The UVA football team opened its 2012 season with a 43-19 win over Richmond Saturday at Scott Stadium.
Junior quarterback Michael Rocco completed 25-of-37 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown in the win.
"That's what we need him to do," said Cavalier head coach Mike London. "We need the quarterbacks to be efficient. We need them to make the throws that are necessary, to take what they give you and move the team along that way and get it to our playmakers. As long as our quarterbacks continue to do that, get it to those guys that can catch and run, then that'll be a big part of our offense."
The Cavaliers jumped out in front early as Rocco led the team down the field on a ten-play drive, capped off by a Kevin Parks touchdown run.
A high snap on a punt gave a safety to the 'Hoos, and UVA scored on the ensuing possession as Rocco connected with Darius Jennings, who took a quick pass 51 yards for a 16-0 lead.
Jennings had five catches for 84 yards in the game.
Tim Smith led Virginia with 96 yards on six receptions.
"It's always an exciting thing when you have great playmakers, and they make plays like that," said Rocco. "I threw a hitch, two hitches, and they went for 40 yards, because we have such good playmakers. For me, I've just got to continue to get better."
Perry Jones and Khalek Shepherd each ran for 52 yards and a touchdown while Kevin Parks scored twice and rushed for 49 yards.
"As we keep playing during the season, things are going to open up for us," said Parks. "You see we got great quarterbacks that can throw the ball. We got great receivers that can catch the ball. I believe that's going to open things up."
Alabama transfer Phillip Sims played the final 12 minutes of the game at quarterback for the Wahoos, leading UVA on its final scoring drive. The redshirt sophomore finished five-for-six passing for 50 yards.
E.J. Scott had three catches for 54 yards in the win.
Shepard also returned two kickoffs for 90 yards and led the 'Hoos with 163 all-purpose yards.
On defense, sophomore defensive backs Drequan Hoskey and Anthony Harris and sophomore linebacker Henry Coley led the way with six tackles. Sophomore Demetrious Nicholson and true freshman Eli Harold made five tackles.
The game featured no interceptions, fumbles lost, or sacks.
Virginia (1-0) will host Penn State (0-1) next Saturday at noon.
