U.Va. notes: Defensive switch

Defensive switch

Taking aim at a Duke offense that was pass-heavy, Virginia played most of the game in a nickel formation, the first time that defensive package had been used all year.

"We were definitely working to get a lot of pressure on the QB," defensive lineman Zane Parr said. "The offensive line was coming off the ball hard, and we just had to come off harder and really push their tackles and guard back."

Groh said that there were three specific subgroups within the formation. The switch resulted in Chase Minnifield getting additional time at cornerback as he played the role of the fifth defensive back, while linebacker Denzel Burrell was not used for most of the game.

Minnifield had one of the game's most memorable plays when he intercepted a Thaddeus Lewis pass in the back of the end zone to preserve a Virginia red-zone stop.

Punting switch

This week's punter was junior Nathan Rathjen, as he filled in for sophomore Jimmy Howell.

Howell joined the team for the game and did not appear to be injured.

"His performance had left a lot to be desired," coach Al Groh said of Howell. "There was some degree of improvement."

Rathjen punted the ball six times with an average of 40.2 yards.

Crowd hits new low

The 41,713 fans in attendance represented the lowest number since Scott Stadium was renovated in 2000.

When Virginia returns home in two weeks to face Boston College, the number could drop below the attendance for a 1999 game against Buffalo, when 40,100 watched the Cavs.

Aboushi gets time

Left tackle Oday Aboushi played a small portion of yesterday's game, subbing in for Landon Bradley at the start of the second quarter.

"Coach told me to be ready, that you're going to get your reps," Aboushi said. "Whatever they need me to do, I'm willing to."

The touted offensive lineman is a true freshman, and it's rare for players that young to compete at the collegiate level. But Aboushi spent the summer working out, and said that he told the coaches he wanted to make an immediate impact.

He played the end of a blowout against Indiana, but yesterday's time was with the outcome still undetermined.

Aboushi is one of 14 true freshmen to see playing time this season. Only one will be able to redshirt, as Dominique Wallace was injured before playing his fourth game of the season.

Of those 14, two had their redshirts removed yesterday. Linebacker Connor McCartin played some with the special teams, and tight end Paul Freedman was on offense for a brief portion of the second half, logging one reception.

Verica appears briefly

When quarterback Jameel Sewell left with an injury in the second quarter, junior Marc Verica got some time behind center. He finished 5 for 16 with just 21 yards, mostly on screen passes.

Sewell returned to the game, but went for X-rays afterward. He was hit in the chest by a Duke defender after throwing the ball.

While Verica is regarded as more of a true passer, he stayed in Sewell's offense. Interestingly, the team did switch to the spread offense briefly, but Sewell was in the game for that portion of the first half.

Sewell also saw his streak of passes without an interception end at 145.

Extra points:

• This was the first time U.Va. had back-to-back losses to Duke since 1981-82.

• Duke kicker Will Snyderwine made five field goals, the first time Virginia has allowed that many since a 2002 game with Colorado State.

• After a costly personal foul against U.Va. last week, it was Duke's turn this week. Receiver Conner Vernon caught the ball, his helmet was ripped off by Chris Cook in the tackle, then Vernon stood up and made a first-down signal. The officials gave him a 15-yard penalty.

• Joe Torchia caught his first career touchdown pass. -- Michael Phillips