Two offensive players, right tackle Will Barker and quarterback Vic Hall, were joined by outside linebackers Denzel Burrell and Aaron Clark, defensive end Nate Collins and cornerback Chris Cook in the final balloting.

To say Virginia’s linebacking corps put together a big-time outing against the Pirates would be a severe understatement.

When Virginia designated Saturday’s football date with Richmond as its “retro game,” the Cavaliers weren’t counting on having to rely on winning in the same fashion as last year.

The Cavaliers (0-1), at this point, would likely settle with merely flashing back to last season. After a disheartening loss last year at Wyoming in the opening game, the Cavaliers promptly won their next seven straight games and climbed into the national polls for the first time since 2005.

For varying reasons, three Virginia football players found the ability to flash smiles after Saturday’s lopsided loss to Southern California.

Burrell, now a junior, earned early playing time last year and made his first — and only — sack against Duke. But he could not crack the starting lineup as his close friend, Jermaine Dias, kept first-team status.

Aaron Clark has been waiting three years for his chance to shine at Virginia. Now, entering his senior year with the Cavaliers, he hopes to get that 2,000-watt opportunity.