STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The Virginia football team, known for its anemic first-half performances and second-half comebacks, headed into Saturday's game against Penn State hoping for a stronger start.
At first, it appeared the Cavaliers were successful -- they were down only 10-7 at halftime, a mere fraction of the deficits they've faced in the recent weeks. However, a physical Penn State team (7-3) scored on its first four drives of the second half en route to a 35-14 victory over the Cavaliers (6-4).
Virginia started the game with a bang on the first drive. Penn State quarterback Zack Mills fumbled on the opening drive after being hit by Virginia senior linebacker Merrill Robertson, and sophomore defensive end Chris Canty recovered to set the Cavaliers up with good field position.
Junior quarterback Matt Schaub led the Cavaliers on an eight-play scoring drive that was capped off by a one-yard touchdown pass to freshman tight end Heath Miller. The touchdown was Miller's eighth of the season, tying the ACC single season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end.
Miller's score would be a rare bright spot for the Cavaliers, who were pushed around on both lines and outrushed 289-30. Penn State senior running back Larry Johnson rushed for 188 yards after breaking the Penn State single-game rushing record twice with games of 257 and 279 rushing yards.
Wali Lundy led the Virginia rushing attack with 41 yards on nine carries. Lundy also added the Cavaliers' second score with his third touchdown of the year. In addition, Schaub completed 30 of his 38 attempts for 260 yards.
The Nittany Lions dominated the line play, enjoying 13 minute advantage in time of possession.
"Our defense was definitely out there for a long time," Canty said. "I'm not saying we're not conditioned for it, but it's going to be hard to win ballgames when the defense stays out on the field."
Penn State also had an advantage in special teams. Kickoff specialist David Kimball had seven touchbacks, eliminating the dangerous Virginia return team led by sophomore Marquis Weeks. Penn State kicker Robbie Gould converted his only two field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder. The most influential special teams play came early in the fourth quarter as holder Chris Ganter, son of Penn State offensive coordinator Fran Ganter, faked a field goal and scored on a 30-yard option run.
Virginia's special teams were successful in fewer opportunities. Kicker Connor Hughes, a freshman walk-on, became the third kicker used by the Cavaliers this season. He did not attempt a field goal, and fellow freshman Kurt Smith handled the Virginia kickoffs, but Hughes did convert his two extra point attempts.
Virginia freshman linebacker Darryl Blackstock recorded a sack to bring his season total to nine, tying the ACC freshman record for sacks in a season.
Penn State senior defensive end Michael Haynes was able to sack Schaub three times, much to Virginia coach Al Groh's dismay.
"I was re-reading my notes to see what I said about him," Groh said. "And my last comment was, 'This guy is going to be a big blankety-blank problem.'"
The Cavaliers are left still searching for the seventh win that would make them eligible for a bowl bid, so with three games remaining against top-25 opponents N.C. State, Maryland and Virginia Tech. Looking back at their early lead and small halftime deficit, Groh and the Cavaliers can hope to correct their mistakes against their upcoming opponents.
"We couldn't put enough positive things together against this team," Groh said.
Read More
Women’s basketball goes scoreless in the final three minutes of a 68-65 loss to Louisville
By Xander Tilock | 1 hours agoThe Cavaliers have now lost three straight ACC games.
The Cavaliers run, jump, and throw their way through the Penn 10 Elite
By Caroline Wulff | 2 hours agoVirginia runners turned in quality performances against competition from the Ivy League, Big Ten and other prominent conferences.
No. 5 women’s tennis wins ITA Kickoff Weekend in thrilling final
By Gracie Genereux | 2 hours agoVirginia defended its home court in the regional qualifier.
