Fortunately for the Wahoos, Mandy Alonso blew up a third-and-goal carry to limit Duke to a field goal. The defense settled in well the rest of the quarter, but Armstrong and the Virginia offense looked shaky to open the game.

With both offenses sputtering, Duke struck on a defensive miscue.

A pair of UVa defenders attempted to jump a pass to tight end Jake Marwede late in the first quarter. They missed, allowing Marwede to grab the pass and run down the middle of the field for a 55-yard touchdown reception.

Once the game turned to the second quarter, Virginia found a groove.

Offensive coordinator Robert Anae leaned on the rushing attack, giving the ball to Wayne Taulapapa and Armstrong.

Armstrong ran for 29 yards and a touchdown, which came from four yards out, on the opening drive of the second quarter. The power run pulled UVa within 10-7.

A quick Duke three-and-out put Virginia near midfield down three. Taulapapa finished the drive, which was aided by a Duke personal foul, with three consecutive carries for 23 yards. He capped it off with a one-yard touchdown run.

UVa added a Brian Delaney field goal to take a 17-10 lead into halftime.

Unfortunately for Armstrong and the Cavaliers, the third quarter was all Duke. The Blue Devils scored all 10 points in the frame to take a 20-17 lead into the final 15 minutes.