Virginia Ends Slump With 36-7 Win Over Cal

Virginia snapped a five-game slide with a 36-7 win over Cal, improving to 5-5 overall and 3-4 in ACC play. The victory came as the Cavaliers try to build momentum before their final two regular-season games against North Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Virginia’s defense supplied two touchdowns, with Kam Robinson and Brandyn Hillman each returning an interception for a score. The Cavaliers also held Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele below 150 passing yards and intercepted him twice.

The offense remained inconsistent. Quarterback Beau Pribula missed several throws to Da’Shawn Martin, and Virginia managed only one touchdown in the first 56 minutes. Pribula’s rushing production was limited apart from runs of 43 and 18 yards.

Penalties and execution errors added to the concerns: Virginia was flagged eight times for 99 yards, and also had missed blocks and bad snaps. The Cavaliers can finish 7-5 by winning their remaining games, but will need more from the offense as they face the Tar Heels and Hokies.