Virginia rallies late to beat ODU, 16-14

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Brendan Farrell kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired in the 16-14 win over Old Dominion. (Virginiasports.com)

Virginiasports.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia drove the field in 1:01 and Brendan Farrell kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired in the 16-14 win over Old Dominion on Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium.

The Cavaliers led for most of the contest before ODU drove the field with 3:06 remaining on the clock to score a touchdown and take a 14-13 lead. QB Brennan Armstrong threw his fifth 20+ yard pass of the afternoon, connecting with WR Lavel Davis Jr. to put UVA on the ODU 33.

After several attempts in the end zone, Armstrong took a knee in the middle of the field to set up Farrell’s 26-yard field goal. Farrell was 3-for-4 on field goals for the game.

Armstrong, who became the career passing leader during the game, threw for 284 yards. WR Keytaon Thompson had 118 receiving yards, including a 45-yard reception. WR Dontayvion Wicks had four receptions for 85 yards, including three catches for 20+.

RB Xavier Brown rushed for 88 yards that included a 38-yard run to set up UVA’s only touchdown drive. Langston Long led the defense with nine tackles and had two pass breakups.

SCORING PLAYS

• UVA scored its lone touchdown in the first quarter, with a 7-play, 77 yard drive.

Xavier Brown broke free for a 38-yard rush on the first play of UVA’s second drive. Armstrong connected with Thompson for a 19-yard gain to the ODU 20 and RB Perris Jonesadded a 15-yard rush before RB Mike Hollins converted the 1-yard touchdown run that put UVA on the board first, 7-0.

• Farrell made his first field goal of the afternoon from 26 yards to put UVA ahead 10-0 in the second quarter.

• Farrell converted a 30-yard field goal with 8:37 to go as UVA led 13-7.

• Farrell made his third field goal of the game to secure the 16-14 win

Virginia started its drive on its 37 after a 37-yard kick return by Demick Starling. Armstrong found Davis Jr. running across the field for a 30-yard pass. Armstrong tucked the ball and ran for 13 yards to the ODU 20. A pass interference call in the end zone on ODU moved the Cavaliers to the five. Armstrong threw it up for Wicks in the end zone, but the pass was broken up. He ultimately took the knee to set up the field goal with two seconds on the clock.