Virginia Beats Syracuse in ACC Comeback at Scott Stadium

Virginia Cavaliers overcame a two-score deficit to defeat Syracuse Orange 28-25 on Saturday night at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, as the hosts recovered from an early offensive slump to secure an ACC football victory. According to streakingthelawn.com, Virginia improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

Syracuse entered the game with a 2-3 record and 0-3 ACC mark, taking a 17-7 halftime lead before Virginia scored 21 points over the final stretch. The Cavaliers' comeback began when Beau Pribula connected with Da'Shawn Martin for a 43-yard touchdown, according to streakingthelawn.com.

Virginia opened the game with a 75-yard drive that ended with Xay Davis scoring on a 14-yard run. The offense then stalled, producing only 66 total yards during the middle third of the game, while Syracuse added scores from Ahmad Miller and Malachi Nelson to Umari Hatcher.

According to streakingthelawn.com, Syracuse receiver Umari Hatcher finished with eight receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. Virginia's late turnaround continued after Jekail Middlebrook recorded key rushing plays and two touchdowns.

Middlebrook finished with 17 carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns, helping Virginia build a 28-17 advantage after a turnover on downs gave the Cavaliers possession at the Syracuse 34-yard line, according to streakingthelawn.com.

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott praised his team's response after halftime following the comeback win.

"I'm proud of how they came out and responded after halftime. We're not going to apologize for any wins. Winning a game against ACC competition is extremely tough.

They were down two scores, and they found a way to just play complementary football. I challenged them, 'Don't worry about the scheme, just go play from the heart,' and that's what they did," said Tony Elliott, head coach.

Syracuse made a final push after Danny Lauter replaced Nelson, who left with an injury in the fourth quarter. According to streakingthelawn.com, Lauter threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Daunte Bacheyie, cutting Virginia's lead to 28-25 before the Cavaliers stopped the final drive.

Virginia will next travel to face No. 24 SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 PM ET, according to streakingthelawn.com.