The Virginia football team traveled to Annapolis, Md. this week to play in their first bowl game since 2011. The Cavaliers (6-7, 3-5 ACC) were looking to take down Navy Thursday to cap off their season with a winning record, but fell flat against a Midshipmen (7-6, 4-4 AAC) team that dominated throughout, winning 49-7.
The Cavaliers came out of the gates on fire with sophomore wide receiver Joe Reed scoring a touchdown on a kick return in the first play of the game to put Virginia up 7-0. However, it would be all downhill from there on out for Virginia, as Navy put up 49 unanswered points en route to a lopsided victory.
Senior quarterback Kurt Benkert struggled for Virginia, completing 16 of 36 passes for only 145 and no touchdowns, including an interception. Virginia’s run game struggled as well, with the team rushing for only 30 yards on 18 carries and no touchdowns.
The lone bright spot on a Virginia offense that failed to score a touchdown for the second straight game was junior halfback Olamide Zaccheaus who had five receptions for 62 yards.
The Cavaliers lost the turnover battle 3-0, with the team losing two fumbles in addition to Benkert’s interception.
Navy was dynamic on offense, accumulating 452 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. They were led by junior quarterback Zach Abey, who came in for injured sophomore quarterback Malcolm Perry and proceeded to score five rushing touchdowns. Perry also had a strong performance, running for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
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