Good Ole Podcast: A Virginia Athletics Podcast · 247Sports, Virginia, Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Cavaliers Football, Virginia Cavaliers Basketball, College Basketball, College Football

Episode No. 144: 'Do you believe in the 'Hoos now?' featuring Virginia Sports' Ahmad Hawkins

·1 hr 9 min·4 clips
Virginia intercepted Castellanos in double overtime to beat then-No. 8 Florida State.
1. Good Ole Podcast: A Virginia Athletics Podcast episode 144 focuses on Virginia’s double-overtime win over then-No. 8 Florida State and the reaction it created around the program. 2. Jackie French hosts Ahmad Hawkins, a former Virginia defensive back and current color analyst on the Virginia broadcast, because his call captured the end of the Florida State game. 3. The episode asks what Virginia’s upset says about the offense, the defense, and the rest of the 2024 season. 4. Hawkins says his broadcast emotion was not “full-fledged petty Hawk,” but he wanted Florida State to know “who won the game.” 5. He points to Virginia’s 14-0 start, the 21-14 Florida State response, and the third-quarter swings as proof the game kept turning. 6. Hawkins calls the result “cathartic” for players and fans because Virginia had come close in several recent games and finally finished one. 7. He says the defining offensive stat was getting into the red zone five times and scoring five touchdowns. 8. French adds that Virginia entered the game scoring touchdowns on only 57% of red-zone trips, which makes the perfect red-zone night stand out. 9. Hawkins credits the offensive line for handling injuries, including Brady Wilson’s absence at center and Drake Metcalf’s adjustments. 10. He says Virginia’s run game has now posted four straight games over 200 yards, including 211 rushing yards against Florida State. 11. Hawkins describes Jamari Taylor’s running style as patient, violent, and hard to bring down, and he calls him an “eraser.” 12. He also praises Trill Harris for turning a bobbled catch into extra yards and for making a two-point conversion catch with both feet in bounds. 13. Jamal Edron gets major attention from Hawkins, who says he was Virginia’s highest-rated run blocker in the Florida State game on Pro Football Focus. 14. Hawkins argues that Edron’s blocking and trash talk reflect veteran experience and a willingness to push opponents near the edge without crossing it. 15. The episode spends time on Virginia’s physical identity, including Hawkins’ claim that Florida State was unnerved by the Cavaliers’ toughness and refusal to back down. 16. Hawkins says Chandler Morris showed resilience after three interceptions, a thumb hit off a helmet, and a 26-of-35 day that included three rushing touchdowns. 17. The hosts also break down Dez Kitchens’ play-calling, including mesh concepts, a wheel route to Xavier Brown, and the value of having an experienced quarterback and offensive line. 18. The tone is conversational and technical, with Hawkins using broadcast language, football terms, and long explanations about line play, tempo, and coverage. 19. Fans of Virginia football and ACC offensive breakdowns would get the most from this episode. 20. Listeners wanting short clips without football scheme detail may skip it.

As heard by us

A win recap with real football detail, not just celebration.

This episode starts with Virginia's double-overtime win over then number eight Florida State, then spends its time on the football that made it matter.

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Why you'd press play

Want the story behind Virginia's upset of No. 8 Florida State in double overtime?

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