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: Noah Taylor #14 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates a defensive stop to end the first half during a game at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

2. Virginia’s defense stepped up when it mattered

Virginia’s defense might not like the stat sheet, but they should at least appreciate how they performed when backed up into the red zone. Virginia Tech had four drives where they were inside Virginia’s 10-yard line and only left with one touchdown.

A late interception by Noah Taylor (his second of the day) was what led to Virginia getting down the field and taking the lead late. Virginia also ended any ideas of a two-minute drill comeback by securing three sacks and a fumble recovery in the end zone on a drive that wrapped up the game.

Dominating the turnover margin is always a great indicator of who is going to win the game, Virginia caused four turnovers and proved to be a very disruptive unit. It was not always pretty, but when they needed a stop or a turnover, Virginia’s defense got it.

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