CHARLOTTESVILLE -- The University of Virginia football team has lost one of its starting linebackers to a season-ending knee injury.Aaron Clark, a 6-5, 250-pound senior, made the first start of his college career Saturday against Southern California at Scott Stadium. He recorded five tackles, including one for a 5-yard loss, before hurting his right knee early in the third quarter.

U.Va., in the first of its two weekly injury reports, announced today that Clark has a "knee sprain" that will require season-ending surgery. A graduate of Rockbridge County High, Clark has not redshirted at U.Va., which means he could return and play in 2009.

Denzel Burrell, a 6-4, 230-pound junior, will take Clark's place at one of the outside spots in Virginia's 3-4 defense. Burrell, who redshirted in 2005, missed the final 10 games of the '06 season with a knee injury. He was a reserve last season.

U.Va. (0-1) hosts Richmond (1-0) at 3:45 p.m. Saturday. Tickets for the game, which ESPNU will televise, are $16 apiece. -- Jeff White