Virginia Football: 3 quick takeaways from rebound win over Duke

Virginia football snapped a two-game losing streak with a 48-14 thrashing of the Duke Blue Devils. Here are three quick takeaways.

The Virginia Cavaliers came into this game licking their wounds on a two-game losing streak in desperate need for a win. This was a must-win for the first-place Cavaliers after the Pitt Panthers won last night.

Not only did the ‘Hoos win, they created five turnovers en route to a 48-14 blowout win against the Duke Blue Devils.

Neither team did a lot offensively — the Cavaliers had only 307 total yards and Duke mustered only 250. However, turnovers were the difference in this one as the Cavaliers scored 20 points off of five Duke miscues.

Here three more quick takeaways from the game.

3. Defenses have figured Quentin Harris out

Something that was going to be a problem for both teams was an inability to push the ball down the field. Both teams had a grand total of three plays of 20 yards or more. The Blue Devils rely on a ground and pound offensive philosophy to open passing lanes for their crossing routes in hopes their wider receivers can get some yards after the catch. That didn’t happen on Saturday.

The Cavaliers didn’t respect the pitch man, and keyed on Harris running all game long. Even when the tried some of their triple-option formations, the Cavaliers still keyed on Quentin Harris. Since the receivers couldn’t get separation they didn’t get many yards after the catch.

2. Virginia plays some serious defense

Even without Bryce Hall, the Cavaliers got two interceptions today. Couple that with three fumble recoveries and you have five turnovers and the Blue Devils got nothing going all day. Duke had only 3.2 yards per carry on the ground and went 2-for-15 on third down. Virginia forced three-three-and-outs and three turnover on downs.

The Cavaliers and their exotic pressures were in the backfield all game long the only reason Harris was only sacked once was his ability to escape. If they keep up this defense, their showdown versus Pitt might resemble a baseball score.

1. Duke has some serious work to do

This was supposed to be a promising year for the Blue Devils. After they were decimated by the Alabama Crimson Tide, they won three straight until they stubbed their toe against the Pitt Panthers. It seemed as if they had an offense that would work. They were going to go with a chunk offense; power running and efficient passing. Then they were hit by the injury bug. Duke has six key players out for the season including Brittan Brown and Jacob Rimmer – both were supposed to be key contributors to the team this season.

The fact that things have gone as bad as they have is an indication Duke doesn’t have the talent depth to sustain itself with serious injuries. This might be a long year for the Blue Devils.