Virginia
Wasted opportunities plague Virginia in 14-12, 4OT loss to Miami

By Scott Ratcliffe
Picture: UVA Athletics
Virginia let a second-straight win slip away on a number of events Saturday towards Miami, as an alternative falling 14-12 in a wild, quadruple-overtime affair at Scott Stadium.
After failing to place any factors on the scoreboard within the opening half, the Cavaliers (3-5, 1-4 ACC) tied the sport at 3-3 within the third quarter after which took a 6-3 benefit with simply over 12 minutes left in regulation on a pair of Will Bettridge area targets.
Together with a number of dropped passes that might have saved a number of drives alive earlier within the contest, Virginia got here up empty on a first-and-goal alternative late within the third, as Brennan Armstrong’s would-be landing go from a yard out bounced off of tight finish Grant Misch’s fingers and fell to the turf on fourth down.
That chance was made potential by the longest play from scrimmage — by both facet — all day, as Armstrong threw a go within the flat on third-and-3 to Mike Hollins, who made a transfer and hustled 64 yards down the house sideline and appeared to attain a landing, however was dominated out on the 1-yard line. Misch slipped ultimately zone on the next play, as Keytaon Thompson’s soar go supposed for him additionally may’ve put six factors on the board.
Nonetheless trailing by three, the Hurricanes (4-4, 2-2) acquired the ball again with a little bit over 5 minutes left within the fourth quarter and had an opportunity to place the sport away after choosing up a primary down on the UVA 3-yard line with 1:29 on the clock.
The Cavaliers stuffed Jacurri Brown on first-and-goal, nevertheless, earlier than senior free security Coen King tripped up Miami working again Henry Parrish Jr. for no achieve on the next play.
The Hurricanes have been then flagged for an unlawful substitution with 37 ticks remaining, backing them as much as the 7-yard line. King once more got here away with an enormous sort out, stopping Parrish quick on the 2-yard line on third down, and Andres Borregales knotted the rating at 6-6 with a 20-yard area objective because the fourth-quarter clock hit triple zeroes, and the sport went to additional time. King completed with 13 tackles (9 solo) on the afternoon, second solely to Nick Jackson’s game-high 14 stops (4 solo).
Miami acquired the ball first and solely picked up a yard earlier than settling for a Borregales 42-yarder to take a 9-6 lead. Fentrell Cypress II practically intercepted a Jake Garcia go on third down that might’ve given the Wahoos an opportunity to win it with a rating.
On Virginia’s first collection, Armstrong couldn’t decide up a primary down on two straight run performs, then was sacked for a four-yard loss on third down, and Bettridge nailed a 41-yard area objective to pressure a second further session.
UVA acquired the ball first in double OT, however once more needed to accept three after solely gaining a yard on three performs. Bettridge’s ensuing field-goal attempt acquired a fortunate bounce off of the left upright and in, as his financial institution shot put Virginia again in entrance, 12-9.
Miami answered with a 37-yarder to tie it at 12-all, and from there, the groups alternated on one-play, 2-point conversions from the 3-yard line till a winner was decided.
Issues once more appeared engaging for Cavalier followers after senior robust security Antonio Clary intercepted Garcia on Miami’s try, because the Hoos simply wanted to get the ball ultimately zone from three yards away to clinch the victory.
“Clary flew round, all these guys flew round,” UVA defensive coordinator John Rudzinski mentioned of his protection. “They bled for the V-Sabre, and so they bled over and again and again. That’s on all three phases of the ball.”
Nonetheless, Virginia dedicated a false-start penalty, transferring the ball again to the 8, and Armstrong’s ensuing go into the tip zone supposed for Dontayvion Wicks fell incomplete.
UVA acquired it first to start out the fourth additional time interval, and Armstrong couldn’t hook up with Lavel Davis Jr. alongside the again of the tip zone. Garcia then put issues on ice with a 3-yard keeper round the precise edge and dove in for the deciding 2-point run, leaving the Wahoo devoted shocked and deflated. It was the one play of the sport for both staff that acquired previous the objective line. The play was reviewed and confirmed, because the Hurricanes started to rejoice alongside the sideline.
