JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--- What has Virginia head coach Tony Elliott emphasized every week? Winning the middle eight. Virginia did just that as the Cavaliers secured their first 11 win season of program history by beating Missouri in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
The UVA defense came up big with a crucial stop just before halftime, after the Tigers had an opportunity to increase their lead due to a muffed punt that gave Mizzou favorable field position - the Tigers would miss the field goal.
Virginia would come out of the break on a mission. The Cavaliers took the 10-7 lead with 4:53 to go in the 3rd quarter with a drive that lasted 19 plays for 75 yards - taking 10:07 off the clock. This was the longest drive by plays and duration for UVA football this season and it was the second longest drive in Virginia program history in both duration and plays run.
Next drive, Antonio Clary - Jacksonville native - tipped a Matt Zollers pass right to Emmanuel Karnley for his first career interception - the 'Hoos would add a field goal and Missouri would have six total plays in the third quarter.
Here are our takeaways or more like keys to the win.
The Eli Wood game
No game story or recap should not start without mentioning Eli Wood. Wood made plays across the field - mimicking the famous Bugs Bunny cartoon where he played every single baseball position. The UVA senior - who is known as the glue of the receiver room - stepped in for the injured Trell Harris on offense - making stop big catches on key first down plays; made tackles on special teams; and was part of Chandler Morris' pooch punt in the fourth quarter, diving to keep the ball outside the end zone, with Cam Ross going on top of the ball and downing it on the Missouri two-yard line.
Depth.. depth.. depth
Virginia football was down several injured players, while also missing one of the best offensive weapons on offense, J'Mari Taylor - who decided to opt out of the game. Last season any more injuries would have been completely detrimental, but not this season. The 'Hoos turned to their depth. For Taylor, Harrison Waylee and freshman running back Xay Davis came into play; with their best down the field threat out, Trell Harris, glue guy Eli Wood came up with some big first down plays filling in; while Chandler Morris found Jahmal Edrine and Cam Ross to spread things out for the Cavaliers.
With Ja'son Prevard not available and both linebackers Maddox Marcellus and Kam Robinson out, freshman Corey Costner continued his upward trajectory on this team, while veterans like James Jackson, Clary and safety Devin Neal made the big stops.
Costner and Clary with the big stop on fourth down, pushing Matt Zollers out before he reached the first down with two minutes left in the game.
Passing the baton
Bowl games and bowl game practices are an opportunity for some young players to not only gain experience but also contribute to the game plan - especially with the game not affecting a players' red shirt status. With UVA having several injuries on Saturday night, the 'Hoos turned to a few young players for some snaps, which is a good indicator on who the staff sees making strides over the last few months.
When I asked Virginia head coach Tony Elliott at a bowl game practice this week which first years were showing some big strides, he mentioned a few of the linemen, but he also singled out both quarterback Cole Geer and safety Montino Williams. Williams has played safety all year long for the Cavaliers but Geer stepped up on the first drive, lining up at wide receiver. He was lateraled but could not get the ball out quick enough to throw it - looked like someone missed their block in the play.
In addition to those two, wide receiver Isaiah Robinson stepped in for the injured Dillon Newton-Short - who often is part of the third down group - defensive lineman Sichan John , tight end Justin Zames and, as mentioned above, running back Xay Davis all made appearance in the first half for the 'Hoos.
Davis stepped in after J'Mari Taylor was unavailable for the 'Hoos, opting out of the game - he finished with 41 yards. With Taylor and Waylee out of eligibility, Davis showed some nice flashes for the future of the position.
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