Richmond @ Virginia preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 4, 2010 ) Richmond 13, Virginia 34

Coming off its first bowl appearance since 2007, Virginia tries to build on its surprising second-place finish in the ACC Coastal Division. The Cavaliers, who open with familiar in-state rival Richmond, are in the midst of an impressive turnaround under third-year coach Mike London. They went 8-5 last year, doubling the school’s win total in his first season at the helm. They boast a resurgent rushing attack led by senior all-purpose threat Perry Jones and sophomore Kevin Parks, who set a school record with nine rushing touchdowns in 2011. The Spiders, typically among the top teams in the FCS, are hoping to rebound from last season’s disastrous 3-8 campaign that ended with eight straight losses.

TV: 3 p.m. ET; ESPN3.com., CSN-Mid Atlantic LINE: None.

ABOUT RICHMOND (2011: 3-8, 0-8 CAA): The Spiders return 13 starters, including two players on preseason All-American lists in FB Kendall Gaskins and LB Darius McMillan, for new head coach Danny Rocco. However, Richmond will be counting on a lot of young talent as seven freshmen – including six on offense – are on the two-deep for this contest. A former Virginia assistant, Rocco joins the Spiders after a successful six-year run at Liberty, where he guided the Flames to four Big South titles.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (2011: 8-5, 5-3 ACC): QB Michael Rocco, nephew of the Spiders’ new coach, held off a stern challenge from strong-armed Alabama transfer Phillip Sims. Rocco aims to build on the 4-2 record and the 9:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio he posted once he earned the full-time job in late October. However, the offensive centerpiece will still be Jones, who was the only player from a BCS conference to record at least 900 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Virginia has won the last eight games in this series – dating back to 1946 – and owns a 26-2-2 edge alltime against the Spiders.

2. Richmond lost four games by four or fewer points last season.

3. With a win over the Spiders, London would become the first University of Virginia coach since Rice Warren in 1913 to win each of his first three season openers.

PREDICTION: Virginia 31, Richmond 14.