“We simply wanted to make yet one more play than they did, and so they made a play there on the finish and we didn’t make a play,” mentioned Virginia head coach Tony Elliott. “But it surely looks like that’s been the theme with us offensively, is we’re simply leaving factors on the sphere.”
Virginia gained simply 96 whole yards within the first half (26 passing, 70 speeding) and solely transformed 4 first downs, going 2 for 7 on third down. The Hoos solely had the ball for 12:16 and punted on all 5 first-half possessions.
Regardless of all of that, the UVA protection saved the Cavaliers within the contest, limiting the U to three factors whereas coming away with 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss throughout the primary half-hour.
The offense lastly acquired going to start out the second half, as Armstrong accomplished a 30-yard toss to Thompson on the third play from scrimmage after halftime.
On the subsequent snap, Davis snuck behind the Hurricanes’ secondary and was large open, however needed to come again to safe the catch of the underthrown Armstrong supply. Nonetheless, the play went for 47 yards and gave Virginia a first-and-goal at Miami’s 3-yard line, however the Hoos misplaced 7 yards on a botched jet sweep earlier than Armstrong was stopped for no achieve on third down, and got here away with only a area objective.
“Positively not the result that we wished, and the fellows are going to be sick once they watch these 4 or 5, possibly six performs that might have made an enormous distinction within the sport that we didn’t make,” mentioned Elliott.
On the afternoon, the Cavaliers wound up with 327 whole yards, whereas holding Miami — which was enjoying with out beginning quarterback Tyler Van Dyke — to 272. Armstrong accomplished 15 of his 25 passes for 208 yards whereas additionally main the staff in speeding with 67 web yards on 20 carries.
Recreation Stats
Scoring Abstract
Miami 0 3 0 3 8 — 14
Virginia 0 0 3 3 6 — 12
Second Quarter
UM (0:00) — Andres Borregales 38-yard area objective. Miami 3, Virginia 0.
Third Quarter
UVA (10:42) — Will Bettridge 27-yard area objective. Virginia 3, Miami 3.
Fourth Quarter
UVA (12:11) — Will Bettridge 24-yard area objective. Virginia 6, Miami 3.
UM (0:00) — Andres Borregales 20-yard area objective. Virginia 6, Miami 6.
Additional time
UM — Andres Borregales 42-yard area objective. Miami 9, Virginia 6.
UVA — Will Bettridge 41-yard area objective. Virginia 9, Miami 9.
UVA — Will Bettridge 41-yard area objective. Virginia 12, Miami 9.
UM — Andres Borregales 37-yard area objective. Virginia 12, Miami 12.
UM — Jake Garcia two-point rush. Miami 14, Virginia 12.
Participant Stats
Dashing
UM — H.Parrish Jr. 24-113; J.Brown 5-28; L.Stanley 3-18; R.Brinson 1-(minus-3); J.Garcia 5-(minus-9). Whole: 38-147. UVA — B.Armstrong 20-67; P.Jones 7-28; M.Hollins 2-16; X.Brown 4-8. Whole: 33-119.
Receiving
UM — C.Younger 5-46; W.Mallory 3-22; B.Smith 2-16; X.Restrepo 1-11; F.Ladson Jr. 1-10; J.George 1-9; Ok.Smith 1-7; H.Parrish Jr. 1-4. Whole: 15-125. UVA — M.Hollins 1-64; L.Davis Jr. 1-47; Ok.Thompson 5-41; B.Kemp IV 5-28; D.Wicks 1-14; S.Wooden Jr. 1-9; X.Brown 1-5. Whole: 15-208.
Passing
UM — J.Garcia 15-29-125-0-0; J.Brown 0-3-0-0-0. Whole: 15-32-125-0-0. UVA — B.Armstrong 15-25-208-0-0; Ok.Thompson 0-1-0-0-0. Whole: 15-26-208-0-0.
Recreation Notes
Miami Quotes
Cavaliers’ protection places them in place in loss to Miami
Column: UVA’s red-zone woes proceed to mount; go the Pepto please
UP NEXT
The Cavaliers will look to bounce again subsequent Saturday when Coastal Division-leading North Carolina involves city (Midday, ACC Community).

