Wahoo Wire

With 2 minutes left in the third quarter, the Cavaliers trailed Maryland 9-3 and were in danger of taking a giant step back towards irrelevancy.

Nineteen seconds and 10 points later, Virginia grabbed a lead they would not relinquish, and the team now sits 2-0 in conference play.

The Cavaliers (3-3, 2-0 ACC) beat Maryland (2-5, 1-2 ACC) to move to .500 for the first time since November 15^th of last year.

While extending its winning streak to three, Virginia again relied on a devastating defense. The Cavaliers had four takeaways, including a 31-yard pick six by nose tackle Nate Collins.

With only 200 total yards, the Virginia offense was far from potent, but played steadily enough to hold off the Terrapins. Cavalier quarterback Jameel Sewell threw for only 137 yards, but avoided an interception for the third straight game. Senior fullback Rashawn Jackson proved a reliable replacement for starting tailback Mickell Simpson, who missed the game with a neck injury.

The Cavaliers and Maryland traded field goals in the first half and remained tied until the final minutes of the second quarter. Then, the Cavaliers’ botched rugby punt netted a three-yard loss and set up a 30-yard Maryland field goal.

With six minutes left in the third quarter, Maryland tacked on another field goal to go up 9-3, and Virginia fans collectively groaned. Given the Cavaliers’ struggles to move the ball, Maryland appeared to have the game under control. However, the Cavaliers fought back.

On the ensuing drive, Virginia’s emerging wide receiver Kris Burd came down with a circus catch that led to a 31-yard field goal. Two plays into Maryland’s next position, Nathan Collins intercepted Maryland quarterback Chris Turner and returned the ball 32 yards for a touchdown.

With 1:47 left, Rashawn Jackson iced the game with a 2 yard running touchdown, and Virginia left Byrd Stadium with a 20-9 victory.

After its win at College Park, the team that was once the laughingstock of the ACC now leads its Coastal division.

The Cavaliers’ early season struggles may rightfully cast doubts about their validity as conference contenders. Virginia’s Al Groh is not on anyone’s short list for Coach of the Year and the Cavaliers would be grateful for a Meineke Car Care Bowl bid this season.

However, when Georgia Tech comes into Scott Stadium next week, it will be a matchup between the first and second place teams in the conference. And it’ll be the home team trying to stay on top of the ACC.