Virginia Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win against Duke

3. Early miscues cost Duke

Let’s give credit where credit is due. The Cavaliers had their best defensive performance of the season this afternoon against the Blue Devils. Although Virginia football sacked Gunnar Holmberg just once, the Duke quarterback was under pressure all game.

Mateo Durant was limited primarily because the Blue Devils got down big early, limiting the amount of carries Durant would get. However, Durant averaged under five yards per carry in this game.

That said, Duke was their own worst enemy in this game. Holding penalties, false starts, and turnovers all cost the Blue Devils points. Those mistakes and miscues did not allow the Duke to get in any rhythm offensively.

As a result, Duke punted five times and lost possession on downs twice. When Duke could not move the ball, Virginia took full advantage. Virginia football scored every time Duke gave them the ball back in their 24-point second quarter.

Duke backup quarterback Riley Leonard had an opportunity to get the Blue Devils on the board at the end of the game but fumbled the opportunity away inside the five-yard line. This performance was another game where mistakes and poor execution plagued the Blue Devils.