Virginia
Merck breaks ground on $3B manufacturing plant in Virginia

White House Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro told ‘Mornings with Maria’ that President Donald Trump’s tariffs will cut U.S. reliance on China, rebuild supply chains and protect national security through tough trade policy.
Merck on Monday announced the groundbreaking of its new Virginia pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, a cornerstone of the company’s $70 billion U.S. investment strategy.
The 400,000-square-foot site in Elkton, Virginia, is expected to create 500 full-time positions once operational and generate roughly 8,000 construction jobs during development.
As one of the largest pharmaceutical investments of President Donald Trump’s second term, Merck’s push comes as the administration is prioritizing making pharmaceuticals domestically and reducing dependence on foreign drug production.
“We always will work with the U.S. administration to make sure that we remain, in America, a prime leader in innovation,” Sanat Chattopadhyay, executive vice president and president of Merck’s manufacturing division told FOX Business. “At the same time, do the best we can for our customers through investment in U. S. manufacturing.”
ELI LILLY TO INVEST $5B IN VIRGINIA PLANT AMID TRUMP’S PHARMA TARIFF THREATS
A scientist uses a microscope in a lab. (iStock)
The new plant will expand U.S. production of vaccines and critical medicines, including active pharmaceutical ingredients and new small-molecule manufacturing and testing capacity. Merck executives say the site will serve as a key hub for next-generation therapeutics beyond the company’s well-established oncology and vaccine portfolio.
Merck CEO Robert Davis called the groundbreaking “an important milestone for Merck, for Virginia, for manufacturing in the United States and, most importantly, for the patients we serve.” He said the investment “helps advance our goal of providing new, innovative treatment options for people facing serious health challenges in the U.S. and around the world.”
The announcement coincides with the White House’s renewed “Made in America” pharmaceutical push.
TRUMP BRINGS KEY PRESCRIPTION DRUG HOME TO US IN SWEEPING WALMART DEAL
“The pharmaceuticals are coming back,” Trump told FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Sunday Morning Futures.” “China has been eating our lunch. Now, 90% of the pharmaceuticals that we need, underlying components, are made in China.”
Trump added that new tariffs are helping drive production back to U.S. soil.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on Oct. 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“I’m putting tariffs on pharmaceuticals, unless they’re made here, they’re all coming back,” Trump said.
The Elkton expansion marks Merck’s fourth major U.S. manufacturing project this year, with similar facilities under construction in Delaware, North Carolina and Kansas.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON INVESTING $2B IN US MANUFACTURING, CREATING NEW JOBS
Together, Merck’s expansion plan is expected to create more than 48,000 construction-related jobs by 2029.
Between now and 2028, Merck anticipates most construction will be completed, with manufacturing beginning in 2029 and supply operations launching in 2030, according to Dave Moraldo, Merck’s senior vice president of human health manufacturing.
Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
---|---|---|---|---|
MRK | MERCK & CO. INC. | 84.79 | +0.87 | +1.04% |
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
“We’re continuing to look forward to partnering with the Trump administration around policy that promotes and fosters and protects innovation while continuing to position the U.S. pharmaceutical industry as a center of biopharmaceutical innovation,” Moraldo told FOX Business.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin praised the move as “a monumental step forward for Virginia’s life-sciences sector,” saying it solidifies the state’s role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and healthcare innovation.
Virginia
How to Watch West Virginia vs. TCU: Kickoff time, TV Channel, and Odds

For the first time in nearly a month, West Virginia will return to Mountaineer Field as they get ready to host the TCU Horned Frogs for the annual Coal Rush game.
