Cavaliers Toppled by Hokies (11-25-23)
By: James Brown
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
The University of Virginia Cavaliers take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech for bragging rights, a chance to bring the Commonwealth Cup back to Charlottesville and spoil the Hokies’ chances of getting a bowl game. Coming into the game the Cavaliers are 3-8 on the season fresh off a win over Duke.
The Cavaliers fell behind early in this one and never recovered. The Cavalier defense couldn’t contain the Hokie offense surrendering 24 first-half points. Allowing three Touchdown scores of over 30 yards. The second half wasn’t any better for the Cavalier defense as the Hokies rattled off 31 more points including an 84-yard Touchdown and a 94-yard kick-off return.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cavaliers didn’t even get on the scoreboard until the third quarter with a 25-yard Field Goal from Will Bettridge. UVA Quarterback Anthony Colandreawas 29 of 46 243 yards and threw for two touchdowns and an interception. Colandrea was under fire from the Hokies defensive front all day being sacked a total of six times while taking several shots from Hokie defenders. Star receiver Malik Washington was held in check early but ended the day with 14 receptions for 115 yards. Malachi Fields also added 89 yards and two touchdown receptions on 6 catches.
The Cavaliers ultimately fell to the Hokies with a 55-17 final score, losing the Commonwealth Cup and allowing the Hokies a postseason bowl game birth. The Cavaliers finish the season with a final record of 3-9 with many fans wondering what is next for the program. Will coach Tony Elliott be brought back for another year or will the Cavaliers go back to the drawing board to see who will lead their program?
