UVA's Historic Season Hailed by CFB Fans After Gator Bowl Win vs. Missouri

No. 19 Virginia made history with a 13-7 win over Missouri in the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium on Saturday night.

With the Tigers looking to score a go-ahead touchdown at Virginia's 21-yard line and eight seconds remaining in the game, a pass into the end zone from Missouri backup quarterback Brett Brown fell incomplete on fourth down.

The Cavaliers improved to 11-3 win the win, recording their first 11-win season in program history.

Fans and pundits applauded the accomplishment.

Missouri started off strong in Saturday's contest, taking an early 7-0 lead following a five-yard touchdown run by Jamal Roberts on its opening drive.

Virginia finally got on the board with a 42-yard field goal from Will Bettridge in the second quarter, but missed kicks from both teams kept the score at 7-3 entering halftime.

The Cavaliers found some offensive consistency in the second half, putting together a 19-play drive that took over 10 minutes of game time off the clock and ended with a rushing touchdown by Harrison Waylee.

Another field goal from Bettridge gave Virginia a six-point lead that it wouldn't relinquish, as Missouri was held scoreless over the final three quarters of the game.

Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris finished 25-of-38 for 198 yards. Morris' top target was Eli Wood, who hauled in four receptions for 71 yards.

It's worth noting that Missouri was playing without quarterback Beau Pribula, who entered the transfer portal on Dec. 18. Pribula was replaced by true freshman Matt Zollers, who finished 12-of-22 for 101 yards and one interception.

Brown stepped in for Zollers on Missouri's final offensive play while he was being evaluated for a potential head injury.

The Tigers' offense struggled mightily during the loss, picking up just 260 total yards and 13 first downs. They also converted a mere three of 12 opportunities on third down.

Meanwhile, Virginia finished its 2025 campaign on a high note after suffering a surprising loss to Duke on Dec. 6.

The win represented the Cavaliers' first bowl game victory since 2018.