Virginia breaks out a first-play flea-flicker vs. Maryland

Virginia Cavaliers running back Perris Jones (2) Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Virginia breaks out a first-play flea-flicker against Maryland

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Sep 15, 2023 8:55 PM ET

Coming into their matchup with the undefeated Maryland Terrapins, the 0-2 Virginia Cavaliers knew they had to pull out all the stops to have a chance.

With that in mind, the Cavaliers executed a perfect flea flicker on the first play of their opening possession, catching Maryland napping behind true freshman quarterback Anthony Colandrea.

A little flea flicker action to Washington right off the bat @UVAFootball pic.twitter.com/R0ckUCQVQA
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 15, 2023

Colandrea connected with wideout Malik Washington on a 49-yard completion to get the Cavaliers started. Two plays later, running back Perris Jones closed out the dive with a 13-yard touchdown, giving Virginia an early 7-0.

Virginia's first-play trickery wasn't the only fast one they pulled on Maryland. Ahead of Friday's contest, the Cavaliers listed Tony Muskett as their starter, but Colandrea got the nod instead. Through one half, Colandrea gave Virginia a boost, going 13-of-16 for 144 yards and a touchdown through the air while adding 21 rushing yards off four attempts.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

More must-reads: