Quarterback Marc Verica threw for three touchdowns in the first half alone as Virginia cruised past overmatched VMI 48-7 and set the stage for next week’s ACC showdown with Florida State.

Verica connected twice with receiver Dontrelle Inman and found Kris Burd for another score as the Cavaliers ran off 24 consecutive points to pull away from the Keydets by the break. Verica completed 16 of 23 passes for 224 yards and three scores before giving way to backups in the third period. More importantly, he did so without any of the costly mistakes that have characterized his career thus far in Charlottesville.

Burd finished with 119 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions to pace the Cavs, who rolled up 470 yards of total offense in beating VMI for the ninth consecutive time.

With its second easy victory over a Football Championship Series (Division I-AA) school, the ‘Hoos easily improved to 2-1 in their final tune-up before welcoming the Seminoles to Scott Stadium next week for their ACC opener.

VMI (1-2) hosts Presbyterian next week.