Current Records: West Virginia (2-5, 0-4 Big 12) vs. TCU (5-2, 2-2 Big 12)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 25th, 6 p.m. EST
Where: Morgantown, WV — Milan Puskar Stadium (60,000)
TV/Streaming: ESPN+
Commentators: Play-by-Play: TBA Analyst: TBA
Radio: Mountaineers Sports Network (Radio affiliates and frequency listed below)
Beckley: 97.9 or 100.7
Bluefield: 104.5
Charleston: 100.9, 1300 (AM), 1340 (AM), or 1410 (AM)
Chester, VA: 92.7
Chester, PA: 103.3
Clarksburg: 104.9
Colliers: 94.9
Cumberland, MD: 100.1, 1230 (AM), or 1390 (AM)
Fairmont: 94.3 or 920 (AM)
Fisher: 101.7, 103.7, OR 690 (AM)
Gocchland, VA: 100.5
Hinton: 102.3
Huntington: 102.3
Keyser: 1390 (AM) or 100.1
Kingwood: 96.7
Logan: 101.9 or 1290 (AM)
Martinsburg: 106.5 or 740 (AM)
Morgantown: 100.9 OR 95.7
Moundsville: 97.7 or 1370 (AM)
Mullens: 92.7
New Martinsville: 93.1 or 99.5
Parkersburg: 94.7, 103.1, or 1050 (AM)
Pittsburgh: 98.7, 910 (AM),107.5, or 1480 (AM)
Philadelphia: 740 (AM)
Richmond, VA: 107.7 or 820 (AM)
Ronceverte: 103.1
Ripley: 98.3
Spencer: 104.7 or 1400 (AM)
St. Mary’s: 92.9 or 630 (AM)
Summersville: 92.5
Sutton: 1490 (AM)
Sutton/Craigsville: 92.1
Sutton/Gassaway/Flatwoods: 96.5
Sutton/Summersville: 97.1
Weirton: 94.9 or 1430 (AM)
Wheeling: 98.1 or 1600 (AM)
West Virginia has the edge, leading 8-5, including winning five of the past six meetings. The two schools did not meet last season, which marked the first time since they each joined the league in 2012 that they did not play one another. Two years ago, WVU won in Fort Worth, 24-21, in large part to blocking a pair of field goals.
TCU, as expected, is a huge favorite in this year’s game, favored by 14.5. As we get closer to kickoff, you can expect that number to continue to climb, considering how poorly West Virginia has fared in Big 12 play. The over/under opened at 55.5.
Odds Disclaimer
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI
West Virginia Opens as Heavy Underdogs for Coal Rush Game vs. TCU
Sunday Morning Thoughts: Coaching Staff Shuffle at Year’s End for WVU?
Why is WVU Refusing to Make Changes Along the Offensive Line?
Rich Rodriguez Details the Decision to Start Scotty Fox Jr.
WVU Crushed by UCF: What We Learned from the Mountaineers’ Latest Collapse
Virginia
West Virginia Housed in Orlando, Remain Winless in Big 12

West Virginia received its fourth-straight beatdown after UCF hammered the Mountaineers (2-5, 0-4) for a homecoming win Saturday afternoon 45-13 at the Acrisure Bounce House, the first WVU loss in the five-game series history against the Knights (4-3, 1-3).
The Mountaineers had lost by an average margin of 26.3 through their first three Big 12 Conference games and were hoping to begin the back half of the season with a much-needed win, following a bye week and against a fellow winless Big 12 foe.
“We stunk in every phase, in every way,” West Virginia University head coach Rich Rodriguez said. “I thought we had a good week in practice. I’ve done this a long time – I thought the guys were ready to play. We didn’t do anything well – Looked slow, out of position, missed tackles, didn’t block. Hell, [we] had two holding penalties on draw plays. That should never happen. Again, poorly coached, poorly executed, poorly played, poorly everything.”
Rodriguez opted to start freshman Scotty Fox Jr. ahead of redshirt freshman Khalil Wilkins, who started in the previous outing against BYU.
“Just trying,” Rodrguez said. “Got to give everybody a shot and do it based on what they’ve done in the game, but also what they’ve done in practice. I’ve got to make a decision based on practice and to have the two young guys, the only guys that are healthy are the two young guys. So, Scotty got the first shot based on practice the last two weeks, but it’s a lot on them. It’s a lot on them more when the pieces around them aren’t helping,”
Fox and the offense struggled to find footing on the first three possessions. The longest drive went 33 yards on 10 plays and ended after failing to convert fourth and 13 at the UCF 36.
