The Shadow
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (VR) — Virginia struggled on both sides of the football Saturday as Wake Forest handed the Cavaliers another setback in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
The Cavaliers found themselves playing from behind early after Wake Forest scored on its opening possession. Virginia trailed 10-0 after the first quarter and never found an answer for a Demon Deacons offense that moved the ball throughout the afternoon.
Virginia’s defense had one of its toughest outings of the season. Wake Forest was forced to punt just once, coming on its final possession with two minutes remaining. The Cavaliers also had trouble getting off the field, allowing the Demon Deacons to sustain drives and keep pressure on the Virginia offense.
Offensively, Virginia finished with 314 passing yards but struggled to turn that production into enough points. The Cavaliers also had difficulty converting on fourth down, succeeding on just three of seven attempts.
Quarterback Beau Pribula connected with Da’Shawn Martin for a 47-yard touchdown with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Martin was one of the few bright spots for Virginia, finishing with career highs of nine receptions and 119 yards.
The touchdown was Martin’s 10th of his career and his second 47-yard scoring reception this season. He is now just 19 yards away from reaching 1,000 career receiving yards.
Pribula increased his season total to 14 touchdown passes, including five covering at least 40 yards. Receiver Josiah Abdullah also recorded a career-high four catches for 37 yards.
Defensively, safety Montino Williams led Virginia with 10 tackles, including six solo stops. It marked the third consecutive game Williams established a career high in tackles.
Linebacker Kam Robinson recorded his 10th career sack in the first quarter, while defensive end Matthew Fobbs-White added his team-leading fifth sack of the season late in the second quarter.
Despite those individual efforts, Virginia had few answers for Wake Forest’s offense.
The loss continued Virginia’s recent struggles against the Demon Deacons, who have now won seven of the last eight meetings between the programs dating back to 2008. Virginia still leads the all-time series 35-19.
The Cavaliers entered the weekend having won nine of their previous 12 ACC games dating back to last season, but Saturday’s performance exposed problems on both sides of the ball that will need to be addressed as the season continues.
Virginia (4-5, 2-4 ACC) has a bye week before returning to Scott Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, to host California. Kickoff time has not been announced.
The Cavaliers have lost three straight games and need two wins in their final three contests to become bowl eligible.
Following California, Virginia will host North Carolina on Nov. 21 before closing the regular season at Virginia Tech on Nov. 28.
With three games remaining, Virginia will need to improve defensively and find more consistency on offense to avoid a disappointing finish to the season.
