Quick Reaction: Virginia Beats William & Mary 27-13 for First Win of Season

The Cavaliers are victorious for the first time since October 20th, 2022

Virginia finally got over the hump and won a football game for the first time since October 20th, 2022, defeating William & Mary 27-13 on Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium. 

Game Summary

For the first 20 minutes of the game, it seemed the Cavaliers were headed towards yet another loss as a costly fumble by Tony Muskett led to William & Mary's lone touchdown of the game and gave the Tribe a 13-3 lead. From there, though, UVA ended the game on a 24-0 run, sparked by three scoring drives in the second quarter. Muskett ran in for a seven-yard touchdown and then Will Bettridge converted from 37 yards out to tie the game. Crucially, Muskett led the Cavaliers on a six-play, 79-yard drive that took just 48 seconds take the lead just before halftime. That possession was capped by a 26-yard touchdown pass from Muskett to Malachi Fields and made it 20-13 at the half. After a scoreless third quarter, Virginia showed it could score on a long, deliberate possession as well, driving 90 yards in 16 plays and taking more than seven and a half minutes off the clock. The UVA defense took care of the rest, not allowing any points in the second half as the Cavaliers finally found a way to win in 2023. 

Key Stats

• Virginia outgained William & Mary 453-219 and the Cavaliers rushed 45 times for 221 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. 
• UVA converted 6 out of 15 third downs and converted both times on 4th down. 
• Virginia did not record a sack for the second-straight game, but William & Mary attempted only 19 passes. UVA managed six tackles for loss and only allowed 72 passing yards.
• William & Mary came into this game averaging 258.2 rushing yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry. The Cavaliers held the Tribe to 147 rushing yards and 3.8 yards per carry. 

Standout Performances

• Tony Muskett: 17/26 (65%), 232 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
• Malik Washington: 7 receptions, 112 yards, 1 touchdown
• Perris Jones: 12 carries, 134 yards, 11.2 yards per carry
• Malachi Fields: 4 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown
• Kobe Pace: 20 carries, 83 yards, 4.2 yards per carry
• Kam Robinson: 12 tackles, 5 solo stops
• Will Bettridge: 2/2 on FG, 37-yard FG, 45-yard FG

Moving Forward

Virginia improves to 1-5 overall in 2023. Now at the midway point of the season, UVA has a bye next week and will then travel to North Carolina on Saturday, October 21st. 

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