While West Virginia was searching for its offense, UCF scored on its first two drives of the game. The Knights offense started their day from their own three-yard line. Nonetheless, the first play was a 39-yard run from redshirt senior running back Myles Montgomery. Five plays later, redshirt junior Tayven Jackson connected with redshirt senior receiver Chris Domercant for a 40-yard touchdown pass and the 7-0 lead.
Jackson and the Knights, again, made quick work of the defense on the second drive. He hit junior receiver Duane Thomas Jr. for 25 yards before Domercant for the 34-yard touchdown pass in the back of the endzone for a 14-0 edge.
“I got to find out why we had so many guys so wide open,” Rodriguez stated. “I know one time we were supposed to have a deep safety in the middle of the field, and we didn’t, and I think it was the second touchdown of the game. It should never happen. So, there were some breakdowns there. Why it happened, I got to find out why. We played really poorly as poorly as we played defensively of I’ve had a team play defensively in a long, long time. Our guys are pretty consciousness – coaches and they’ll do what they can to fix it.“
After UCF failed to convert on a fourth and one from its own 39, Wilkins entered the game and immediately gave the Mountaineers a threat in the running game. Back-to-back keepers produced 27 yards, then scrambled six yards to cap five-play drive to cut the lead in half as the defense held the Knights scoreless in the second quarter to trail 14-7 at halftime. Wilkins finished the half with 58 rushing yards.
UCF opened the second half with a 92-yard touchdown drive. Jackson had three completions for 60 yards and redshirt senior running back Jaden Nixon finished the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Jackson finished the day 23-34 for 277 yards and two touchdowns.
“Three drive started inside the 10-yard line, and they scored,” Rodrigeuz said. “We missed some tackles. Looked slower if that’s the right word. Weren’t playing as fast as we needed too. The execution part, the scheme part we will have to look at. It was not a good effort from any facet.”
On West Virginia’s opening possession of the second half and facing a third and eight, Wilkins was hit from behind, stripped, and redshirt senior linebacker Keli Lawson for the 32-yard scoop and score and the rout was on.
Nixon finished with a game-high 116 yards and two touchdowns with the bulk of producing from an explosive 83-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to stretch the UCF lead, 35-7.
West Virginia produced a mere 63 total yards in the quarter and never recaptured the little momentum from the second quarter. Wilkins was held in check to just five yards before Fox re-entered the game.
“I don’t think we sustained blocks as well… Their defense got off blocks better than our defense did. I don’t’ know if we challenged them enough like we needed to. From a schemed standpoint we got to look at that,” Rodriguez said.
UCF tacked on 10 points in the fourth quarter, receiving three points on a 51-yard field goal from Redshirt senior Noe Ruelas and backup redshirt freshman quarterback Davi Belfort led the Knights 72 yards on his only drive of the day with a one-yard run for a 45-7 advantage.
West Virginia found the end zone for the final time after redshirt senior safety Jordan Walker intercepted the pass from redshirt junior Brock Hansel and returned it 31 yards to the one-yard line.
The Mountaineers would not make easy. On the first play, a botched snap, was recovered at the 20. A 19-yard completion put WVU back at the one before redshirt freshman running bac Diore Hubbard punched it in and the missed extra point put the final score at 45-13.
MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI
Rich Rodrigez UCF Postgame Quick Hits
Stock Up, Stock (Mostly) Down: Evaluations of WVU’s Disastrous Showing in Orlando
Oh No! West Virginia Receives Devastating Injury Update on RB Tye Edwards
-
Alaska6 days ago
More than 1,400 seeking shelter as hundreds wait to be evacuated after catastrophic Western Alaska storm, officials say
-
North Carolina1 week ago
Guide to NC State Fair 2025: Tickets, transportation, parking, new rides and special event days
-
World3 hours ago
Israel continues deadly Gaza truce breaches as US seeks to strengthen deal
-
News3 hours ago
Trump news at a glance: president can send national guard to Portland, for now
-
World1 week ago
Albanian judge killed in courtroom shooting amid growing anger over justice system reforms
-
World5 days ago
What are NATO’s national caveats and why do they hinder fast response?
-
News6 days ago
Trump Halts Billions in Grants for Democratic Districts During Shutdown
-
News1 week ago
Video: Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning Actress, Dies at 79