Virginia captured a signature win under second-year head coach Tony Elliott by knocking off No. 10 North Carolina 31-27 on Saturday.
Cavaliers receiver Malik Washington caught the go-ahead touchdown and linebacker James Jackson had the game-sealing interception during the fourth quarter.
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Virginia led early throughout the first quarter and for a good amount of time in the first half. The Cavaliers entered halftime trailing 17-14 as North Carolina kicker Noah Burnette made a 43-yarder as time expired.
The Tar Heels led by as much as 24-14 after quarterback Drake Maye ran in a 3-yard score with 9:35 left to play in the third quarter.
Mike Hollins helped key the Cavaliers’ comeback, dialing up a 1-yard touchdown run and later kicker Will Bettridge made a 45-yard field goal with 32 seconds left in the third quarter to tie the game at 24 points apeice.
Burnette then made a 27-yard field goal to give the Tar Heels a 27-24 lead, but it wouldn’t last.
Virginia mounted a seven-play, 73-yard drive over 3:12 that led to Washington’s 14-yard score with 8:51 left. The Cavaliers were tasked with stopped the Tar Heels the rest of the way.
The Cavaliers forced a three-and-out and allowed four plays on North Carolina’s second drive thereafter, halting the Tar Heels from gathering momentum before they got the ball back one final time with 1:12 left after a Virginia punt.
Maye completed three quick passes and moved 27 yards down the field to Virginia’s 48-yard line.
Disaster struck as Jackson intercepted Maye on second and 10, ending the game and sealing the upset.
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Maye finished with 347 passing yards and two touchdowns as North Carolina had the edge in yardage 490 to 436.
Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett completed 67% of his passes for 207 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Washington had 115 receiving yards and a score.
