Now only days out from kickoff, excitement and anticipation is peaking ahead of the 2022 Virginia Football season.
Though UVA is beginning a new chapter in its football history with Tony Elliott taking control of the program, Cavalier fans will find comfort in the familiar face of superstar quarterback Brennan Armstrong. And, after opting to return for a 5th season, he’s ready to get things going.
“I just think it’ll be exciting to finally get out there and play,” he said in Tuesday’s weekly press conference.
Last season, Armstrong put up monumental numbers. He posted 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Those first two numbers established new school single-season records. Now, he’s setting up for a potentially record-breaking season on the career charts as he’s only 678 yards away from taking over as the University’s all-time leading passer from Cavalier legend Matt Schaub.
Armstrong says that this year is different, though. He’s not focused on those records, but on winning. That’s what has the attention of Coach Elliott as well.
“I just want Brennan to win because that’s what he came back to do is to win and be the best version of himself, and hopefully the offense will allow for him to be able to break those records,” Elliott said. “But for us, and as I told him, we’re installing a Virginia offense, and there’s things that are going to help you for the future. … I think if we can establish the run, then he’ll have his opportunities to deliver the ball down the field, intermediate and in the quick game and in our outlet run game – outlet run, I mean our screen game, which is our outlet run game. I think he’s got a chance to do anything he wants to do, but my expectation for him is to lead, improve in the areas that he’s identified he wants to improve, and then have fun and go win a bunch of games.”
While change may worry some, when it comes to Virginia football, difference may not be the worst thing. Last season, despite Armstrong’s tremendous performance, the Cavaliers finished 6-6 overall, going 4-4 in the conference. Now, though, with a new season on the horizon, all eyes are on Richmond.
As Coach Elliott said, “This group has the chance to set the standard for what this program will look like.” In Armstrong’s eyes, this has to start against Richmond.
“There’s no time to take a game off,” said the starting quarterback. “It’s another game,” he said. “We gotta win this game.”
