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CONWAY, S.C. (AP) Virginia's Xavier Brown ran for 171 yards on nine carries as the Cavaliers ran all over Coastal Carolina for a 43-24 win on Saturday in a rare road game at a Group of Five school.
The Cavaliers (3-1) ran for 384 yards, the first time they have gained more than 300 yards in a game since 2018.
The three wins match the Cavaliers win total in each of coach Tony Elliott’s first two seasons at Virginia. The Cavaliers haven’t been to a bowl since their 2019 Orange Bowl loss to Florida.
Coming in, this didn't look like an easy one for the Cavaliers. They were only about a field goal favorite against the Chanticleers (3-1) who have won three games against power conference teams in the past five seasons.
The Cavaliers forced a fumble on the opening kickoff that led to a touchdown three plays later and had an interception in the first quarter that led to another TD as they quieted the record crowd of 22,104 who came to watch Coastal Carolina on their teal Surf Turf.
The Cavaliers scored on their next five possessions.
With all the running Virginia didn't need Anthony Colandrea's arm much. He completed 13 of his 20 passes for 131 yards, including a 37-yard pass to Malachi Fields for his second TD catch of the day early in the fourth quarter. Colandrea also ran for 46 yards.
Backup Cavaliers quarterback Grady Brosterhous had two rushing touchdowns.
Coastal Carolina quarterback Ethan Vasko was 10-for-21 for 222 yards. Tray Taylor had three catches for 70 yards and Jameson Tucker had three receptions for 63 yards.
THE TAKEAWAY
Virginia: This win shouldn't be taken for granted. The Cavaliers are now just 6-4 against current Sun Belt Conference members. James Madison, Old Dominion and Southern Miss have each beaten them twice.
Coastal Carolina: One bright spot for the Chanticleers were big plays in the air. They had five catches go for more than 25 yards.
UP NEXT
Virginia: The Cavaliers have an off week before hosting Boston College on Oct. 5.
Coastal Carolina: The Chanticleers host Old Dominion on Oct. 5.
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