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In high flying first half, the Virginia Cavaliers offense had scored 28 points, including touchdowns on four of their first six drives. In the closing minutes of the half the Hoos looked to keep the offensive showcase going, but QB Kurt Benkert threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown giving the Pittsburgh Panthers a lead they would not relinquish.
The sight of UVA turnovers — sometimes costly ones — has become an all too frequent occurrence for Cavaliers fans. How common? Check out this stat below:
#UVA has committed at least one turnover in 36 straight games. That is the longest such streak in the country.
— STL UVA Stats & Info (@STLUVAStatsInfo) October 15, 2016
The next longest active streak is Miami of Ohio at 22 straight and Ball State at 19. The last time Virginia did not commit a turnover in a game was their last game vs Maryland, a 27-26 loss on October 12th, 2013. That is over three years ago. Unsurprisingly, the Cavaliers have posted only an 11-25 (.306) record during that 36-game streak.
Leading up to the 2013 Maryland game, Virginia was already on a 15-game turnover streak, meaning UVA has only had a clean game once in their past 52 contests.
It goes without saying — though we’re going to say it anyway — limiting turnovers is a key ingredient to winning. Coach Mendenhall and the Hoos will need to figure out a way to hold on to the ball to have a successful finish to the season.