Virginia Cavaliers J'Mari Taylor
J'Mari Taylor has helped Des Kitchings get Virginia's offense going with 7 rushing touchdowns. ~ Photo by Kris Wright

As Ja’Son Prevard fell to the field with the game-sealing interception and fans flooded the field Friday night, Virginia offensive coordinator Des Kitchings wrapped up another game far from the hoopla. That’s because he called the game from the press box level well above the unfolding hysteria.

After two years on the field, the fourth year coordinator has been working from the box all season long.

“On the field, I can get a little fiery sometimes so being up in the box eliminates maybe that emotion from being down on the field so it’s a little bit more calm up in the box,” Kitchings said in the days leading up to the FSU showdown. “You do like being on the field because you can feel the energy and look the guys in the face so it was really what was most important. I felt like it was most important to remove myself from the field and be in a little bit calmer state than down on the field.”