Virginia finally snapped the streak vs. Virginia Tech to win the ACC Coastal for the first time.
The nightmare is over. Virginia snapped the 15-game losing streak to Virginia Tech, 39-30, to beat the in-state rivals for the first time since Nov. 29, 2003. The win also gives Bronco Mendenhall’s team the ACC Coastal division and will play in the ACC Championship Game for the first time.
For the first half, it looked like the Hoos would have this one wrapped up nicely and fans could enjoy some Thanksgiving leftovers and do some online Black Friday shopping. Virginia raced out to a 13-6 halftime lead. But you know it wouldn’t be that easy, right? The Commonwealth Cup woke up in the second half with 21 third-quarter points from the Hokies to take a 27-20 lead going to the fourth quarter.
Just when it looked like the streak would snap things took a dramatic turn and reminded Virginia fans they are living in a nightmare and wondering if this would ever end.
Thankfully, for them, Bryce Perkins plays quarterback and the Cavs came back with authority, outscoring the Hokies 19-3 in the decisive fourth quarter.
His biggest throw came on a 3rd and 15 with 1:29 left in the fourth quarter to Tavares Kelly Jr. for nine yards to the Virginia Tech 31. That set up kicker Brian Delaney for a 48-yard field goal to snap the streak. It was up and good. Never a doubt.
Perkins finished with 311 yards through the air with a touchdown and interception and 166 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns of 39 and 67 yards in the first quarter. He cemented his legacy today as an all-time Virginia football player. He’s the guy who beat Tech. He snapped the streak (with the help of his teammates).
https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/status/1200518887063916545
The scene after with fans rushing the field was 15 years in the making. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off all those Thanksgiving calories.
For perspective on just how long of a wait this has been for Virginia to beat Tech, consider these fun facts.
- Friends was halfway thru its final season
- Beyonce feat. Sean Paul – “Baby Boy” was the Billboard No. 1 song.
- Cat in the Hat was No. 1 at the box office.
- George W. Bush was in the third year of his first term
- Barack Obama was in his second term as an Illinois Senator
- The average price of a gallon of gas was $1.83.
The Cavaliers added a defensive touchdown on the ensuing possession to snuff out any comeback attempt by Tech. The streak was dead. Virginia is the champions of the ACC Coastal.
Now, they have to get ready for No. 3 Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. Can the Cavaliers pull off what would be one of the biggest upsets of the year and knock the Tigers out of the College Football Playoff?
It would be more improbable than beating Virginia Tech for the first time in 16 tries.
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