Virginia snaps 15-game losing streak against Virginia Tech with thrilling finish

This incredible sack-fumble-TD sequence helped Virginia get the W.

With one incredible defensive play with about a minute left in the game, Virginia all but ensured it would snap its 15-game losing streak to Virginia Tech on Friday. The Cavaliers did, in fact, win, 39-30, to clinch the ACC Coastal division, and they’ll play Clemson for a conference championship next weekend.

Virginia kicked back-to-back field goals in the fourth quarter against the Hokies, and the second one was a 48-yarder that gave the Cavaliers a 33-30 lead with 1:23 left in the game. All they had to do was hold on, which seemed far easier said than done.

But on Virginia Tech’s next drive, quarterback Hendon Hooker was sacked three times. With 61 seconds left, UVA defensive end Mandy Alonso tackled Hooker in the end zone and forced a fumble, and defensive tackle Eli Hanback recovered it for what was basically the game-ending touchdown.

Here’s another angle:

Alonso entered Friday’s game with just one sack on the season, but he stepped up when it mattered most.

While defense helped the Cavaliers lock up the victory, their offense deserves recognition as well. Quarterback Bryce Perkins accounted for 475 of the team’s 492 total yards, completing 20-of-33 passes for 311 yards with one touchdown and an interception while also rushing for 164 yards and two more touchdowns.

Understandably, Virginia fans went nuts when the game was finally over and stormed the field. To put this win in perspective, the younger members of the team’s roster and the student body were toddlers the last time the Cavaliers took down Virginia Tech.

Virginia is the seventh different Coastal division winner in as many years, while Clemson is looking for its fifth consecutive ACC championship.

Here’s how college football Twitter reacted to UVA’s win.