Unless we’re discussing sports betting, Abilene Christian University had little chance against the University of Virginia.
Over the weekend, the Virginia Cavaliers (4-4) secured a significant victory against their only non-conference rival this year, the Abilene Christian Wildcats (1-5).
However, despite the final score of 55-15, Saturday’s game streamed on ESPN3 was filled with drama in the closing moments.
You may have missed it if you reside in Virginia, but luckily, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt has brought attention to one of the most thrilling (gambling-related) conclusions in college football of 2020 through his widely acclaimed “Bad Beats” segment.
“I can’t believe what I’ve just seen,” SVP exclaims, utterly astounded by the absurdity of the ending. “What on earth just happened?”
“If you place your bets on Abilene Christian, you’re guaranteed a one-way ticket to heaven!”
A Nail-biter for University of Virginia Bettors
On Saturday, there were a total of 44 games in the NCAA Division I FBS, with an additional 18 games being postponed or canceled due to COVID-19. Out of all the matchups, only one game, which was between BYU and North Alabama, had a larger point spread of -50.
Since 2013, Abilene Christian, a team from the Southland Conference in the FCS program, has only managed to achieve one winning season. The sole triumph they experienced this year was against Mercer University, who unfortunately had not secured any wins in their previous three matches.
Therefore, it is understandable why Virginia was initially favored by 35.5 points for the game on November 21, and why the margin increased to 39.5 points before the start of the game. Additionally, since the bets were evenly placed on both teams, half of the bettors were inevitably going to be left disappointed after the game.
However, the heartbreak that awaited Abilene Christian bettors at the end of the game was beyond anyone’s expectations.
The situation was indeed a genuine farce characterized by a series of mistakes and regrettable choices.
Scott Van Pelt Sets the Scene
The Virginia vs. Abilene Christian game went unnoticed on the NCAAF Week 12 schedule as more attention was given to other marquee matchups with narrower point spreads, stealing the spotlight in college football.
However, the UVA-ACU wild ending was given a second chance at life by the beloved “SVP” through his “Bad Beats” segment on “SportsCenter.” This particular one was especially remarkable, even by Van Pelt and “Bad Beats” standards.
To begin with, let’s take a look at the video segment, which is truly exceptional theater.
To recap:
- Despite being 39.5-point underdogs, Abilene Christian manages to score in the final moments, reducing the lead to five touchdowns and 36 points. Given this unexpected success, it’s only natural to celebrate exuberantly, even if it results in an excessive-celebration penalty.
- Certainly, we would have expected an onside kick following this, allowing Abilene Christian the opportunity to narrow the lead even more with only 86 seconds remaining, correct? “Absolutely not!” Van Pelt clarifies. “We are playing defense! It’s better to kick it deep!” Virginia opts to take a knee at their own 3-yard line.
- Following a single play, Virginia finds themselves in a 2nd and 12 situation. With only 42 seconds remaining on the clock, the Cavaliers have the option to conservatively run down the time. However, rather perplexingly, they decide to execute a double pass from their own end zone.
- Following the safety, Abilene Christian successfully reduces the deficit to 49-15, ensuring they are once again meeting the spread. However, inexplicably, the Wildcats opt to advance down the field, and remarkably, their strategy is proving fruitful.
- Everything was going well, until Abilene Christian quarterback Peyton Mansell threw an interception that was returned for an 84-yard touchdown by UVA.
- The game has concluded, with Virginia emerging as the victors with a score of 55-15. They managed to cover the spread as 39.5-point favorites, albeit by a mere half a point. Meanwhile, ACU can only feel disheartened and disappointed with their performance.
A Footnote That’s a Dagger to Bettors’ Hearts
Abilene Christian supporters experienced an incredibly disappointing conclusion.
But then, a footnote was added by Cavaliers head coach Bronco Mendenhall on VirginiaSports.com. To the dismay of ACU bettors, the unfortunate outcome became even more unfavorable.
Robert Anae, the offensive coordinator, made a mistake on his play chart. He mistakenly called the wrong play at the end of the game when we were attempting to run out the clock. Instead, he called for a double pass from our own end zone. This was a completely unintentional error. It highlights the impact that being just one line off can have, not only in a football game but also in life. It can change the situation from successfully running out the clock to executing an unexpected play like a double pass.
Starting from early 2021, Virginia will allow and regulate sports betting; however, wagering on local colleges and universities will remain prohibited.
Although the ban might appear short-sighted, the Cavaliers’ exhilarating journey on Saturday serves as a valuable lesson. It suggests that refraining from betting on our beloved teams could potentially spare us unnecessary stress.
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