In the first bowl game for the Virginia Cavaliers since 2011, many were hoping UVa would make a statement against the Navy Midshipmen. Come out, shut down the triple option, overmatch the Navy defense with speed and intensity, and win the Military Bowl easily.
What happened was the complete opposite: a dud. The Cavaliers came out and laid an absolute egg, losing 49-7.
Sure, it started out well. Joe Reed took the opening kick 98 yards to the house—his second kickoff return for a touchdown this year—to give the Hoos a 7-0 lead.