CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Running back Jordan Ellis' 3-yard touchdown run in the third overtime period lifted Virginia to a 44-38 win over Syracuse on Saturday at Scott Stadium.

The teams traded touchdowns in the first two overtimes, but Syracuse kicker Cole Murphy's 48-yard field goal attempt went wide right on the Orange's third possession.

Running back Taquan Mizzell led the Cavaliers with 127 total yards and two touchdowns, both coming on the ground. Quarterback Matt Johns completed 24 of 37 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

Syracuse (3-3, 1-1 ACC) was led by quarterback Eric Dungey, who threw for 150 yards and ran for 85 more as he collected three touchdowns.

Syracuse led 21-14 at halftime.

The Orange took a 24-14 lead late in the third quarter on a 22-yard field goal by Murphy, before Virginia (2-4, 1-1) reeled off 10 unanswered points on two drives that saw the Cavaliers run 34 plays.

Virginia outgained Syracuse 393-334 as the Cavaliers converted on nine of 16 third-down plays.