Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1473451
16 CAVALIER CORNER Cavaliers will open the season on Sept. 3 at Scott Stadium. Here is what to look for from UVA this season. QB1 A huge sigh of relief came over UVA fans everywhere when fourth-year quarterback Brennan Armstrong decided to return for an- other season in Charlottesville rather than pursue a professional career. Armstrong put an all-out assault on the Virginia record books last season and inserted himself into the conversation of every major national award. The left-handed, dual-threat quarterback established new single-season marks for passing yards (4,449), touchdown passes (32) and total offense (4,700) in his third- year campaign last season. He did all of it with just 11 starts under center. Armstrong came up just 145 yards shy of breaking the Atlantic Coast Conference passing record held by Deshaun Watson, who needed 15 games to set the league mark in 2016. The record likely would have fallen if UVA's bowl game against SMU had not been canceled. Armstrong still finished second in the country in passing yards per game (404.5), fourth in passing yards, fourth in comple- tions per game (29.64) and 12th in passing touchdowns. The fourth-year is excited about the new offense and the ability to add to his quar- terback repertoire. "The offense is so diverse. It gives us more of an ability to take our shots and take what the defense gives us," Armstrong said during spring ball. "Overall, I think it's a fun, unique offense that allows you to practice a lot of different skill sets that you need to have." Armstrong is looking to statistically be- THE ELLIOTT ERA BEGINS A Quick Look At Tony Elliott's First Season As UVA's Head Football Coach BY SCOTT FITZGERALD A new era of Virginia football will be forged under first-year Fralin Family Head Football Coach Tony Elliott in 2022. One of the masterminds of some of the best offenses in college football over the past 11 seasons at Clemson will get his first shot running his own program. In his time with the Tigers, he won six Atlantic Coast Conference championships, made four appearances in the College Foot- ball Playoff championship game, and cap- tured national titles in 2016 and 2018. In his 16 years as a full-time college coach, Elliott has been a part of 15 winning seasons including 10-win seasons at Clem- son from 2011-20. He is looking to replicate his success not only on the field, but also in the classroom and Charlottesville community. "My vision for the UVA football is to be- come the model program in college football," Elliott said at his introductory press confer- ence. "My goal is to contribute to changing the narrative in college football and demon- strate that you can win at the highest level and you can do so while achieving excel- lence in education, leadership and service." Elliott is the 41st head coach in the his- tory of the Virginia football program. The 2022 season will mark the 133rd year on the gridiron in Charlottesville, and the Elliott, the 41st head coach in school history, stated that his vision is for UVA is to become the model program in college football. (Photo by Jim Daves/courtesy UVA)