The Virginia football team started two different quarterbacks against its first two opponents, but the Cavaliers expect Tony Muskett to open the game against Maryland on Friday night. Muskett missed the James Madison matchup at home with a shoulder injury, but has made enough progress to likely return to the lineup this week.

UVA offensive coordinator Des Kitchings confirmed that Muskett will start Friday if he is healthy on game day. Muskett participated fully in practice Wednesday.

“If he’s ready to go, he’s the guy. You don’t lose the job for injury because he earned that spot,” Kitchings said. “But what it shows to everybody that we knew, we feel like we have two good quarterbacks. They can go out and play for us at a high level and help us win. If Tony’s available, he’s out there to start.”

As Kitchings noted, the Cavaliers have faith in either quarterback to run the offense. Muskett transferred in from Monmouth in the offseason with plenty of experience. He passed for 5,687 passing yards (5th in school history) and 51 touchdowns (5th in school history) with the Hawks. He didn’t have a huge line in his Virginia debut as the Hoos struggled with Tennessee in general, but beyond his 94 yards passing in that game, coaches and observers both saw some poise and ability to guide the offense.

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