Chandler Morris threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns, and J’Mari Taylor ran for 133 yards and two scores as No. 20 Virginia picked up a win over Duke 34-17 on Saturday.
The victory keeps UVA firmly in the ACC title hunt with two weeks left. Morris, returning from a head injury suffered last week, completed 23-of-35 passes but also tossed two interceptions, including a pick-six.
The Cavaliers (9-2, 6-1 ACC) controlled most of the afternoon behind a balanced, 540-yard offensive showing over the Blue Devils defense.
Trell Harris caught eight passes for 161 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown that stretched the lead to 20-3 early in the third quarter. Duke threatened on the ensuing drive at the Virginia 8, but Mitchell Melton’s fourth down sack of Darian Mensah ended the drive. On the third snap of the ensuing series, Taylor broke free for a 78-yard touchdown that effectively sealed the game.
Mensah finished 18-of-35 for 213 yards and one touchdown as Duke (5-5, 4-2 ACC) lost its second straight.
Duke managed just 16 total yards in the first quarter. The Cavaliers added two late second quarter scores, including a 12-yard Morris strike to Sage Ennis, to take a 17-3 halftime lead.
UVA didn't look back in Durham and look ahead to a possible return to the Tar Heel State with the ACC race ending on Charlotte next month.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
- Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
- Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
- Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer