“Early on in training camp, he had hip flexor issues,” said Virginia coach Al Groh. “Maurice had a great summer. He was clearly very dedicated to making this a great season for himself and then he ended with hip flexor problems.

“I don’t think about my future,” he said. “I just think about the next game.“

Virginia coach Al Groh said he did not want to risk playing Peerman, who was listed with a leg injury on the team’s injury report on Thursday.

In addition to making his road debut, Verica also earned his first starting assignment.

There was very little chance that Cedric Peerman wasn’t coming back in against Richmond. Flak jacket, whatever — he was coming back.

Virginia’s ground game, touted as a strength in the offseason, certainly didn’t impress in the season opener — but that might be misleading for a couple of reasons considering the opponent.

Cedric Peerman and Mikell Simpson combined last season for 1,155 yards rushing, 501 yards receiving, 15 touchdowns and a whole lot of headaches for defensive coordinators.

Despite having held just three practices, each of which was without full pads, Groh apparently was so tuned into the Cavaliers’ camp that he missed the latest development in the world’s most over-hyped sports drama.

The school-issued paraphernalia sent to encourage voting for the 21-year-old graduate student could have included numerous catchy slogans, which now could include: Pastor Peerman. In July, Peerman was ordained as a minister at Charlottesville’s Mt. Zion First African Church.

“Cedric Peerman for Heisman!” he yelled. “Doak Walker Award — unanimous decision. No. 37.”
While an enormous long shot to be named the nation’s top player — or even top running back — Peerman is back in business for the Cavaliers.