The Shadow
CHAPEL HILL – No. 16 Virginia continued its historic run Saturday afternoon, edging North Carolina 23-21 in overtime to stay unbeaten in ACC play and extend its winning streak to six games — the program’s longest since 2007.
The Cavaliers improved to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the conference, maintaining one of just two perfect ACC records alongside Georgia Tech (5-0). The victory also marked Virginia’s third overtime win of the season, a feat achieved by only eight other teams in college football history.
Saturday’s matchup was the 130th meeting in the “South’s Oldest Rivalry,” and UVA’s 60th all-time win against the Tar Heels — the most against any opponent in program history.
Virginia’s defense once again carried the day. The Cavaliers shut out UNC in the first quarter, forced six three-and-outs, and came up with two key interceptions — including a game-saving pick by Antonio Clary to close regulation. On the Tar Heels’ final two-point try in overtime, Virginia’s front held firm, sealing the win with a stop at the goal line.
Junior linebacker Kam Robinson anchored the defensive effort with a career-high 13 tackles, including five solos and a half-sack. His solo takedown in overtime marked his 100th career unassisted tackle. Mitchell Melton turned in a highlight play late in the third quarter, deflecting a pass that bounced off a Tar Heel helmet and into his own hands for his first career interception.
Quarterback Chandler Morris surpassed 8,000 career passing yards in the win, finishing with 200 yards and a touchdown. His second-quarter strike to Trell Harris for 30 yards gave UVA a 10-3 lead at the time — Harris’ fourth touchdown of the season and eighth of his career.
Running back J’Mari Taylor delivered the game-winner, punching in a one-yard touchdown in overtime for his ninth rushing score of the year — the most by a Cavalier since 2019. Taylor also provided the deciding overtime touchdown earlier this month at Louisville.
Special teams played a steady role as Daniel Sparks flipped the field repeatedly, punting eight times for a season-high 391 yards, including three of 50-plus. Freshman Jayden Thomas, filling in on punt returns, provided a spark of his own with a 31-yard return — the second-longest by a Cavalier this season.
Virginia has now held opponents without a touchdown in three straight fourth quarters and has forced at least one turnover in five consecutive games, all wins. The Cavaliers have yielded only one touchdown in their last 96 minutes of regulation play.
Head coach Tony Elliott’s squad is now assured of at least a .500 record in ACC play for the first time since 2021. More notably, the Cavaliers’ six-game win streak and 7-1 start mark their best under Elliott — and their best overall since the 2007 season that ended with a Gator Bowl bid.
Virginia will look to extend its streak next week as ACC contention tightens, but Saturday’s win in Chapel Hill — against their oldest rival, in overtime, with history on the line — may be the defining moment of the Cavaliers’ resurgence.
