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.

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.