Virginia Football: 3 takeaways from clutch rivalry win over Virginia Tech

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 29: De'Vante Cross #15 and Zane Zandier #33 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrate a defensive stop to end the first half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 29: Bryce Perkins #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers throws a pass in the first half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

3. The second half featured an offensive explosion

After a first half in which both teams were getting accustomed to three-and-outs, both defenses seemed to lose that high energy they brought early on. There were eight plays in this half that went for 25-plus yards as both teams went back and forth making huge chunk plays.

Both quarterbacks, Bryce Perkins and Hendon Hooker, stood out finishing out with an identical 311 passing yards. The difference was Perkins’ home run ability as a runner — he displayed this ability with 164 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Big plays by Joe Reed and Hasise Dubois gave Virginia the boost they needed to keep up with Virginia Tech.

On the other side, Hendon Hooker was making quality throws all game but saved his worst for the most crucial time as the interception late in the fourth set back Virginia Tech’s chances of going to the ACC championship.

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