Virginia Caps Historic Season with Gritty Gator Bowl Win Over Missouri
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - All season long, Virginia head coach Tony Elliott has hammered home one message: win the middle eight - the final four minutes of the first half and the first four of the second. That’s where games are won. And in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, with history on the line, the Cavaliers did just that.
With a 10-7 win over Missouri, Virginia not only secured the program’s first 11-win season ever, but did it in a way that perfectly captured the identity of this 2025 squad - resilient, opportunistic, and deep.
Defense Sets the Tone
Late in the first half, Missouri looked poised to take control after a muffed punt gave them prime field position. But the UVA defense, which has made a habit of bending without breaking, came up with a crucial stop. Missouri missed the ensuing field goal, and Virginia escaped the half without further damage.
That moment set the tone for the second half, where the Cavaliers came out with purpose.
A Drive for the Ages
Coming out of the break, Virginia put together a drive that was nothing short of surgical. Nineteen plays.
Seventy-five yards. Ten minutes and seven seconds off the clock.
It was the longest drive of the season for the Cavaliers - and the second longest in program history in both duration and number of plays.
That drive ended with a go-ahead touchdown and a 10-7 lead with just under five minutes left in the third quarter. But more than just points, it was a statement: Virginia was going to control the tempo and make Missouri play on their terms.
Hometown Hero Delivers
On Missouri’s next possession, Jacksonville native Antonio Clary made a play that will live in UVA lore. Clary tipped a Matt Zollers pass that landed right in the hands of Emmanuel Karnley, who secured his first career interception. The Cavaliers turned that takeaway into a field goal, stretching their lead and keeping Missouri’s offense on ice - the Tigers ran just six plays in the entire third quarter.
A Classic Virginia Finish
Of course, it wouldn’t be a 2025 Virginia game without some drama. With the game on the line and Missouri threatening in the final seconds, safety Devin Neal Jr. made the defining play - a pass breakup in the end zone to seal the win. It was a fitting final act for a team that has made a habit of closing games with grit and poise.
The Eli Wood Game
Let’s be clear: this was Eli Wood’s night.
The senior wide receiver - often called the “glue” of the receiver room - stepped into a bigger role with Trell Harris sidelined. And he delivered.
Wood came up with clutch catches to move the chains, flew down the field on special teams, and even played a key role in a fourth-quarter pooch punt. On that play, quarterback Chandler Morris dropped a beauty inside the 10, and Wood dove to keep it out of the end zone.
Cam Ross finished it off by downing the ball at the Missouri two-yard line.
Wood was everywhere - offense, special teams, momentum plays. The kind of all-around performance that doesn’t always show up in the box score but wins games.
Depth on Display
Virginia entered the bowl game without several key contributors. J’Mari Taylor, one of the team’s top offensive weapons, opted out.
Linebackers Maddox Marcellus and Kam Robinson were unavailable. And yet, the Cavaliers didn’t flinch.
Freshman running back Xay Davis stepped into the spotlight with 41 yards and some tough runs. With Taylor and Waylee both out of eligibility, Davis’ performance gave fans a glimpse of the future at the position.
On defense, Corey Costner - another freshman - continued his impressive rise. Alongside Clary, Costner helped make a crucial fourth-down stop late in the game, pushing Zollers out of bounds just short of the sticks with under two minutes to play. It was one of several examples of young players stepping up when it mattered most.
Passing the Baton
Bowl season isn’t just about the now - it’s about what’s next. And for Virginia, several young players got their chance to shine.
Cole Geer, a freshman quarterback, lined up at wide receiver on the first drive, showing the kind of versatility that coaches love. Safety Montino Williams, who’s been in the mix all year, continued to get meaningful reps.
Wide receiver Isaiah Robinson filled in for Dillon Newton-Short on third downs. Defensive lineman Sichan John, tight end Justin Zames, and Davis all saw the field in the first half.
These weren’t just garbage-time snaps. They were real, high-leverage moments. And the fact that the staff trusted these young players says a lot about where this program is headed.
A Fitting Finish
This team has been defined by its resilience. They’ve battled injuries, leaned on depth, and found ways to win close games. So it only makes sense that their season would end with a final stand in the end zone, with the game hanging in the balance.
Virginia’s 11th win wasn’t flashy. It was earned - one clutch play, one defensive stand, one unsung hero at a time.
And that’s exactly how this team will be remembered.