Virginia QB Phillip Sims will get the start at Duke Saturday if he's healthy. (US Presswire)

Virginia coach Mike London indicated on his weekly radio show Monday night that QB Phillip Sims would start over Michael Rocco Saturday at Duke if healthy, according to Mark Giannotto of the Washington Post. Sims suffered a lower leg injury in the fourth quarter of Virginia’s 44-38 loss to Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

“If he’s 100 percent ready to go, he will get snaps with the first unit,” London said Monday night about Sims, according to Giannotto. “If he’s not [and] can not perform because of a lower-leg injury, then Mike will be in that position.”

London added: “That’s as honest as I can be about the situation. I want everyone to know we want what’s best for the team. Michael’s been fantastic throughout all of this process. He understands it.

“You have to perform at a high level, and it’s just that Phillip has performed every time he has gone in. If the leg’s okay and he performs well, then he performs well. If not, then it’s back to the same situation. At least it’s been vetted, I think, the proper way.”

Rocco, who led the team to a surprising 8-5 record in 2011 and a Chick-fil-A Bowl berth, has thrown for 1,116 yards this season on 60.3 percent passing, but he has just six touchdowns compared to eight interceptions. Currently, the Cavaliers have lost three in a row.

During Virginia’s losing streak, Rocco has thrown three touchdowns with seven interceptions. To be fair, his receivers haven't helped, and the offensive line hasn't performed to expectations. Still, points have been tough to come by with Rocco under center.

Sims -- a transfer from Alabama -- has played in the fourth quarter of each of the three losses. He has quarterbacked eight drives in those three games, and the offense has scored five touchdowns, all through the air.

Sims could step in during a crucial stretch of Virginia’s season. The Cavaliers are 2-3 on the year, and their next three games -- at Duke, Maryland, Wake Forest -- will go a long way in determining whether Virginia can make it back to a bowl game.

To do that, the offense has to improve. Maybe Sims can help.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.