As they have done over the course of their current four-game winning streak, the Cavaliers (5-3, 3-1 ACC) have promptly shifted their focus from one opponent to the next in rapid fashion.

For the second straight week, the Cavaliers mounted an improbable comeback in the second half, defeating No. 21 Georgia Tech 24-17 to move into sole possession of first place in the ACC’s Coastal Division. It marked Virginia’s first road win over a ranked opponent since upending Clemson in 2001.

Virginia offensive coordinator Mike Groh learned a long time ago, that when in doubt, hand the ball to Cedric Peerman.

John Phillips, who had a pivotal 19-yard catch in overtime, hopes the win and Virginia’s resurgence will silence the critics that longed for coach Al Groh’s departure after a 31-3 loss at Duke.

For weeks now, the Cavaliers have been struggling to find their identity as a football team, and after Saturday night’s dramatic, 16-13 upset over No. 18 North Carolina, Al Groh said his team had discovered it.

Only 2:18 remained and the Cavaliers were backed up deep in their own territory, trailing 10-3. An offense that had been stagnant almost all evening was faced with the improbability of going 82 yards under immense pressure.

In an improbable — and almost unbelievable — fashion, UVa surged past the 18th-ranked Tar Heels, 16-13, in overtime on a crisp evening in front of 52,342 fans.

We have all become addicted to watching Cedric Peerman’s bone-jarring runs. Fans, coaches, media — we all expect excitement every time Virginia’s No. 37 touches the ball.

Cedric Peerman put together a monster outing for the Cavaliers with 173 yards and two touchdowns on just 18 carries, good for an average of 10.8 yards per handoff. But it was the two long touchdown runs of 60 and 79 yards that will add several mentions of Peerman’s name in Virginia’s media guide next season.

The linebacker’s message came across loud and clear as the Cavaliers forced a game-saving fumble, scored a touchdown five plays later on a fake field goal and cruised to a 35-20 win over East Carolina at Scott Stadium.
ECU Forum Thread

Down 6-0 late in the first quarter, things could have snowballed on Virginia’s football team Saturday.

Cedric Peerman returned to the field with his teammates in his truest form for the first time this season, using 17 carries to gain 110 yards, which included a game-sealing touchdown minutes after halftime.

“I know he’s been waiting for a long time to play like that,” said Virginia running back Cedric Peerman.

In a shocking reversal of fortune, Virginia blanked Maryland, 31-0, in front of an announced crowd of 50,727, snapping a two-game losing streak that included a disappointing 28-point loss at Duke.
UVa vs. Maryland forum thread

It was no coincidence that the revival of Virginia’s offense on Saturday night coincided with a resurgence of the Cavaliers’ running game in a stunning 31-0 pummeling of Maryland.