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Virginia football escapes with a 28-25 win over Syracuse

Virginia (4-2, 2-1 ACC) overcame a sluggish first three quarters to defeat Syracuse (2-3, 0-3 ACC) 28-25 at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. The Cavaliers trailed 17-7 at halftime after struggling to move the ball, but a 43-yard touchdown pass from Beau Pribula to Da'Shawn Martin ignited a 21-8 scoring run that secured the victory.

Although Virginia opened the game with a 75-yard drive capped by a 14-yard score from Xay Davis, the offense stalled significantly in the middle of the contest, managing only 66 total yards during that stretch. Syracuse capitalized on Virginia's inconsistencies, with quarterback Malachi Nelson connecting with Umari Hatcher for a 13-yard touchdown; Hatcher finished the game with eight catches for 126 yards and a score.

The Orange also added a field goal late in the second quarter, a drive aided by three penalties committed by Virginia seniors on third-down attempts. A near-interception by Virginia safety Christian Ellis in Syracuse territory helped set up the pivotal fourth-quarter momentum shift.

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