Verica throws for 3 TDs and Virginia has easy time in first meeting with VMI in 19 years, 48-7

Verica sharp as Virginia cruises past VMI, 48-7

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Marc Verica threw three first-half touchdown passes and Virginia had no trouble against Virginia Military Institute, winning 48-7 on Saturday.

The Cavaliers (2-1) led 31-7 at halftime in the 82nd meeting, but first since 1991.

VMI (1-2), coming off a 45-0 loss to William & Mary, brought virtually its entire Corps of Cadets in 21 buses, but the 1,300 or so white-clad cadets saw little they could cheer.

VMI pulled even at 7 late in the first quarter, but Raynard Horne returned the ensuing kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown for Virginia. VMI gained 20 yards in the second quarter.

Virginia’s 31 points in the first half was its highest total since it scored 31 in the first half of a 48-0 victory at Miami in the final game at the Orange Bowl in 2007.