Virginia falls short on final possession against NC State, losing 35-31

Virginia falls short on final possession against NC State, losing 35-31

(Raleigh) - A lot of excitement was built around the Virginia football squad Saturday going to play a road non-conference game against the Wolfpack of NC State. There were nerves in trying to neutralize opposing quarterback CJ Bailey and other playmakers.

Virginia started out the game really hot offensively scoring touchdowns on their first two drives. Within those first two possessions, Virginia got to third down six times, and converted on five out of six. There was also a fourth and one on the first possession that J’Mari Taylor took to the house to open the scoring for the Hoos. “Guys just executed. Protection held up, the quarterback went through progressions, and receivers made tough plays. Elliott explained, Hopefully that builds confidence. We’ve been over 50% on third down the last two games. Now we need to finish better in the red zone and make those field goals.” As for that second offensive drive, the Cavaliers did exactly what Coach Elliott said he wanted to do earlier this week, utilize multiple running backs. J’Mari Taylor, Xavier Brown, and Noah Vaughn all combined for multiple yards and receptions that drive, ending in a J’Mari Taylor nine yard touchdown rush.

The problem? CJ Bailey and the Wolfpack offense. While Virginia’s offense was working very diligently, so was NC State. The first drive for the Wolfpack ended with CJ Bailey running through the middle of the UVA QB contain for 30 yards and a touchdown. The second drive for NC State led into the second quarter ending with CJ Bailey throwing a 30 yard touchdown pass to the speedy Noah Rogers.

After some offensive fireworks, both teams cooled down offensively until later in the quarter when Virginia kicker Will Bettridge hit a 29 yard field goal. Virginia forced a quick three and out which led to Cam Ross getting a chance to return a punt… and he took advantage. Ross returned 48 yards to the NC State 27 yard line giving the Hoos a prime opportunity to go up two possessions going into the half. Virginia took advantage and Chandler Morris found tight end Sage Ennis in the endzone for Virginia to have some big momentum up by 10 at the half.

NC State made some very good defensive adjustments going into the second half, and not only that, running back Hollywood Smothers finally started to come alive for the Wolfpack. Smothers ran for 14 yards to score for NC State opening up the second half. The Wolfpack defense stood strong which led to Smothers getting another big carry for 57 yards up the middle to get into the Cavalier redzone. CJ Bailey would then get on the outside of the Virginia contain and walk into the endzone for a 12-yard rushing touchdown.

After NC State took the lead 28-24, J’Mari Taylor broke free once again on 3rd and one this time, rushing for 66 yards and a Cavalier touchdown. Taylor postgame said: “We’d been practicing it all week, and when I saw the defense pre-snap, I just trusted my offensive line. Everybody made their blocks, and all I had to do was run, score, and reward them for their work.” Unfortunately, that would be the final time the Hoos score in the game.

Hollywood Smothers rushed for another touchdown for the Wolfpack giving them the lead 35-31.

The fourth quarter was unlike the rest of the game where both teams actually was playing quality defense. Virginia opened the quarter trying a 47 yard field goal that was doinked off of the left upright by Will Bettridge. It was a 4th and 5 at the NC State 30 when the Hoos were down 4 points. Postgame Coach Elliott explained his decision to kick. “Yeah, we thought about it. The analytics said it was close, but I wanted the points to give us a chance to win it on a field goal. We needed something on the board. I know the numbers might say go for it, but I felt like we were in range. If we make that, it’s a different ballgame — now in that two-minute situation you’re playing for a field goal instead of a touchdown.” While the offense struggled, the defense finally came alive in the fourth quarter not giving up anything. “It really only took us two drives in the first half before we got several stops that let us build a 10-point halftime lead. In the second half, we pressured the quarterback more, tackled better, and got their running back on the ground quicker to avoid those 7–8 yard gains. Guys stepped up late to give us a shot.”

Virginia would get one final opportunity with 2:12 remaining on the clock at their own 19. The Cavaliers looked good after 3 completions in a row for a combined 48 yards. After a 3rd and nine conversion, Virginia had the ball at the Wolfpack 12 yard line with just over a minute to play. Chandler Morris would then try to pass to a wheel route intended for J’Mari Taylor in the endzone, which was picked off by the NC State Edge Cian Slone. QB Chandler Morris commented after the game: “Yeah, we had a wheel route out of the backfield. I kind of got flushed a little bit, was just trying to make a play. I saw the defender’s back to me, just threw it, and he turned around and made a play.” J’mari Taylor the intended receiver was asked if he thought he was open. “Yes, definitely. We’d been talking about it—our running backs knew they couldn’t run with us in coverage. We told the coaches we had a chance there, and the quarterback did what great quarterbacks do—he took a shot. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but I love our quarterback, I love the offense, and I love competing with those guys.”

NC State would then take knees to wrap up the ball game.

QUICK TAKEAWAYS

CJ Bailey - The NC State QB diced up the Cavalier defense, no other way to put it. Mitchel Melton commented about him postgame. “Yeah, he’s a great quarterback. I give him all the credit. He definitely made it tough on us, but I think there are a lot of things we left on the table. Watching the film will definitely be a little frustrating, but it’s all part of the game. We’ll come back stronger from it and continue to work.” He finished with a completion percentage of 70% and 201 yards. He threw one touchdown and ran for two, capping off a total of 244 yards.

Chandler Morris - Morris had a great day too, just could not come up with the victory in the end. Morris combined for 314 yards with a couple of explosive rushing plays. That final interception was the only negative thing about his performance, and unfortunately, it was a very impactful play.

Offensive line - The front five for the Cavaliers were extraordinary today. Gave up no sacks, protected Chandler Morris, and created some huge gaps for the running backs. “That’s two good football teams battling. Their offensive line is really good and experienced. Our line had a backup in at right tackle and still didn’t give up a sack.” -Coach Elliott.

J’Mari Taylor - We saw what he did at NC Central, and he has been incredible so far in the Orange and Blue. Finishing with 150 yards and 3 touchdowns rushing, the FCS walk-on athlete had himself a day. Coach Elliott commented about his transition. “He’s just a good football player. Nowadays there are good players at every level. He started for several years, is talented, has the right temperament, works hard, puts the team first, and just wants to do things right. Those qualities have helped him make the transition.”

Final thought - Will Virginia bounce back? 100%. The Hoos come back home to Scott Stadium to host the Tribe of William and Mary where they should have a really strong performance. Mitchell Melton said postgame, “We just have to get back on track. We’ll come ready to work on Monday, be very transparent and honest about the mistakes we made, and focus on fixing them. I’m confident we’ll respond, and I know we’ll be good.” After William and Mary, the Cavaliers will play Stanford before hosting currently #14 in the country, Florida State. That is plenty of time to get back on track and find a rhythm. And once again, this game counted as a non-conference game. Meaning it does not go in the ACC record. Just one or two more plays here and there gives Virginia the win today, the Hoos were close, just need to finish.