3 Takeaways From UVA Football Week 2 (Win vs. Illinois)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U364YM7Rr8

After blasting William & Mary in Week 1, the UVA football team proved in Week 2 they can hammer Power-5 programs, too. Virginia jumped out to an early lead, marching right down the field on their opening drive, then kept the throttle engaged for a 42-14 win over Illinois. Here are a few takeaways from the win!

Touch of Genius

I said it last week: Brennan Armstrong can make all the throws. This week, I’m totally doubling down! He showed immaculate touch numerous times on Saturday during his career-best 5 touchdown pass performance. Notably, on his first two touchdown passes. The balls that impressed me the most, though, came at the end of the third quarter; first, the back-shoulder throw (watch here) to Ra’Shaun Henry right before Keytaon Thompson‘s rushing touchdown, and the go-route to Dontayvion Wicks down the left sideline as the third quarter expired (watch here). Wahoo Nation should trust in Brennan — even a lot of his incomplete passes look good. We got ourselves a quarterback.

Secondary Quieting Critics

In Week 1, Illinois QB Artur Sitkowski averaged 8.3 yards per attempt against a respectable Nebraska defense while completing 80 percent of his throws. Against the Wahoos, Sitkowski had trouble moving the rock from jump street; his first three drives ended in punts and just 30 total yards. The Hoos secondary — aka the much-maligned and 12th-best DB unit in the ACC, per Athlon Sports — held Sitkowski to 4.9 yards per pass attempt and a 53.3 completion percentage. It was also the secondary that came up with two takeaways within three minutes of one another in the fourth quarter. Louisville transfer Anthony Johnson recorded his first interception in a Virginia uniform (watch here), sixth-year senior Nick Grant forced a fumble (watch here) and preseason all-conference safety Joey Blount was everywhere (as usual) leading the team in tackles.

Out of the Woods

Coach Mendenhall called Jelani Woods the “brightest spot” in the program during the spring. Listening to all the preseason UVA football podcasts — shoutout Ball Hawk, Guys in Ties, Jerry, and the rest; I try to listen to them all! — everyone was excited to see the big Oklahoma State transfer show out and be 2003 Heath Miller. The anticipation and hope were dashed in Week 1, however, because Woods left the game early after just one five-yard catch. Coming into Week 2, Brennan Armstrong made sure we got what we wanted; on the first play of the game Woods hauled in a 31-yard strike down the seam, then three plays later he caught a 32-yard touchdown pass (below). Did I mention he carried defenders into the end zone on the touchdown? Yeah, this guy is going to be dangerous this year.

After the game, Woods was honored with the ceremonial sledge hammer to break the Week 2 rock. He called it “pretty much the best moment of my life,” according to the Augusta Free Press, before acknowledging the history of the program. “Just the history of the guys that previously before me broke the rock. I just feel honored to be able to hold the hammer and break the rock.”

Woods definitely gets it, and it’s OK to be in love with this team. All is good in Wahoo Land right now.

-Next up will be at #24 North Carolina in our first road game of the year. The game will be on ACCN at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 18.