Mum was the word from Mikell Simpson.

Flipping from the NFL Network to ESPN, Cedric Peerman was at peace Sunday.

Virginia runner Cedric Peerman and tight end John Phillips were selected during the sixth round of the NFL Draft and former UVa quarterback Kevin McCabe quickly inked an undrafted free agent deal.

As the NFL draft opens today at 4 p.m., the lives of numerous players that once wore a Cavalier uniform will be altered in various ways.

After his memorable career at Virginia was complete, running back Cedric Peerman made a bold prediction.

Player after player — including some Cavaliers long removed from the minds of many locals for various reasons — lifted weights, ran various drills and were monitored by scouts from 29 of the 32 NFL teams at the program’s annual Pro Timing Day.

If the age-old axiom is true that fans remember what teams do in November, then Virginia hasn’t given its followers much to reminisce about.

Virginia’s seniors really don’t know what’s about to hit them this Saturday when they say goodbye to Scott Stadium.

Where’s Dr. Lou when you need him?

UVa suddenly finds its postseason hopes in need of life support.

Yet, trying to beat the masses, Sintim left in darkness to beat the traffic in an attempt to vote with ease in this year’s election.

Instead of assembling in their normal fashion, nearly every player inside Virginia’s locker room huddled just a few feet away from Cedric Peerman on Saturday to offer support.

In a matter of minutes, Virginia fumbled away its lead in ACC’s Coastal Division and perhaps its chance to play in the league’s championship game.

Certainly, there have been many factors in Virginia’s reversal of fortunes on the football field over the past month: a quarterback who gets it, a tough-minded defense, the return of Cedric Peerman and Kevin Ogletree’s ability to stretch opposing defenses, just to name a few. One that is often overlooked is the steady improvement of the offensive line.

Every weekend in the fall, however, football serves as Stanley’s escape from the hectic grind, just as it will when Virginia (5-3, 3-1 ACC) entertains Miami (5-3, 2-2) at Scott Stadium on Saturday.