Virginia Cavaliers' Ground Game Stumbles in 13-27 Defeat to Maryland Terrapins

The Virginia Cavaliers faced a challenging encounter against the Maryland Terrapins, culminating in a 13-27 loss at Scott Stadium. This result moves both teams to a 2-1 record for the season. Despite a spirited effort, the Cavaliers could not capitalize on their home advantage, managing to score only 13 points against the Terrapins' robust defense.

A Closer Look at Virginia's Performance

The game unfolded with Virginia struggling to find their rhythm on offense. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea completed 21 out of 37 attempts for a total of 247 yards but was hindered by two interceptions and one sack, reflecting a quarterback rating of just over 102. The ground attack saw some action with Kobe Pace leading in rushing yards; however, the team's total rushing effort amounted to only 123 yards from 30 attempts, which included one touchdown by Colandrea himself.

Special teams had mixed results; Daniel Sparks excelled with an average punt yardage of approximately 43 net yards across five attempts, placing one inside the opponent's twenty-yard line. Will Bettridge was flawless in field goal attempts, securing both tries and contributing crucial points for Virginia.

Maryland's Counterattack

On the defensive side, Jahmeer Carter stood out for Virginia with one sack and a tackle for loss among his contributions. However, Maryland’s offense proved too potent overall. The Terrapins capitalized on their opportunities effectively throughout the game phases.

Maryland maintained consistent pressure and exploited turnovers efficiently while showcasing resilience in their defensive play. Their ability to convert scoring opportunities into points was evident as they built their lead steadily through each quarter after trailing behind in the first.

Looking Ahead

The Virginia Cavaliers will aim to regroup as they prepare for their next challenge away against Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at Brooks Stadium (SC) on September 21st at 2:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+, where UVA will seek to bounce back and add another win to their record.

This upcoming game presents an opportunity for Virginia Cavaliers fans and players alike to move past this setback and focus on capturing success in future contests.