The Virginia Cavaliers survived a late rally and defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 33 to 28 to maintain 1st place in the ACC Coastal Division.
Bryce Perkins was an efficient 24 of 35 for 258 yards and a touchdown pass to Joe Reed. Perkins added another rushing touchdown and Wayne Taulapapa had two rushing touchdowns, the second coming in the fourth quarter to give the Cavaliers the lead for good. Terrell Jana was once again the favorite target for Bryce Perkins, with 9 receptions for 108 yards.
The usually running-heavy Georgia Tech offense torched the depleted UVA secondary for three passing touchdowns in the first half, including a 59-yard strike from James Graham to Ahmarean Brown on the fourth play of the game. The defense improved in the second half, holding the Yellow Jackets scoreless in the 3rd quarter. Jordan Mack and Zane Zandier lead the UVA defense with 9 tackles each, and Joey Blount added an interception.
Georgia Tech’s Jordan Mason scored on an 8-yard touchdown run to make the game 33-28 with 5:30 left in the game, but Virginia converted two third-down conversions on their next drive to seal the victory.
Virginia has a bye week next week before hosting Liberty on November 23rd and then ending the season with a Commonwealth Clash that will likely decide the Coastal Division Champion.
Article by Matt Newton
Produced by Robb Dehney, Stephen Mallozzi, and Amelia Delphos
Photographs: Jonathan Buchinsky, Tanner Phipps, Olivia Taylor
