Vandals look to turn things around at Virginia

Through four games, the Idaho Vandals are still sorting out issues with their pass defense - be it better coverage, or a stronger pass rush.

But the Vandals aren't alone in their issues.

Virginia switched quarterbacks during last week's 30-24 home loss to Southern Miss. And the Cavaliers aren't exactly packing them into 61,500-seat Scott Stadium, going 22 straight games without a sellout. Virginia is averaging just over 48,000 during that stretch.

Still, the Cavaliers (2-2) are a 16 1/2-point favorite to beat the Vandals (1-3) today in their first meeting. The game will be webcast on ESPN3.com, which is available on college campuses nationwide, and through select cable carriers.

"Defensively, their front is big and strong and good," said Idaho coach Robb Akey, singling out defensive end Cam Johnson, who has a pair of sacks and 4 1/2 tackles for loss. "I think you'll see an athletic outfit with good size up front. On offense, they have good size in the front."

Last week, Virginia brought in freshman quarterback David Watford in relief of sophomore Michael Rocco. Rocco has started all four games, but Watford has also played in all four.

Three running backs share the ballcarrying for Virginia, led by Kevin Parks with 282 yards in four games. Kris Burd has a team-high 22 catches for 250 yards.

"There's a lot of skill and ability that they have on their team, but they're probably - upfront with O-line and D-line guys - one of the bigger teams we'll play," second-year Virginia coach Mike London said of Idaho.