Charlottesville was buzzing for a Friday night tilt with NC State. But, rain and penalties became a buzzkill for the Cavaliers as they sunk to 0-4 on the season.
A sizable crowd filled Scott Stadium to watch their flailing Wahoos try to rectify their early season blunders with a strong start to conference play. Similarly, the Wolfpack needed a solid showing to prove their 2-1 start was not an aberration.
Virginia kept it close as the rain tumbled from the night sky in the second half. “The Good Ol’ Song” filled the air with some frequency. Down by 8, the Cavaliers managed to cross the goal line to cut the game to two. But, an unsportsmanlike penalty forced their 2-point conversion attempt to start at the 18 yard line. It didn’t matter. A prayer of a pass landed in the right hands, and UVA knotted the game at 21. But, another unsportsmanlike foul set the ensuing kickoff back, and NC State took advantage with a nice return setting up a field goal attempt.
The loyal fans that endured the elements gathered behind the goalpost to distract NC State’s kicker, Brayden Narveson. The kick was blocked, raining chaos on the field. But, another personal foul gave the Wolfpack a second chance and Narveson sunk it – a walk-off winner.
The energy in Scott Stadium, particularly in the first half, resonated through the bleachers. Penalties would ultimately be Virginia’s undoing as they added another notch to the loss column. The Wolfpack, now at 3-1, escape Charlottesville with the win, but with plenty to work on.
