There were no fans, a new quarterback and some anxious moments, but Virginia finally opened a most unusual college football season Saturday with a win at Scott Stadium.
Quarterback Brennan Armstrong and receiver Lavel Davis Jr. ? both making their first career starts ? hooked up for touchdowns on back-to-back fourth-quarter possessions and the Cavaliers forced seven turnovers in a 38-20 victory over Duke.
Armstrong, a sophomore, shook off two interceptions in his debut as starting quarterback. He replaced Bryce Perkins, a dynamic playmaker who last season guided Virginia to the Coastal Division title, a victory over Virginia Tech and a spot in the Orange Bowl.
“What a journey it’s been just to get to this point,” Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “It was pretty surreal to even be here. Lots to learn and plenty things to improve. I’m encouraged.”
Armstrong completed 24 of 45 passes for 269 yards, while Davis, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound true freshman, finished with four receptions for 101 yards.
Davis’ first career TD catch was an 18-yard leaping grab with 12:43 left that gave the Cavaliers a 24-20 lead.
Virginia got the ball back after a Joey Blount interception at midfield, and Armstrong found Davis again on the ensuing possession for a 26-yard score with 9:59 remaining.
The Cavaliers’ Nick Grant nabbed an interception ? U.Va’s fourth of Duke quarterback Chase Brice ? on the Blue Devils’ next possession.
Virginia finally played after 12 weeks of workouts and practices in Charlottesville, and after scheduled games against five different opponents were either canceled, postponed or replaced because of coronavirus concerns.
Virginia was permitted a maximum of 1,000 players, coaches and families and friends of players and coaches in Scott Stadium under state guidelines. Tailgating was prohibited.
Duke (0-3 overall and ACC) had a head start this season, and the rust showed early for U.Va. The Cavaliers fumbled the opening kickoff and fell behind 10-0 after the first quarter. Virginia rattled off 17 points in the second quarter to lead 17-10 at the half.
The Blue Devils went back in front after Charlie Hamm’s 47-yard field goal and Noah Gray’s 8-yard TD reception in the third quarter.
Virginia, though, took command for good by turning three Duke turnovers into touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Armstrong and Davis connected after the first two miscues, and Wayne Taulapapa scored on a 10-yard run after U.Va. hopped on a fumble.
Mendenhall’s fifth season began with 15 starters back from a team that finished 9-5 overall and 6-2 in the ACC. The Cavaliers lost to Clemson in the ACC championship game and fell to Florida in the Orange Bowl. Virginia was picked ninth out of 15 teams in a preseason media poll.
