Thanks to The Sabre for the opportunity to write this article. As I said on The EDGE on Friday, I live in Southern California. This will probably be the only game that I will attend this year. And one wink and a nod to LakeRidgeHoo: no all-caps on this article. I found a keyboard that actually works … so on to this View from the EDGE.

After watching Saturday, my initial thoughts about the UVa-Richmond game …

• The Hoos pitched a shutout after giving up 52 points on national television the previous week. While the quality of the opponent was significantly different – and that is not meant to speak disrespectfully of Richmond – the defense came prepared.
• The recruiting class of 2007 made its presence felt. In addition to Peter Lalich , game-changing contributions from Matt Conrath , Nick Jenkins , and Chase Minnifield ensured Saturday’s win.
• I saw periodic moments of brilliance from Lalich, the wide receivers, and the offensive line. I also saw the second and third quarters.

The turning point of the game in my opinion was … the Hoos’ touchdown drive. Ever since Richmond’s 64-yard interception return in the second quarter, it seemed like the Spiders lived on the Hoos’ side of the field. I was dreading that the dam would eventually break, the Spiders would score, and the floodgates would open from there.

Finally – after the turnover from loss of downs to open the second half, Lalich’s second interception, and the plethora of penalties and dropped passes that seemingly plagued the second, third, and fourth quarters – the Cavaliers pieced together a 12-play, 54-yard TD drive after the Spiders’ botched punt. That punt appeared to kick start something for the offense. Kevin Ogletree had a nice catch that included yards after the catch. Cedric Peerman peeled off some tough runs to give us second or third and short, and Mikell Simpson broke through with a one-yard TD run to provide a needed cushion, 10-0.

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