Virginia Football: 3 takeaways from Belk Bowl win over South Carolina

1. Jordan Ellis proved he will be missed in the Virginia backfield

In his final game as a Virginia Cavalier before exhausting his college eligibility, senior tailback Jordan Ellis put in a big game to help drive his school to victory. Ellis went over 100 rushing yards for the fourth time this season, finishing the day with 106 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries.

The performance was critical for a team that dominated the time of possession. Against South Carolina, the Cavaliers held on to the football for nearly 42 minutes of game clock thanks in large part to the ability of Ellis to churn out the hard yards.

None of the more than two dozen carries by Ellis went for even 10 yards, his longest of the day a nine-yard burst. His was a methodical effort, consistently softening up the South Carolina defensive line and forcing them to remain honest instead of homing in on pass coverage. The senior running back added a one-yard reception when Perkins needed a safety valve.

Ellis now hopes to land an NFL job as a possible late-round draft pick. He did not disappoint the scouts who were in attendance in Charlotte, as he put on a show of strong downhill running and an ability to make the most of his opportunities.