This time, however, Virginia handled the two hours-plus interruption business-like and easily dispatched Richmond by a 34-13 final.
In last year’s home opener, against James Madison, Mother Nature paid a visit to Charlottesville, just as the Cavaliers had taken a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.
So, when thunder and lightning sent the fans to the parking lots Saturday evening with just under five minutes left in the second quarter, many had to be thinking, Here we go again.
But fortunately, that thinking was much ado about nothing, as the Cavaliers returned from the delay, and quickly turned a 20-7 lead into a 27-7 lead with a four-play, 54-yard scoring drive that restored order for the few thousand fans that returned to the stadium.
Here’s how things looked from my perspective, high above the playing surface in the press box.
That new video scoreboard is HUGE
How huge?
Well, we don’t have to worry about the stranded astronauts on the space shuttle not having anything to do. No way they couldn’t spot that from 22,000 miles away.
Seriously, the 6,700-square-foot video board is impressive, great resolution, and sound.
Although I must say it borders on being too big for its surroundings.
FCS opponent or not, UVA needed the win
After watching other ACC teams struggle to dispatch FCS foes, a cakewalk was a solid start in what many believe is a make-or-break year for coach Tony Elliott.
The offense looked sharp right out the gates, and provided hope that things might be different this season.
Colandrea shines
Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in three quarters.
As importantly, Colandrea took control of the UVA offense on its opening drive, playing the part of the team leader.
It was an impressive start, considering Colandrea had only been named QB1 a week earlier.
Colandrea’s ability to survey the entire field on scrambles was evident Saturday. That may be a game-changer as the season progresses.
As it should be, Virginia won the trench battle
Richmond’s offensive line had problems all evening against the bigger, stronger Cavalier defenders.
Spiders quarterback Kyle Wickersham scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, but managed only 110 passing yards.
On the other side, Virginia’s offensive line gave Colandrea ample pass protection, and the running game netted over 200 yards.
The UVA defense had a solid effort overall. The secondary looked solid on several plays, with the backfield of Antonio Clary and Jonas Sanker making immediate impact.
Winning up front, on both sides of the ball will be crucial for Virginia in 2024.
Jack Griese has more speed than his grandad had
Running back Jack Griese put Virginia up 17-0 as he caught a wheel-route pass and raced down the sidelines for a 57-yard touchdown.
Griese is the grandson of Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, who led the Miami Dolphins to the only undefeated season in NFL history in 1972.
Speaking of former NFL QBs
The last time former UVA quarterback Matt Schaub came to Scott Stadium to work was in 2003.
Schaub, in the Cavaliers’ 2003 home finale against Virginia Tech, threw for 358 yards and two touchdowns to lead Virginia to a 35-21 win over the Hokies.
Schaub returned to Charlottesville to work again Saturday evening, making his broadcasting debut on the Virginia Sports Radio Network, as analyst alongside John Freeman, the Voice of the Cavaliers.
Schaub, who resides in Atlanta, will be part of four UVA games this season.
Before Saturday’s kickoff, Schaub told me he was a bit nervous.
“I’m excited for sure, but to be honest, I’ve got some jitters,” admitted Schaub.
Jitters?
Schaub, a two-time All-ACC quarterback, who went on to a 17-year NFL career, throwing for over 25,000 yards, and a two-time Pro-Bowl pick.
“You bet, this is different. I’ve played in many games, watched many games, but now I must relay what I’m seeing to the listeners, and I take that seriously.”
From listening to Schaub after the game on my ride home, he just began another Pro Bowl career.
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