The Shadow
DALLAS, Tx. (VR) — Virginia suffered an ACC loss Saturday against SMU, falling 23-13 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium despite holding the Mustangs to their lowest scoring output of the season.
The Cavaliers (UVA) have now won nine of their last 12 ACC regular-season games, while SMU improved to 10-0 at home against conference opponents since joining the ACC in 2024.
Virginia’s defense made an early statement, stopping SMU on fourth-and-1 at the Mustangs’ 34-yard line on the opening possession. SMU took a 3-0 lead into the second quarter, marking the first time this season the Cavaliers had trailed after the opening period.
Quarterback Beau Pribula put Virginia ahead 7-3 in the second quarter, scoring on a 1-yard run on fourth-and-goal to finish an 11-play, 75-yard drive. The touchdown was Pribula’s second rushing score of the season and 18th of his career.
Kicker Will Bettridge connected on a 47-yard field goal with 29 seconds remaining in the first half, tying the game at 10. Bettridge finished with two field goals, matching his career-long distance for the fourth time.
Defensively, Virginia recorded a season-high eight quarterback hurries. Matthew Fobbs-White led the Cavaliers with five pressures, six tackles and a fourth-quarter sack. The sack increased his season total to 4.5 and career total to nine.
Safety Montino Williams added a career-high six tackles, including three solo stops, in his third career start.
Offensively, Pribula saw his six-game streak with a touchdown pass come to an end, while Da’Shawn Martin’s three-game touchdown reception streak was also snapped.
Left guard Noah Josey made his 50th consecutive start, the longest active streak on Virginia’s roster. Wide receiver Isaiah Robinson made his first career start.
SMU’s 23 points were its fewest in a victory since 2013. The Mustangs also improved to 2-0 all-time against Virginia, following a 33-7 victory in Charlottesville in 2024.
