Taylor’s 2 TDs power Virginia to 7th straight win over Cal

Charlottesville, VA – J’Mari Taylor’s dominant performance on the ground propelled No. 15 Virginia to a hard-fought 31-21 victory over California on Saturday, extending the Cavaliers’ impressive winning streak to seven consecutive games. The streak marks the first time Virginia has achieved such a run since the 2007 season, fueling excitement and high expectations around the program.

Taylor, a junior running back, was the undisputed engine of the Cavaliers’ offense, personally punching in two crucial rushing touchdowns. He finished the game with a career-high 135 yards on 26 carries, consistently breaking tackles and moving the chains against a tenacious Golden Bears defense. His first score came late in the first quarter, giving Virginia an early lead they would not relinquish, and his second in the third quarter provided a vital cushion as California attempted a comeback.

“J’Mari was just outstanding tonight,” said Virginia Head Coach Brian Holloway in the post-game press conference. “He ran with power, vision, and determination. He carried a lot of the load for us, especially when we needed to grind out tough yards. That’s the kind of performance we expect from our leaders.”

The Cavaliers’ offense, while relying heavily on Taylor, showed a balanced attack. Quarterback Brennan Davis completed 18 of 27 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, a 30-yard strike to wide receiver Marcus King in the second quarter. The Virginia defense also played a critical role, forcing two turnovers and holding California’s potent passing game in check for significant stretches. Defensive end Noah Sterling registered two sacks and a forced fumble, disrupting the Golden Bears’ offensive rhythm.

California, now with a 3-5 record, mounted a spirited effort, particularly in the second half. Quarterback Jake Miller threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns, connecting frequently with wideout Khalil Johnson, who had 98 receiving yards. However, costly penalties and an inability to consistently convert in the red zone ultimately stalled their momentum.

“We fought hard, but we made too many mistakes against a very good, disciplined Virginia team,” said California Head Coach Marcus Reed. “Their running back was exceptional, and we just couldn’t contain him when it mattered most. We’ll learn from this and move forward.”

The Cavaliers’ seven-game winning streak is a significant milestone for the program. The last time Virginia achieved such a feat was in 2007 under then-coach Al Groh, a season that saw them finish with a 9-4 record and a bowl appearance. This current surge has propelled Virginia to a 7-1 overall record and a commanding position in their conference standings, raising their national profile and generating buzz for a potential push into the top 10 rankings.

Looking ahead, Virginia will aim to extend its streak next weekend when they travel to face conference rival Georgia Tech. California will return home to host USC, seeking to bounce back from the road loss. The Cavaliers’ dominant ground game, spearheaded by J’Mari Taylor, appears to be a formidable force as they navigate the remainder of their challenging schedule.