In a thrilling game on Saturday, J’Mari Taylor rushed for two touchdowns, propelling No. 15 Virginia to a 31-21 victory over California. This win marks the Cavaliers’ seventh consecutive victory, the first time they have achieved such a streak since 2007, and signals their strong season performance with an 8-1 record and 5-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
From the onset, Virginia established its dominance with Taylor scoring on two of the first three drives. Coach Tony Elliott emphasized the importance of starting strong, especially in November, stating, “This is go time. This is where we got to be trying to prime up and get rolling on all cylinders.” The early scoring set the tone for the Cavaliers, driving momentum throughout the game.
The game featured a highlight-reel moment for Virginia when Kam Robinson sealed the victory with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown with just 34 seconds left. This victory marked the Cavaliers’ best start since 1990, showcasing their resilience and strong mindset. Coach Elliott praised his team, calling them the “Cardiac Cavs,” highlighting their unwavering belief in their ability to win.
California’s Kendrick Raphael contributed significantly with three touchdowns, but despite his efforts, the Bears could not overcome their loss against ranked opponents, extending their losing streak against such teams to 14 games since a win against No. 21 Oregon in 2020. The Bears attempted to rally back with a creative trick play in the third quarter, where Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected with Raphael for a 42-yard score, narrowing the deficit to just three points at one moment.
However, Virginia quickly responded with a drive capped by Eli Wood’s touchdown run. While California managed to score again, they struggled to regain control on subsequent drives, with Sagapolutele’s late interception ultimately squashing any comeback hopes.
Bears head coach Justin Wilcox expressed disappointment in missed opportunities, recognizing that against a formidable opponent like Virginia, making pivotal plays is crucial to clinching the win.
Looking ahead, Virginia will host Wake Forest next Saturday, while California faces a challenging matchup against No. 16 Louisville, needing at least one win in their remaining three games to become bowl-eligible. Virginia’s successful season thus far serves as a beacon of hope for both the team and its supporters as they push toward a potential postseason.