No. 17 Virginia delivered a dominant performance against in-state rival Virginia Tech on Saturday night, cruising to a 27-7 victory in the Commonwealth Clash to clinch a spot in the ACC championship game. The Cavaliers' impressive defensive display and balanced offensive attack proved too much for the struggling Hokies, who finished their season with a disappointing 3-9 record.
A Defensive Masterclass
Virginia's defense was the story of the night, holding Virginia Tech to just
197 total yards—a season-low for the Hokies. The Cavaliers' defensive unit was relentless, forcing Tech into seven consecutive three-and-outs at one point during the contest. Playing in front of
58,832 fans at Scott Stadium, the largest crowd since 2011, Virginia's defense set the tone early.
Linebacker
Maddox Marcellus, stepping in for injured star Kam Robinson, was particularly impressive with
nine tackles, an interception, and a sack. The Cavaliers capitalized on Tech's offensive struggles immediately, turning an interception off a deflected pass on the Hokies' opening drive into a touchdown to set the early momentum.
Virginia's Offensive Balance
The Cavaliers showcased their
well-rounded attack throughout the contest, with running back
J'Mari Taylor delivering a standout performance. Taylor became the
first ACC running back since 2021 to record both a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in the same game, highlighting Virginia's versatility on offense.
Taylor led the ground game with
80 rushing yards, while teammate Harrison Waylee contributed
46 yards. Quarterback
Chandler Morris was efficient and composed, accumulating
182 passing yards with a calculated approach that kept the Hokies' defense off-balance throughout the night.
Virginia Tech's Struggles Continue
The Hokies' offensive woes were on full display, with the team unable to generate any consistent rhythm. Virginia Tech's passing game was virtually non-existent, forcing the team into a one-dimensional offensive approach that proved ineffective against the Cavaliers' stout defense.
The only bright spot for Tech came late in the fourth quarter when quarterback
Kyron Drones connected with
Shamarius Peterkin on a
57-yard touchdown pass with 4:20 remaining, finally getting the Hokies on the scoreboard. However, by that point, the game was already decided.
A Remarkable Turnaround Season
Virginia's victory represents a
stunning turnaround for a program that has faced significant challenges in recent years. The Cavaliers have now won the last two games against Virginia Tech, breaking a streak where the Hokies had dominated the rivalry, winning 23 of the last 25 meetings and going 19-1 against UVA since joining the ACC.
This veteran Cavaliers squad has demonstrated
composure under pressure throughout the season, winning close games and thriving in big moments. For the second consecutive game, Virginia played
complementary football, receiving contributions across all three phases of the game.
Looking Ahead
Virginia (10-2, 7-1 ACC) will advance to the
ACC championship game next Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they'll face Duke. The Cavaliers' remarkable season continues to gain momentum heading into the conference title matchup.
For Virginia Tech, the 2025 season marks the
worst campaign since 1987, officially closing the book on a disappointing year. The Hokies will now look forward to the James Franklin era beginning in Blacksburg, hoping to rebuild the program after this difficult season.
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Virginia tops Virginia Tech 27-7 to clinch ACC title game spot - AP/CBS Sports2.
Virginia 27-7 Virginia Tech Game Recap - ESPN3.
Takeaways in Virginia's win over Virginia Tech - 247 Sports4.
Virginia Tech Football's 2025 Season Comes To Close - Sports Illustrated5.
No. 18 Virginia clinches spot in ACC title game - ESPN
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14. No. 18 Virginia clinches spot in ACC title game; to face Duke - ESPN
