Grading the three keys

Grading the three keys

C - Quick start. Neither team was able to seize momentum in the first half. Virginia had a chance after going for it on fourth and 1 from the 2-yard line and converting, but they finished the drive with a field goal. Likewise, Maryland squandered its chances, and the 6-3 halftime score reflected a game that neither team was able to take control of.

D - Running back consistency. Mikell Simpson was on the sideline calling in plays, putting the pressure on Rashawn Jackson and Torrey Mack, who hadn't seen this much action in a game so far this season. Mack demonstrated some slick moves, but his pass-blocking struggles kept him off the field for long stretches. Jackson was solid, but didn't provide the spark that Simpson seemed to give the offense.

C+ - Kickoff concerns. Virginia's kickoff woes continued, though this time voluntarily. Afraid of the ACC's top kick returner, Torrey Smith, the kickers were instructed to squib the ball or kick it short -- whatever it took to keep it out of Smith's hand. Half the kicks were handled by Robert Randolph, half by Chris Hinkebein, and Maryland averaged possession on about the 40-yard line, the equivalent of an out-of-bounds kick.