Associated Press

Virginia's Jameel Sewell (10) scores a touchdown on a quarterback-keeper during the Cavaliers' 34-21 loss at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., on Saturday.

CLEMSON -- Mikell Simpson's legacy as a Virginia running back will be his knack for producing memorable moments when least expected.

That was certainly the case Saturday, when Simpson had 127 all-purpose yards in the first half and had UVa within three points of 18th-ranked Clemson in a game the Cavaliers would lose 34-21.

Simpson hadn't even played one week earlier in a 14-10 home loss to Boston College, when, to borrow a hockey term, he was a "healthy scratch."

In other words, Simpson, a starter earlier in the season, was not injured. His absence was performance-related.

"It was disappointing during the [Boston College] game, but I talked to the coaches and it was all up to me," said Simpson, a fifth-year senior. "Basically, my playing time depended on how hard I practiced."

Simpson did not start Saturday but entered the game for the second series, when he took direct snaps from the center in what is commonly known as the wildcat formation.

"It was the first time this year," said Simpson, who took some direct snaps as a sophomore in 2007. "We've had it in for a couple of weeks. Today, we had nothing to lose.

"I got excited. When I'm back there at quarterback, running the wildcat, it's like I'm a little kid, just back there having fun."

Simpson had 147 all-purpose yards in 2 ¹₂ quarters against Indiana earlier this season, but he suffered a neck injury that required him to be taken from the field on a board.

He didn't play the next week and head coach Al Groh has wondered how much that scare has impacted his game.

On Saturday, Simpson pulled up lame after catching a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jameel Sewell to end the first half.

"When I stretched out to catch it, I felt a little pop in my right hamstring," Simpson said. "I came out in the second half [for warmups] and tried to run up and down and sprint, but I couldn't accelerate. I'd have been hurting myself and the team."

With Simpson on the sidelines, UVa (3-8 overall, 2-5 ACC) did not have a first down in the third quarter. Simpson had three first-down runs on one first-half drive alone.

"I was feeling hot today," he said, "and any time I get injured and I'm not contributing to a large degree like that, I feel like I'm letting the team down."

Elite company

Sewell completed 11 of 17 passes for 160 yards and moved into third place on UVa's career passing list. Sewell, who missed a season while on academic suspension, moved ahead of Scott Gardner (5,218) and Aaron Brooks (5,118).

Sewell, with 5,246 yards and one game remaining, has gone as far as he can go. Ahead of him are Matt Schaub (7,502) and Shawn Moore (6,629).

"I was surprised last week when they told me that I had moved up to fifth and now, to be third, it means a lot to me," Sewell said. "I try hard. I put forth a lot of effort so this gives me something to show for it."

Handyman

Vic Hall's 5-yard touchdown pass to Joe Torchia on a flanker reverse represented the first TD pass of his career. Although he has been a defensive player for most of his career, Hall has rushed for a touchdown, caught a touchdown pass, thrown a touchdown pass and returned an interception for a touchdown. He also had a 62-yard punt return for an apparent touchdown against Boston College that was nullified by penalty.

Virginia next week

The Cavaliers will attempt to end a five-game losing streak, their longest since 2001, when they entertain Virginia Tech at 3:30 p.m Saturday. The Hokies (8-3, 5-2) defeated visiting North Carolina State 38-10 on Saturday and have won seven of eight games with Virginia during Groh's tenure.