Virginia football season kickoffs have varied dramatically over the decades, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of the team. In 1950, the Cavaliers defeated George Washington 19-0 with a strong defense despite missing their captain due to an injury. 1964’s season opener brought the Demon Deacons to Scott Stadium. The 1975 game was a lot more challenging than expected with Navy defeating Virginia 42-14, exposing the team’s unpreparedness. In 1983, the Cavaliers’ running game won them the matchup against Navy 27-16. The 1996 season began with a strong 55-21 win against Central Michigan, making Coach George Welsh the ACC’s winningest coach at the time. In 2007, the preview for the first rivalry matchup of the season against North Carolina demonstrated the need for a strong offense.
1950s
Sept. 26, 1950
“Depleted Cavaliers Take 19-0 Decision From GW”
By Herb Hess
Photos by Unknown
The Cavaliers took a 19-0 victory from George Washington for their first game of the 1950 season. Although Captain John Papit was out for the game with a bad ankle, multiple substitutes and underclassmen contributed to a strong defence. The Cavaliers were able to score in each of the first three quarters and kept the Colonials from getting past the 20-yard line.
1960s
Sept. 18, 1964
“Wahoos Face Deacs In ‘64 Season Debut”
By Alan Friedburg
Photos by Griffith
In their 1964 season opener, the Cavaliers faced the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for the tenth time since their first meeting in 1889. Despite being the previous season’s ACC “cellar-dwellers”, the Cavaliers expected to field a much stronger and experienced defense needed to best the Deacons.
1970s
Sept. 15, 1975
“Navy rushing game Wrecks Cav, 42-14”
By Kip Coons
Photos by Dan Grogan
With what was supposed to be a close game in front of the team’s seventh-largest crowd at the time, the Cavaliers lost 42-14 for the 1975 opening game against Navy. Although the Cavaliers had a few good moments at the beginning, Navy was able to quickly break through their cracks, turning this game into a blowout. Head coach Sonny Randle took full responsibility, admitting that his team was not as ready as he thought they were.
1980s
Sept. 12, 1983
“Young Cavalier backs instrumental in victory”
By Steve DeShazo
Photos by John Stout
Young running backs Howard Petty, Antonio Rice and Derek Jenkins took control of the 1983 season matchup against Navy. With only four passes by quarterback Wayne Schuchts in the second half, the three running backs added 327 rushing yards to their 27-16 win.
1990s
Sept. 9, 1996
“Cavs besiege Chippewas, 55-21”
By Shawn Batten
Photos by John Millen
In the 1996 kickoff game, the Cavaliers beat Central Michigan 55-21 with touchdowns from all parts of the team. This game resulted in Coach George Welsh becoming the winningest ACC coach at the time with 99 total wins. Welsh praised both quarterbacks for their effort, deciding to continue switching them for the next game against Maryland.
2000s
Sept. 14, 2007
“GAMEDAY”
By Ernie Washington
Photos by Jason Watson
In the first rivalry game of the season, the Cavaliers faced the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Cavalier Daily writer Ernie Washington did not expect the Tar Heels to be an ACC title contender, but still predicted them to come out on top 24-13, suggesting major reforms to the Cavalier offense.
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