In unexpected fashion, however, running back Mikell Simpson was not one of the 10 players listed on the injury report.

With Mikell Simpson officially listed as doubtful (at least a 75 percent chance he will not play) for Virginia at Maryland on Saturday, the burden of toting the pigskin falls into the capable hands of big, bad Rashawn Jackson.

In one of its most dominant performances in the past decade, Virginia dismantled Indiana, 47-7, winning its first home game since last October.

According to a UVa release, Simpson was treated for a neck injury at University of Virginia Medical Center and was released.

That will likely continue today as Virginia plays its first road game, taking on Southern Miss (2-0) at cozy, hostile M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Miss.

After a horrible start, an injured starting quarterback, an offensive line that hasn’t been able to adjust to the new spread offense, and heaps of criticism, this columnist believes there’s one thing that has to change for Virginia’s football team to win on Saturday at Southern Miss.

Mum was the word from Mikell Simpson.

Mack has done some maturing himself since redshirting last season as a freshman. This season, the 6-foot, 190-pounder has his sights set on putting some fright into opposing defenses.

Senior Mikell Simpson hopes to take over for the graduated Cedric Peerman.

Virginia opens its ninth training camp under coach Al Groh today at 2:30 p.m. in a newly-announced open session for fans that will be held at the practice fields next to the McCue Center.

Don’t feel bad that Virginia’s football team is holding closed practices throughout the spring. It’s nothing personal.

Cooper piled up a quiet 131 yards on 24 carries, at a clip of 5.5 per carry against Virginia, and was a big reason the Cavaliers couldn’t keep dropping eight players into coverage during the loss to the Hurricanes. The sophomore’s running helped set up the play action pass too, which Miami used to perfection during its 95-yard fourth quarter drive that eventually tied the contest.

It was no coincidence that the revival of Virginia’s offense on Saturday night coincided with a resurgence of the Cavaliers’ running game in a stunning 31-0 pummeling of Maryland.

Thanks to 28 second-half points, Duke pulled away to blast Virginia, 31-3, at Wallace Wade Stadium, giving the Blue Devils their first ACC win since Nov. 13, 2004 and their most lopsided league win in 18 years.
UVa vs. Duke forum thread.

It seemed quite fitting that Al Groh tore a page out of Richmond coach Mike London’s celebration playbook on “Retro Day.”

• SLIDESHOW: UVa vs Richmond
• PODCAST: Groh’s Richmond after game interview (MP3)
• UVa vs. Richmond forum thread.