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.

While UVa defensive backs had a few hiccups in the first half, the unit came up huge when it really counted.

Although Virginia inside linebacker Antonio Appleby had his right ankle heavily taped and dressed out for the game, junior Darren Childs got the first start of his career.

Follow the action with Jay Jenkins as he blogs the game from Georgia Tech.

After salvaging its season with a three-game win streak at home, Virginia (4-3, 2-1 ACC) is suddenly a player in the conference race — for now.

For Georgia Tech wide receiver Correy Earls, it seemed as though the moment would never end.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while wondering if Virginia can snap its road woes in Atlanta on Saturday ...

After a high-impact collision with North Carolina running back Shaun Draughn in the fourth quarter, Copper was noticeably woozy on the field.

A simple message scripted in block letters on both forearms of Virginia linebacker Darren Childs unravel a tale of survival and success when combined that was magnified Saturday during an improbable 10-tackle performance in the Cavaliers’ 16-13 overtime win over North Carolina.

A pair of true freshmen who played a major role in Virginia’s win over North Carolina could have easily been standing on the sidelines at other schools if not for their respective gut feelings.

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.

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.

Marc Verica entered the third quarter of Saturday’s game with as many incomplete passes as those that found receivers.

UVa bested UNC 16-13 in overtime play on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 home in Charlottesville, Virginia at Scott Stadium. 

UVa coach Al Groh answers questions after the team’s 16-13 overtime win over UNC.

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.

I am not sure what happened or what I witnessed, but Virginia did it again. The Cavaliers scored with 47 seconds left in regulation and got a game-winning touchdown in overtime to move to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the ACC. - Jay Jenkins

The UVa Cavaliers beat the Tar Heels 16-13 in a stunning overtime victory. 

Updated 6:50 p.m. UVa 16 UNC 13 OVERTIME VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

North Carolina may have its best chance in recent history to snap that long-standing slide. The Tar Heels (5-1, 1-1 ACC) enter the game ranked No. 18 and as a 4-point favorite.

Eugene Monroe is more comfortable fighting off a fierce pass rush than he is in fielding questions from a bunch of media types looking for a good story.

At one point during Saturday’s victory over East Carolina, Rich Bedesem, Jon Copper and Steve Greer stood on grassy field at Scott Stadium within a few yards of each other.

In each of North Carolina’s victories this season, the Tar Heels won a critical category needed to be successful in college football.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while saying farewell to Clemson’s Tommy Bowden, who got the axe from his school on Monday morning ...

In some magical way, Virginia quarterback Marc Verica has blocked out a forgettable experience at Duke.

Recruit Javanti Sparrow made a good weekend for the Cavs even better.

The players on the East Carolina field goal block team weren’t the only ones completely fooled by Virginia’s game-clinching fake midway through the fourth quarter.

To say Virginia’s linebacking corps put together a big-time outing against the Pirates would be a severe understatement.

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.

Listen to Coach Groh’s post game interview