The energy in Jacksonville was different. You could feel it in the humidity. Most fans heading into the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on December 27, 2025, expected a high-flying shootout between the ACC and the SEC. Instead, they got a defensive masterclass that looked more like a 1920s mud fight than a modern-day bowl game.
When the clock finally hit zero at EverBank Stadium, the uva football game score sat at a gritty 13-7 in favor of the Virginia Cavaliers.
It wasn't pretty. Honestly, it was kind of stressful to watch if you were a Hoos fan. But for Tony Elliott and a program that had been through the absolute ringer over the last few years, that 13-7 result was beautiful. It capped off an 11-3 season—the winningest in the history of the University of Virginia.
Breaking Down the 13-7 Gator Bowl Win
How do you win a major bowl game with only 13 points? You play defense like your life depends on it.
The Missouri Tigers came into this game with a reputation for explosive plays. They were supposed to test Virginia's secondary. Instead, the Hoos' defensive front, led by guys like Mitchell Melton and Daniel Rickert, turned the backfield into a no-fly zone. Rickert, who finished the season with 7 sacks, was a constant menace.
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Virginia's scoring was sparse.
- A first-quarter field goal from Will Bettridge (who was basically automatic all year).
- A J’Mari Taylor touchdown run that reminded everyone why he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season.
- Another Bettridge chip shot to seal the deal.
Missouri’s lone score came on a desperate drive late in the first half, but the second half was a total stalemate. UVA's defense held the Tigers to just 7 points, a feat that felt impossible given how Missouri had moved the ball against SEC opponents earlier in the year.
The Chandler Morris Factor
Chandler Morris didn't have his "stat-sheet-stuffer" game. We’ve seen him throw for 300+ yards plenty of times since transferring from North Texas, but in Jacksonville, he was a game manager. And that’s a compliment. He finished the season with over 3,000 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, but in the Gator Bowl, he took what the defense gave him.
He didn't turn the ball over.
In a game this close, one interception is a death sentence.
He stayed cool.
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Why This uva football game score Matters So Much
If you just look at the uva football game score from the ACC Championship a few weeks prior—a heartbreaking 20-27 overtime loss to Duke—the Gator Bowl win feels like redemption.
The Cavaliers finished 11-3. Think about that. Before this season, Tony Elliott’s record was 11-23 over three years. The jump from a struggling program to an 11-win, Top-20 ranked powerhouse is the kind of stuff they make movies about.
A lot of people got the "Wake Forest" game wrong, too. People saw that 9-16 loss in November and thought the wheels were falling off. But UVA bounced back to crush Virginia Tech 27-7 in the Commonwealth Cup. They proved they weren't a fluke.
Key Stats from the 2025 Season
| Category | Season Total |
|---|---|
| Total Wins | 11 (Program Record) |
| ACC Record | 7-1 |
| Points Per Game | 30.79 |
| Takeaway Margin | +0.6 per game |
The takeaway margin is the stat that doesn't get enough love. UVA was 17th in the nation in turnover margin. They didn't beat themselves. When you look at the uva football game score from almost any game this year, from the 46-38 double-overtime thriller against Florida State to the 17-16 nail-biter against UNC, the common thread was ball security.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the 2025 Hoos
There’s a misconception that this was a "lucky" season because of the close scores.
People point to the overtime wins against Louisville and North Carolina as "coin flips." But if you watch the tape, those weren't luck. They were the result of a conditioning program that clearly outpaced the rest of the ACC. In the fourth quarter and overtime, UVA was simply faster.
J’Mari Taylor was the engine. He didn't just run for 1,062 yards; he caught 43 passes out of the backfield. He was the safety valve Chandler Morris needed when the pocket collapsed.
Looking Toward the 2026 Season
The celebration in Charlottesville is still going on, but the "what's next" questions are already starting.
- Replacing the Seniors: The defense is losing some key pieces in the secondary.
- The Morris Legacy: With Chandler Morris likely looking toward the NFL, the quarterback room becomes a massive question mark.
- Recruiting Momentum: Can Tony Elliott turn an 11-win season into a top-15 recruiting class?
The 13-7 uva football game score in the Gator Bowl wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It told the college football world that Virginia isn't just a "basketball school" anymore. They can win ugly, they can win big, and they can win when it matters most.
If you’re looking to follow the momentum into the spring, the best move is to keep an eye on the transfer portal. With the success UVA had with Morris and Taylor, expect Charlottesville to be a prime destination for high-impact transfers looking for a winning culture. Check the official Virginia Sports site for the upcoming spring game schedule, which usually drops in late February.