The Virginia Cavaliers gutted out a 19-16 win over the BYU Cougars on Saturday evening at Scott Stadium, kicking off their season in thrilling fashion.
BYU vs. Virginia 2013 final score: Cavaliers edge Cougars late, 19-16
A late interception followed by a touchdown run from Kevin Parks led Virginia to a thrilling season-opening win on Saturday night.
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
With just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and BYU leading 16-12, Anthony Harris intercepted an errant throw from BYU's Taysom Hill to give Virginia some hope once again. Kevin Parks then rushed 13 yards for the game-winning touchdown on the very next play, giving the Cavs a 19-16 lead they would not relinquish.
It appeared BYU had the game in hand late. The Cougars capped off an impressive 11-play, 92-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Hill, taking a 13-12 lead with 6:26 on the clock. BYU then recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, and Justin Sorensen drilled a 35-yard field goal to give the Cougs a four-point advantage. However, the late turnover from Hill deep in their own territory would prove costly.
Neither team was sharp offensive. Hill threw for 175 yards on 13-of-40 passing, while David Watford completed just 18 passes for 118 yards. Neither team averaged more than 3.5 yards per carry.
Box Score Hero: Despite throwing the ball 32 times, Watford averaged just 3.7 yards per pass completed pass in the winning effort. The Cavaliers were simply unable to break away down field and it cost them until late in the contest. BYU tailback Jamaal Williams was a workhorse all day long, running the ball a game-high 33 times for 137 yards. He’ll sleep well Saturday night.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither team entered the opening weekend ranked, though with UVA winning and a big showdown against Oregon looming next weekend, a 2-0 start would likely propel the Cavaliers into the top-25.
But Did They Cover? According to the oddsmakers, Virginia opened as four-point favorites. That line dropped to three or 2 1/2 points by game time, so it’ll depend on the bet.
For More On This Game:
For more on Cougars football, visit BYU community Vanquish The Foe.
For more on Cavaliers football, visit Virginia community Streaking The Lawn.
Next Week’s Schedule:
9/7, 7 p.m. ET: BYU vs. No. 15 Texas
9/7, 3:30 p.m.: Virginia vs. No. 3 Oregon
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