While the Cavaliers had a talented locker room, something just did not click this season.
Throughout the game, Virginia never surrendered, but a free throw discrepancy and off-nights from Levy and Amanze sunk the chance to steal a ranked win.
Elliott, who captained Virginia to the best regular season ACC record this year, has his Cavaliers set to play in the ACC Championship for the second time in program history.
“Kids growing up in Virginia want to root for winners, and the Hoos will prove that they are the face of the state.”
“I didn’t come all the way to Virginia as a Texas boy to win five, six games. I want to win the conference championship.”
“Gabby has been impressive,” Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton said.
The Cavaliers (7-1, 0-0 ACC) broke a stalemate just five minutes into the game, leading by double digits for the final half hour of play.
“There is nobody on our roster that is more competitive than Antonio Clary,” Elliott said.
Bushée’s team-first mentality applies off the track as well — she brings this sense of collective good to her volunteering work.
“This is a great opportunity for the University of Virginia and our football program,” Athletic Director Carla Williams said.
“I think our team is at our best when we’re confident, and I think that we just regained our confidence,” Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton said.
Odom doesn’t have to choose between Hall’s steady hand and the spark plug that is Mallory — he can, and should, have both.
“[Marcellus’ performance] just shows the type of young men that we have in that locker room,” Elliott said.
“Score first, get time and not get ridden,” Garland said. “They hit all those goals.”
Ending on a high note against the Eagles should allow them to head into the offseason hopeful.
It’s hard to say there has ever been more on the line for Virginia football than what this program fought for and won Saturday night.
Virginia left the game with positive results on two major percentage points.
“We have to carry the burden of what hasn't been done in the past and we’ve got an opportunity to change the future,” Elliott said.
Rivalry week is a phenomenon that lasts for a year — read as a Cavalier Daily and Virginia Tech on SI writer discuss the Saturday game.
Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and love across the Commonwealth, just about everywhere except for the football field.
