With slightly less than 6 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, UVa suddenly find themselves in a struggle after briefly seizing control of the game. Getting a 7-0 lead gave UVa a working margin. Duke's offense had been inept for much of the game. Field position was the most critical commodity for UVa at this point in the game. It was important to force Duke to work hard for every yard.
Mistakes are part of the game.
After Scott fumbled he should have simply taken a safety by running out of the back of the end zone. He compounded the mistake by attempting to pass the ball. With a safety Scott would have likely punted the ball into Duke territory. At worst, UVa would have faced a Duke offense between the two 40 yard lines, as oppose to serving the Blue Devils with a gift eleven yards from the goal line. Critical Plays in a Supporting Role - In Focus Early in the 4th quarter after Tim Spruill blocked a Brian Morton punt on the Duke 43 yard line, the 'Hoos had an opportunity to put the game away.