Hoos Win 27-17; Bowling Anyone?

Saturday saw the Virginia Cavaliers gain bowl eligibility with a 27-17 win over Georgia Tech. While the victory was important the Hoos have little time to celebrate as a matchup against in-state archrival Virginia Tech is next.

Going into the game against Georgia Tech on Saturday there were a few a few things the Virginia Cavaliers could accomplish by coming out with a victory. One...gain more confidence...and two...earn bowl eligibility. Mission accomplished as the Hoos struck early and held on to stifle the Yellow Jackets 27-17.

Early on it appeared as if running back Wali Lundy continued his momentum from last week's performance scoring on touchdown runs of 15 and 18 yards to put UVa up 14-0 in the first quarter. Lundy's breakout couldn't come at a better time as the Hoos face their toughtest competition in the next two weeks. Saturday the senior had 23 carries for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Also keeping the pedal to the floor out of the Hoo backfield was fullback Jason Snelling. After rushing for over 100 yards last week Snelling gave the Hoos the lift they needed late to help put the game out of reach. Snelling's 48 yards rushing came at a crucial time providing the final touches on the victory.

After Virginia established a 17-0 lead the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rallied and eventually tied the score in the third quarter. From there the Cavaliers put together the game deciding drives resulting in a 47 yard field goal by Connor Hughes late in the third and a 21 yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Deyon Williams.

Williams had a career day against the Yellow Jacket defense which came into the game ranked 16th in the nation. Saturday saw Deyon make 10 catches for 107 yards including the aforementioned score to seal the victory. This season Williams has been the primary target for quarterback Marques Hagans and his development has been one of the brightest spots on the team.

Marques Hagans played another outstanding game as many in the crowd mentioned that his performance Saturday reminded them of his play against Florida State earlier this season. Hagans was an efficient 21-29 for 205 yards passing. He also scampered for 25 yards on the ground including a few runs to gain first downs for the Hoos.

Coming into the game many worried about the Hoo secondary as they were playing without safety Tony Franklin as Calvin Johnson loomed on the other side. The young Hoo secondary played a tremendous game only allowing the All-American wide receiver 4 catches for 41 yards on the day. Damarius Bilbo was the leading receiver for the Jackets catching 6 passes for 89 yards as the defense was able to contain Johnson most of the game.

With the victory the Hoos' record moves to 6-3 on the season and while the team obviously is glad to be bowl eligible their focus now turns to their archrivals Virginia Tech. The Hokies had a bye week and are coming off a loss to Miami which adds a little more fuel to the fire in this intense in-state rivalry.

HooNation will take an in-depth look at the players on both squads this week as well as a look back at some of the series most memorable games in recent memory.

The Virginia defense wallops Georgia Tech running back P. J. Daniels