For the first time this season, the Virginia offense, defense, and special teams all played their finest in Saturday's 24-19 upset of the 22nd-ranked Miami Hurricanes in Scott Stadium. The win was an emotional one, as evidenced by head coach Mike London's tears of joy following the game, as he picks up his first ACC win at Virginia. The players, in celebrating with the fans, waved them on, and the student section for the first time since the 2005 upset of Florida State were able to experience rushing the field.
It was Virginia's first upset of a ranked team in two years, and the first conference win in over a year. Not only this, but the ACC recognized junior cornerback Chase Minnifield and junior safety Corey Mosley for their outstanding performances as this week's co-defensive backs of the week.
Minnifield had two interceptions and four tackles in the upset of Miami. He teamed with Mosley to help the Cavaliers tie the school record with five interceptions during the game. Minnifield's first interception came in the second quarter and set up UVa's first touchdown of the game. His second came in the third quarter when UVa led 17-0 but Miami had driven to the Cavaliers' 17-yard line. Minnifield now has six interceptions this season which ties for the NCAA FBS lead.Mosley tallied two interceptions and four tackles on Saturday. Mosley's first pick ended a Hurricane scoring threat. With Virginia up 7-0 and UM at the 15-yard line he intercepted the ball on the eight and returned it 44 yards setting up the Cavaliers' second TD. His second interception came in the fourth quarter at the UM 30, which he returned to the Canes' 5-yard line. UVa scored one play later to go up 24-0.
Virginia is now 4-4 on the season and is looking to start a bit of an ACC streak now as they face Duke, Maryland and Boston College in the next three games. Win these three and the Cavaliers are in the money for a bowl game.