Barber: With Armstrong injured and the defense swaying, Virginia has big problems to solve | UVA

But for the past two seasons the unit has struggled to allow big games, a mistake that has increasingly paralyzed the entire Cavaliers operation this year. So much so, not even Armstrong’s dazzling game can overcome it.

On Saturday night, Armstrong broke the Virginia record for overtaking yards in one season in Provo, Utah, beating the 2019 mark set by Bryce Perkins. And yes, that team has at least three more regular season games and a bowl, even though Armstrong’s status is up in the air.

He delivered touchdowns of 2 yards (for Keytaon Thompson), 4 (for Billy Kemp IV), 40 (for Jelani Woods) and 70 (for Dontayvion Wicks). He ran for scores of 5 and 30 yards.

All of this and it wasn’t enough to overcome the multitude of missed tackles and big plays allowed by the defense.

“We have to do better in defense. We have to do better, ”said senior linebacker Nick Jackson. “There are many things that we need to tighten and shape. There are many things that we need to improve. “

Virginia’s defense was virtually invisible on an emotionally charged night when Mendenhall returned to school where he coached eleven bowl games.

BYU (7-2) recognized Mendenhall on the video panel at LaVell Edwards Stadium before the game and the fans gave their former coach a rousing ovation. But the current version of the Cougars did not take part in the Lovefest. They scored a goal with their first three possession of the ball and led 21-0 less than seven minutes into the competition, a hot start supported by an Armstrong interception on Virginia’s second drive.