Bryce Hall breaks the rock after Virginia win over Duke; Mendenhall is a proud papa

The Virginia Cavaliers are on a roll as the 5-2, 3-1 ACC Hoos picked up their first road win of the season over the Duke Blue Devils by a final score of 28-14. Despite “only” being a two-touchdown game, it was one that felt squarely in the control of the Hoos from start to finish.

Watching the team break the rock after victories has become one of my favorite traditions for this team, now in its third season under head coach Bronco Mendenhall. Today, it came down to the wire between Bryce Hall and Evan Butts.

Evan (Big) Butts only had two receptions, but they were for a combined 20 yards, including a huge 16-yard catch stretched out in the end zone. Meanwhile, Hall racked up fivetackles, three pass break-ups, and a big interception.

It was Hall that earned the honors. Here’s the video:

The defense and special teams were firing on all cylinders this afternoon. Here’s Mendenhall as one proud papa, including a big embrace with Tavares Kelly, who recorded a career-long 43-yard punt return, finishing the day with a career-high 72 punt return yards.

Everyone got in on the celebration as the Hoos are getting used to this rinse-repeat cycle of win, dance, repeat!