While the Virginia Cavaliers rolled Coastal Carolina 48-7 in the opener at Scott Stadium, there was a feeling of nervousness over the Scott Stadium crowd and every fan watching at home early in the third quarter after starting quarterback Chandler Morris took a rough shot to his non-throwing shoulder near the goal line.
Morris left the game in the third quarter and did not return in what was already a blowout, with Tony Elliott seeming optimistic that his injury was not serious during an in-game interview.
On Tuesday morning during his weekly presser, Elliott confirmed the ’Hoos will have their QB1 under center this Saturday in a pivotal early-season matchup at NC State.
Morris was pegged as the most important player on this Cavalier team heading into the season and he proved why against the Chanticleers, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns — and most importantly, zero turnovers — on 19-of-27 passing in his debut.
The Texas native helped spread the love to UVA’s best receivers throughout, with Cam Ross catching seven passes to go with his touchdown reception, as well as Trell Harris and Jahmal Edrine both hauling in three receptions apiece with Edrine making a touchdown grab of his own.
Though it’s only been one game, it’s clear this offense has a different bite to it compared to a year ago. Chalk that up the ability for UVA to run the ball consistently against the Chants’, mixed-in with Morris’ experience and arm talent to put the ball in the right spots, at the right times, to a talented group of pass-catchers.
Elliott also provided a positive update on linebacker Kam Robinson, who has missed the past few weeks with a shoulder injury, saying all signs point to Robinson participating in practice next week with a return likely coming against Stanford at Scott Stadium on September 20th. UVA notably hosts a rejuvenated Florida State team less than a week later on September 26th under the lights.
Junior Landon Danley made his first start in place of Robinson in the opener and did so admirably, leading the team with seven total tackles. The ‘Hoos will need big performances from Danley, James Jackson, and the rest of the UVA linebackers against the likes of NC State’s CJ Bailey and Hollywood Smothers in the ground game.
