pass to Benji Blackburn. Virginia would answer very quickly with a 75-yard completion to Trell Harris for six. Tonight was the first multi-touchdown game of Trell Harris’ career. After another forced three and out, Harris would find the endzone for a THIRD time in the first quarter, on an incredible catch for 27 yards.

Chandler Morris would continue to post a great night throughout the first half, putting up 279 passing yards in the half. He also demonstrated a great ability to get out of the pocket and run or throw on the run, finishing with 19 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The rushing touchdown for Morris came off a trick play where Morris got the ball after some pitches and ran it himself 13 yards to the house. Stanford had a methodical drive late in the second quarter ending in a 3-yard rush into the endzone for tail back Micah Ford, making it a 14-point game at the half.

With a couple of chunk plays from Dakota Twitty and Xavier Brown, Virginia opened the half finding Sage Ennis in the endzone for 13 yards. Stanford would complete another deep pass on the Hoos, a 68-yard pass hauled in by Bryce Farrell with Caleb Hardy in coverage. Hardy would somewhat make up for the mistake by forcing an incompletion on the 2pt conversion.

The fourth quarter featured backup QB Daniel Kaelin throwing his first collegiate touchdown of his career to Eli Wood for four yards. A couple of made and missed field goals from Kicker Will Bettridge would wrap up the game Saturday night with a final score of 48-20.

QUICK TAKEAWAYS

Chandler Morris - Wow, we kind of knew what we were getting into with the North Texas transfer, but he continues to prove himself week in and week out. He finished 23-31 with 380 yards and four touchdowns. The more impressive thing in my opinion is his decision-making ability outside the pocket. Making throws under pressure, on the run, and taking off himself have all been great ways Morris has made an impact on this Virginia team.

Offensive line - Once again another good night for the O-Line. Unfortunately, they gave up their first OFFICIAL SACK Saturday night but still had a strong showing giving Morris plenty of time as well as some elite run blocking.

Trell Harris - Harris has made some big plays already this season but has not been as explosive as he was tonight. Getting four grabs for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns, the former Golden Flash is making a name for himself in Charlottesville. Him being alongside JMU transfer Cam Ross (Who had 7 catches for 88 yards) is a deadly duo that is tough to stop for any school in the country.

Defense - While the defensive line once again showed some improvements getting to the QB, there is still issues with this UVA secondary. There were a couple of blown coverages that were taken advantage of giving Stanford some scoring opportunities. That will not be able to fly next Friday night against FSU.

Will Bettridge - Whether Coach Tony Elliott likes it or not, Virginia has a kicking problem. After a pretty strong 2024 season, Bettridge has struggled immensely this season. Missing a chip shot and barely making a line drive late in the game, Virginia has got to find an answer at kicker. Either Bettridge gets himself together or Virginia holds open tryouts on grounds Monday morning.

Final word - Virginia once again DID WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO DO against Stanford. A very explosive offensive performance once again and a nice defensive showing. Logistics like kicking, secondary, and discipline will NEED to be sorted out in this next short week of practice to prepare for Florida State.