Jahmeer Carter rushes the passer for the Virginia defensive line, which fared well in the grades. ~ Photo by Kris Wright/TheSabre.com

The Virginia football team’s season-opening 34-13 victory against Richmond, while not what could be called a statement game, certainly was an efficient effort for a program coming off back-to-back losing seasons. This could be labeled as a sound performance and hopefully will be something the team builds on this weekend in Winston-Salem and beyond.

The highlight for me was the fact that the Cavaliers took over the game from the opening kickoff. Richmond’s first possession was a three-and-out, possession two ended in a turnover at midfield, and the next two possessions were also three-and-out. Virginia gained 259 total yards in quarter one to the Spiders 49, averaged 7.9 yards per run compared to the visitors 2.7, UR went 0-4 on third downs, and UVA gained 14.4 yards per play compared to Richmond’s 3.5 per play.

Let’s begin with a review of the three operations.

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