UVA Football players discuss upcoming season

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — 8News spoke with some members of the University of Virginia (UVA) Football team on the second day on the Atlantic Coast Conference Kickoff in Charlotte about what they expect to see this season.

After a season that ended with a 3-9 record, it’s no secret that the Cavs have had their struggles on the field since head coach Tony Elliot took over in 2022, but five of those nine losses were one-possession games.

“I think we are ready to win. I think that’s the biggest thing of it all, just to capitalize on those three or five plays,” said defensive end Chico Bennett about performing in close games. “There have been so many times that we have been close and I think guys are just tired of being right there, saying ‘We’ll get them next time.’ No, it’s time.”

The Cavs’ 3-9 record doesn’t tell the full story of UVA football. After a full offseason of work, Bennett said he thinks the team could surprise people in 2024.

“It’s certainly exciting,” Bennett said. “It’s a great opportunity to show the country and the ACC what we are capable of doing, to show what Virginia is really about.”

Quarterback Tony Muskett, who transferred to UVA from Monmouth in 2023, said that his expectations for the team are high this season given the amount of players the team has been able to retain, as well as the new players joining the roster.

“Coach [Elliot] mentioned just the experience that we have coming back, I mean, from the [offensive] line to receivers and all the guys that we got in the [transfer] portal too,” Muskett said. “I think we have a complete roster and a deep roster, the expectations are definitely high and I expect it to translate to some wins.”

The Cavaliers begin their season on Aug. 31 against the Richmond Spiders at home.

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