The Commonwealth Cup has returned to Charlottesville for the first time since 2003 after the Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 39-30 on Friday.
Bryce Perkins scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter to put the Hoos up 13-3, but the Hokies responded with a 17-0 run to take the lead in the 3rd quarter. The UVA offense found its groove again in the second half, as Virginia and Virginia Tech traded scores until the game was tied at 30 with just 7 minutes to play. A 48-yard Brian Delaney field goal put the Hoos up three with 1:23 left in the game and then the UVA defense sacked Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker on three consecutive plays, the last of which being a strip sack by Mandy Alonso in the end zone, recovered by Eli Hanback for the game-sealing touchdown.
The UVA defense struggled to stop Hendon Hooker and the red-hot Virginia Tech offense during the second and third quarters, but crucially held the Hokies to just three points in the 4th quarter. Noah Taylor had two interceptions in the game.
Once again, Bryce Perkins led the UVA offense, accounting for 475 yards and three total touchdowns. Hasise DuBois had 4 receptions for 139 yards and Billy Kemp IV added a touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter to tie the game at 20. Virginia Tech’s defense came into the game having not allowed a point in the last nine quarters of play.
With the win, Virginia moves to 9-3 on the year, clinches the ACC Coastal Division Championship for the first time in program history, and will face Clemson next Saturday in the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte.
Article Recap by Matt Newton
Produced by Robb Dehney, Amelia Delphos, and Matt Newton
Photography: Tanner Phipps and Amelia Delphos
