Virginia Upsets No. 15 North Carolina 44-41

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Six different players scored touchdowns in the game as Virginia (2-4, 2-4 ACC) upset No. 15 North Carolina (4-2, 4-2 ACC) 44-41 on Saturday evening at Scott Stadium.

Virginia scored four touchdowns over the second and third quarters to lead 41-20 and kicker Brian Delaney (Chantilly, Va.) converted at 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to give the Cavaliers 44 points. North Carolina scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cut UVA’s lead to three, but Virginia was able to hold on after a fake punt by quarterback Keytaon Thompson (New Orleans, La.) resulted in a first down with just over a minute to play.

Virginia finished with 418 total yards to 536 for North Carolina. Virginia rushed for 210 yards and threw for 208. The Cavaliers led in time of possession and forced two turnovers by North Carolina.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both teams scored on their opening drives. Armstrong broke away for a 23-yard run for UVA’s first score. UVA took a 13-10 lead on a 71-yard touchdown pass from Armstrong to running back Shane Simpson (Easton, Pa.). North Carolina hit a field goal and had a touchdown to go back ahead 20-13. Virginia tied the game with a passing touchdown to Ra’Shaun Henry (Killeen, Texas) and then took a 27-20 lead into the half after a Thompson touchdown.

Virginia scored two touchdowns out of the half to lead 41-20 with 5:34 to go in the third quarter. Running back Wayne Taulapapa (Laie, Hawaii) scored from two-yards out. Linebacker Charles Snowden (Silver Spring, Md.), who finished with four sacks, forced a fumble on the ensuing drive that was recovered by Mandy Alonso (Miami, Fla.). UVA added to its lead with a 17-yard pass to tight end Tony Poljan (Lansing, Mich.). North Carolina scored back-to-back touchdowns to make it a one-score game. Virginia put together a 9:02 drive that was capped off by a field goal from Delaney. North Carolina scored a touchdown with 2:51 to play, but Virginia held onto the ball to close out the win.

STAT LEADERS

QB Brennan Armstrong

• Passing: 12-22, 208 yards, 3 TD
• Rushing: 66 yards, 1 TD

RB Shane Simpson

• 8 rushes, 70 yards
• 1 reception, 71 yards, 1 TD

LB Nick Jackson

• 11 tackles, 1 sack

LB Charles Snowden

• 10 tackles, 4 sacks

NOTES

• UVA’s win over No. 15 North Carolina is its highest over an AP Top-25 team since beating No. 12 Georgia Tech in 2011.
• Virginia had two scoring plays of 20+ yards. UVA entered the game with only three such plays on the season.
• UVA’s 9:02 scoring drive in the fourth quarter was the fourth-longest scoring drive in program history.
• UVA’s 71-yard scoring strike in the first quarter was the longest play of scrimmage this season.
• QB Brennan Armstrong connected with RB Shane Simpson for a 71-yard scoring strike, which were career longs for both Cavaliers.
• Armstrong tied his career high with three passing touchdowns, tying his output at No. 1 Clemson. Add his rushing touchdown and he had a career-high four touchdowns responsible for.
• OLB Charles Snowden notched a career-high 4.0 sacks. He is the first Cavalier to record 4.0 sacks in a game since Jamie Sharper in 1996 vs North Carolina.
• WR Ra’Shaun Henry scored on an 18-yard scoring strike in the second quarter. It was his second career UVA reception and the second receiving touchdown of his UVA career.
• LS Tucker Finkelston recovered a fumble on punt coverage in the second quarter. It was his second fumble recovery of the season on punt coverage.

UP NEXT

Virginia remains at home to host Louisville on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. at Scott Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network.