Lackluster Start and Turnovers Doom Cavaliers in Loss to NC State

In one of the ugliest games in recent memory, the Virginia Cavaliers lost to the N.C. State Wolfpack 38-21 to drop their second game in as many weeks.

Much will be made over the week about the lackluster and seemingly lazy start that UVA put up again this week. They’ve now fallen behind all three of their opponents to begin the season, but ultimately fell behind the Wolfpack 24-0 before scoring with just 15 seconds left in the first half.

The offense did not do much, but the defense, who had kept UVA in the game last weekend against Clemson and turned Duke over countless times to win the game in the first week allowed NC State to rack up 239 yards in the first half including 139 yards and two touchdowns from Devin Leary.

Brennan Armstrong also turned in yet another slow start throwing for just 57 yards and on 6 completions, but two interceptions that kept the UVA offense off the field. Ultimately, Armstrong would go down with 5 minutes left in the 2nd quarter due to injury on a play that would result in an NC State player being ejected.

Thrust into action, Lindell Stone’s offense obviously did not have the running threat that Armstrong has and lead to UVA throwing the ball more than 50 times with Stone under center. Granted, the team was down significantly and throwing the ball is the quickest way to erase a lead.

The Stone offense was different than what UVA was expecting to run, but the turnovers are ultimately what lead to UVA’s loss. Two interceptions by Armstrong, a pick six thrown by Stone, and a fumble on a promising drive deep in NC State territory by Shane Simpson are the clear reasons UVA finds themselves at 1-2.

On a positive note, after being torched by the NC State offense to begin the game, the UVA defense was able to hold the Wolfpack in check in the second half. A missed short-ish field goal and a redzone interception by NC State helps, but the only points NC State had in the 2nd half before UVA was desperate and turned it over on downs deep in their own territory was the pick-six.

Fortunately for the Hoos their schedule gets easier next week when they travel to Wake Forest to take on the Demon Deacons. After the performance this week, the Hoos should put forth a better effort to start the game next weekend.