(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
The story coming into the Virginia-Maryland matchup was all about how the Cavaliers were without running back Mikell "Juice" Simpson. Many Cavalier fans will remember how in 2007 at College Park, Simpson had one of the most remarkable performances by a running back in Virginia football history(271 all-purpose yards) in propelling the Cavaliers to an 18-17 victory over the 'Terps on homecoming.
Two years might have passed by, but not much has changed during that time in College Park. Another career performance by a Cavalier running back(Rashawn Jackson) and another sweet Cavalier victory.
Rashawn Jackson bruised his way through the Maryland defense to the tune of 90 rushing yards, 29 receiving yards, and one touchdown en route to leading his Cavaliers(3-3, 2-0 ACC) to a 20-9 victory over the 'Terps(2-5, 1-2 ACC) in College Park on Saturday.
The field conditions were horrendous, a rain-soaked field proved to be slippery for both teams and caused a variety of "ball security" issues for Maryland, who had four turnovers in the game.
There were no such "ball security issues" for Jackson, who was the workhorse which the UVA offense leaned on once their star QB Jameel Sewell left during the third quarter with an ankle injury.
The Cavaliers were trailing the Terrapins 9-6, when Maryland quarterback Chris Turner tossed a pass that was deflected by Virginia linebacker Darren Childs into the awaiting hands of defensive lineman Nate Collins. The 290-pounder caught the pass, scooted down the left sideline, and rumbled 32 yards for the score. The touchdown put the Cavs up 13-9 with 1:43 remaining in the third quarter.
Virginia would not relinquish their lead the rest of the way, thanks in large part to their reliable and punishing running back Rashawn Jackson. Backup quarterback Marc Verica has provided heroics before for Virginia football, but given the rainy and sloppy field conditions, Virginia's coaches were smart to put the ball in the hands of Jackson.
Jackson's punishing runs not only chewed up yardage and helped move the sticks, but also allowed Virginia to control the clock late in the game.
Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins gets the award for Player of the Game without a doubt. He posted nine tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack, and one interception returned for a touchdown. He sacked Maryland quarterback Chris Turner at a time when it was the most crucia;l late in the fourth quarter.
Maryland was trailing 13-9 with less than three minutes to play in the game, and it was 3rd-and-10 from their own nine yard line. Terrapin quarterback Chris Turner dropped back, only to be slammed to the turf at the Maryland two yard line by Collins.
That made it 4th-and-17 for the 'Terps and they turned it over on downs after an incomplete pass by Chris Turner. That allowed Virginia to feed the ball to their workhorse, running back Jackson, who punched it in the end zone to make the score, 20-9 Cavaliers.
Virginia head coach Al Groh has proven that he thrives when his back is against the wall and sure enough in the 2009 campaign, perhaps nothing could be more true. This was a Virginia Cavalier football team that many deemed to be "dead in the water" after their 26-14 nightmare of a loss to D-1AA opponent William and Mary. Their offense struggled mightily once again against TCU, but at the end of that game, something began to click for the Cavalier offense, Jameel Sewell was throwing beautiful strikes, and the Cavaliers have not looked back since.
Sure, the Cavaliers might have lost to Southern Mississippi 37-34, but it was apparent that it was a completely different football team that started the season out by losing to William and Mary, of all teams.
The Cavaliers started out with three straight losses this season, but they've rattled off three straight wins and currently sit atop the ACC Coastal standings all by themselves at 2-0. If you would've said the Cavaliers would be in this position after the William and Mary game, you surely would've been locked up in a room with padded walls and keyless entry. The Cavaliers continue to fight and continue to take on the "never say die" personality of their head coach, Al Groh, who barked after the UNC game to reporter Mike Hogewood, "We're pretty hard to stick a fork in Mike!"
Next up for the Cavaliers are the 11th ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets—fresh off an impressive 28-23 upset victory over the then fourth ranked Virginia Tech Hokies. Kickoff is slated for noon on Saturday, October 24th. The game will be televised by Raycom Sports.
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