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‘It definitely gets old’: Virginia utilizing Illinois fight song to prepare for Champaign road trip
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Virginia and Illinois are set to meet in Week 2 during nonconference action in Champaign. It also sounds like the Cavaliers are preparing for a road contest in an interesting fashion.
According to interviews from Tuesday, multiple Virginia players indicated first-year head coach Tony Elliott is playing the Illinois fight song on a loop in practice. The intent is to simulate a hostile road environment, but “it definitely gets old,” per the Cav players.
#UVA has been playing the #Illini fight song over and over and over again at practice to create a more chaotic environment. pic.twitter.com/ELKwl9Qfrq
— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) September 6, 2022
The two teams have played just 3 matchups all time. Illinois holds the edge 2-1, but it was Virginia who recorded a 42-14 blowout at home in 2021.
This time around, it will be Elliott’s first matchup against the Illini. It is also his first road game as head coach and first game against a Power 5 opponent.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.