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Sept. 16, 2000
By JOHN MARSHALL
Associated Press Writer
DURHAM, N.C. – Dan Ellis passed for 333 yards and three touchdowns asVirginia overcame a slow start to beat Duke 26-10 on Saturday night.
Ellis completed 20 of 30 passes, including two touchdowns to Billy McMullen.It was Ellis’ fifth consecutive game with 200 or more yards for Virginia (2-1,1-0). He has 1,554 yards and 15 touchdowns in that span.
McMullen had eight catches for 189 yards.
The Cavaliers, who came in averaging 446 yards, lost yardage on five oftheir first 10 plays and took 11 minutes to get a first down against Duke’saggressive pass rush.
Ellis completed five of his first eight passes, but misfired on a pair ofpotential touchdowns to Billy Baber and Kevin Coffey in the first quarter.Ellis was sacked four times in the first half.
It wasn’t until the final drive of the half that Virginia figured out theblitzing Blue Devils (0-3, 0-1 ACC).
With the line providing more protection and Ellis getting rid of the ballquicker, Virginia marched 94 yards in 3:47 for an 8-yard touchdown pass fromEllis to Demetrius Dotson.
Ellis was 5-of-7 for 64 yards in the final drive and had 146 yards at thehalf.
Virginia continued its roll to start the second half.
Ellis completed four passes to set up a 48-yard field goal by David Greeneon the Cavaliers’ first drive, then hit McMullen on a 55-yard strike for a 20-3lead.
McMullen added another touchdown – from 31 yards – with 9:19 left when hewrested Ellis’ lob away from Terrell Smith at the goal line to give Virginia a26-10 lead.
Duke, which entered with the ACC’s worst offense, got its first touchdown ofthe season – a 1-yard dive by Spencer Romine in the third quarter – but managedlittle else.
Duke finished with 331 yards – 10 more yards than the first two gamescombined – but crossed the 50 just three times.
Romine was 18-of-36 for 198 yards.