Virginia did everything imaginable to lose its game to North Carolina State in the final minutes on Friday while trying to send it to overtime.
And, the third flub proved to be the charm as the Wolfpack downed the Cavaliers, 24-21, on a field goal after time expired.
A touchdown brought Virginia within 21-19 when the gaffes started.
AC10 to Malachi Fields for the conversion!
📺 ESPN | #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/tIM4Q4XHoM
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) September 23, 2023
The mistakes:
3rd & Goal at NCSU 3
(0:36 – 4th) Anthony Colandrea pass complete to Malik Washington for 3 yds for a TD Virginia Penalty, UNS: Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Ty Furnish) to the NCSU 0
On the then 18-yard 2-point conversion, Colandrea was flagged for another personal foul, earned in a combination of his helmet being removed and flexing to the crowd.
2-POINT CONVERSION FROM THE 18-YARD LINE IS GOOD 😮
VIRGINIA TIES THE GAME LATE IN THE FOURTH‼️ pic.twitter.com/kvrXXhNCKn
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 23, 2023
The ensuing kickoff was pushed back 15 yards because of the penalty on Colandrea.
In case you’re wondering, here is the penalty that cost Virginia the game against NC State pic.twitter.com/546t51LPoa
— At The Buzzer (@AtTheBuzzer1) September 23, 2023
That set up Julian Gray for a 35-yard return to the Virginia 48.
NC State positioned itself for a field-goal attempt as time was set to expire.
The 48-yarder was blocked.
NC State rekicked and won because of the penalty
What a meltdown by Virginia…
pic.twitter.com/zS7kIq1taJ— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 23, 2023
However, another blockhead play by Virginia as special teamer James Jackson was flagged for a personal foul.
Virginia loses 7th consecutive game after a “leaping penalty” on Cavs nullifies a blocked field goal. NC State escapes 24-21
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 23, 2023
3rd & 8 at UVA 30
(0:03 – 4th) Narveson,Brayden field goal attempt from 48 yards NO GOOD blocked by Jackson,James (H: Noonkester,Caden, LS: Shimko,Joe), clock 00:00 PENALTY UVA Personal Foul (Jackson,James) 15 yards from UVA30 to UVA15, 1ST DOWN. NO PLAY.
On the second field-goal attempt with 0:00 on the clock, Brayden Narveson’s 33-yard field goal was good and the Cavs fell to 0-4 on the season.
1st & 10 at UVA 15
(0:00 – 4th) Brayden Narveson 33 yd FG GOOD