Verica hits the road for first time

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Despite having been a part of Virginia’s football program since 2006, Marc Verica had never traveled to a road game.

That changed Saturday night for the sophomore.

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

Verica got off to a nice start, completing his first three passes for a total of 17 yards. That drive stalled, however, and led to one of three first-half punts for the Cavaliers as they fell to a 28-0 deficit.

In his defense, Verica had limited time to prepare for his starting debut. On Wednesday, Virginia coach Al Groh announced that starting quarterback Pete Lalich would not travel with the team to the contest.

Prior to the UConn game, Verica had appeared in only one game, logging just one series of work during the fourth quarter against Southern California.

Fifth-year senior Scott Deke replaced Verica in the third quarter after the sophomore threw an interception.

Scary moment

With 30 seconds left in the first half, Virginia wide receiver Kevin Ogletree went to the ground in obvious pain.

The junior clutched his left knee and had to be helped from the field.

While the severity of the injury is unknown, Ogletree had the knee taped up (and later added a black brace) and played throughout the second half.

Ogletree missed the 2007 season after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during spring practice that year.

On the road again

Verica, who did travel to the Gator Bowl last year, was not alone in making his road debut.

Seven true freshmen — LB Steve Greer, P Jimmy Howell, LB Cam Johnson, DB Rodney McLeod, OG Austin Pasztor, PK Robert Randolph and DB Ausar Walcott — were among the players to travel.

Johnson, who had not played previously, made his Cavalier debut in the second half.

Rough start

For the second time this season, Virginia’s opponent scored on their opening possession.

It did take Connecticut longer than Southern Cal. The Trojans scored in the season opener with 10:29 left in the first quarter. UConn scored with 8:44 remaining in the opening quarter.

Magical Minnifield

Chase Minnifield, a redshirt freshman, was inserted on the kickoff coverage unit late in the contest for Ogletree and did not disappoint.

The rookie collected the ball near the Cavaliers’ end zone and weaved up field for a career-best 56 yard return.

Burd gets in on the act

Virginia redshirt freshman Kris Burd made the first reception of his career in the second quarter.

Burd, who battled back woes during the 2007 season, hauled in a 6-yard pass from Verica with just over eight minutes left in the first half.

Sophomore wideout Staton Jobe, who was hobbled by a foot injury in training camp, also made his first catch of the season.

Pastor Peerman

After being held out of the end zone in the Cavaliers’ first two games, senior running back Cedric Peerman sprinted left with 10:24 left in the game to score a 1-yard touchdown.

Peerman, who missed the final seven games last season with a foot injury, scored five touchdowns in 2007.

It also marked the first touchdown that Connecticut had allowed this season. The Huskies allowed a field goal in a 35-3 win over Hofstra and limited Temple to three field goals last weekend on the road.

Up next

Virginia (1-2) will have its first bye week of the season before heading to Durham, N.C., on Sept. 27 to face Duke (2-1) The Blue Devils beat Navy, 41-31, at home on Saturday.

Connecticut (3-0) will play on Friday at home against Baylor.