12 ranked Miami Hurricanes, there were several bright spots for Virginia. Last minute schedule changes and cancellations due to COVID-19 forced the Commonwealth Clash to be moved to the beginning of the schedule, and sophomore quarterback Brennan Armstrong will be making the first start of his career. Spring 2020 was supposed to be the Spring of Brennan Armstrong. Rarely does it happen with that number of players coming back. He has over two decades of experience in local news, and has been with WVIR since 2009. “Yeah, that's correct,” said the UVA head coach. And so we need to get them caught up to speed and executing at a high level as fast as possible. “So we had two tight ends on the line of scrimmage. Virginia (1-2 overall and ACC) pulled within 31-21 with six minutes left in regulation, but a failed fourth down and ensuing N.C. State touchdown sealed the result. Armstrong and Poljan made back 11 yards on third down but Brian Delaney missed the 36-yard field goal and UVA came away with no points on a promising drive. Sam Howell and the Tar Heels weren't done yet. On Saturday night, Jackson finished with a game-high 16 tackles. “When we’re in school we have a set routine, and here at home I now have a set routine … It’s a different mindset, I try to take [the situation] for what it is and be creative and do things I normally wouldn’t ever do.”. “We're learning about that system. Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. The UVA men's soccer team lost 1-0 against Virginia Tech in its regular season finale on Friday at Klöckner Stadium, and the Cavaliers earned the North Division 4-seed in the the ACC Tournament. “So, man when you have returning talent, with that much production, and the system that’s preparing them, certainly. Bronco Mendenhall was asked about whether he’s concerned that rotating quarterback will affect Armstrong’s rhythm. When those were canceled, and we went to Virginia Tech, I was like, ‘Well, it’s still another big game.’ I think it’s a little bigger now, because it’s an in-state rivalry, and the first game can set the tone for the whole season.”. And so, execution, execution, execution in the back end will lead to consistency, we just need that to happen sooner rather than later. No matter how it spins, Armstrong says he’s confident in his ability to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. I liked how they competed. 503 E. Market St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 220-2900. “I run the ball harder [than Bryce], and I try to avoid contact,” Armstrong said. “I can see [myself being vocal] becoming a thing,” Armstrong said. Despite extra focus on starting fast, the Cavaliers were down quickly. The high praise for Armstrong doesn’t just come from his defense, as Perkins also notes Armstrong’s impressive talent, specifically his combination of instincts and throwing ability. “And I haven't been told, man, Mondays. Staring down a 24-point deficit, Stone entered the game and gave the Cavaliers a chance to shock the Wolfpack, but the comeback fell short in a 38-21 defeat at Scott Stadium. Another slow start by Virginia has everyone scratching heads. Took a touchdown off the board. He's been out. Virginia also failed on fourth-and-goal from the N.C. State 1, had a punt blocked, lost a fumble and had a fourth-quarter interception returned for a touchdown. “He was with us, practicing yesterday. The team knows that. Nick Jackson led all in the game with 16 tackles. And so that covered up Grant. Virginia football fans will likely want to see elements of the 2017-2019 quarterback play that drove the team’s success, but Armstrong will be a different type of quarterback, both in his playing style and demeanor. The penalty took a Brennan Armstrong touchdown pass to Ra’Shaun Henry off the board, which would have made the score 14-7 in UVA’s favor. I like Keytaon [Thompson] as well as Ira’s [Ira Armstead] contributions as well. So I don't have anything new to report there.”. CHARLOTTESVILLE — Opportunity can bloom from the most dire circumstances, and when Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong left the game against N.C. … Join us in our mission of providing local news and creating opportunities for the next generation of journalists. Charles Snowed led UVA with 3.5 tackles for losses. During the course of the game, Virginia lost cornerback Darrius Bratton and starting right tackle Ryan Swoboda to injury. On the same week that Davis was placed on the Freshman All-American Watch List, he was unavailable for the Miami game. CLICK HERE to download the CBS Sports Mobile App and get the latest on UVA today. And, again, he was denied twice. CHARLOTTESVILLE — Opportunity can bloom from the most dire circumstances, and when Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong left the game against N.C. State with an injury, Lindell Stone heard the knock. Brennan Armstrong BREAKS THE ROCK following win over No. So, yes, I think they're better. Normally twice, I didn't even know, there happened to be another 30-day period where you can try it again. UNC also returned its top two running backs, Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, who combined to rush for 1,936 yards last season. “Well, yeah, anytime a kid is down that long, it's always significant,” said Anae on Wednesday. Sports ; UVA QB Brennan Armstrong ready for big challenge in first-career start Brennan Armstrong was prepared to make the first start of his Cavalier career against Georgia, but … Wednesday’s injury news leaned much more positive, as two of the Cavaliers’ top offensive weapons returned to practice. Sixth-year defensive end Richard Burney and freshman quarterback Iraken Armstead were both ruled out for the rest of the fall. He's dynamic. The left-handed signal-caller was solid in his return to action, after missing the previous six quarters of play following a concussion in the first half of UVA’s loss to NC State. The Cavaliers (1-8, 0-8 ACC) lost to Duke (6-2, 6-2 ACC) before dropping a pair of games against North Carolina. Even without spring ball, he’s super prepared and ready to take the field.”. A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - © 2002-2020 Gray Television, Inc. UVA QB Brennan Armstrong ready for big challenge in first-career start. “I learned a lot [from Perkins],” Armstrong said. Asked about not having Davis available in the last game and likely this week, Mendenhall said it definitely impacts the offense. N.C. State padded the lead with a 35-yard run by Zonovan Knight. Mendenhall, who was critical of the NCAA during the process, said he learned a great deal during the process. It's nothing punitive. So that's what I've learned. On Monday, Mendenhall called the sophomore inside ‘backer the best player on UVA’s defense currently. Mendenhall was non-committal on Monday about Armstrong’s availability for the originally scheduled date with Louisville. Still some critical penalties that interfered with the best spurs to win. Spring practice is generally a quarterback’s first opportunity to work with the receivers and offensive line that will play alongside him in the fall. “Yeah, Lavel wasn’t available for the last game and really not at liberty to say how come, and most likely not available for this one as well. “It’s a compliment. I really thought our preparation was in a different place.”, Nash Griffin jumped and released the ball in a high arc that found the hands of Nick Jackson. Anae also revealed that Lavel Davis has returned to practice. Ira was on a fly sweep or fake fly sweep reverse and so I love the innovation, but not at the expense of Brennan. The Tar Heels were led by Javonte Williams, who rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Earlier this week, head coach Bronco Mendenhall didn’t sound confident about the availability of his starting safeties, Joey Blount and Brenton Nelson, both of whom had missed the previous two games, for a game this Saturday. It's one of the main contributing factors for their success.”. "So that was a big game to start with. We continue to run the ball effectively, and our protection offensively, with our offensive run, is holding and doing well. “I don’t have the top-end speed like Bryce, but I think I have the shiftiness in the middle between tackles to pop out of there and get the yards I need to get and get the first downs we need.”. Just as important, UVA has been without freshman All-American candidate, wide receiver Lavel Davis, for the last two games. Tony was outside of the number one receiver position but was on the line of scrimmage.