The Virginia football program added a future opponent to the planned 2023 schedule this week and it’s a familiar name for fans. The Cavaliers will host James Madison University on Saturday, Sept. 9 that fall.
To say that it is a rare meeting between the teams would be accurate. UVA and JMU have not played in football since 1983. They have played only three times total in 1979, 1982, and 1983 with the Hoos holding a 2-1 edge in those games. Virginia won 69-9 in 1979 and 21-14 in 1983, while the Dukes took a 21-17 victory in 1982.
That makes the 2023 schedule one full of familiar names at this point. The Cavaliers are scheduled to host William & Mary on Sept. 2 and to travel to Maryland on Sept. 16 in other non-conference games. The ACC schedule that year features long-time opponents in NC State, Duke, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina. There’s also long-time rival Virginia Tech.
Naturally, the announcement created some conversation among UVA fans. Some, perhaps with the December hoops loss at JMU still fresh, don’t like the addition. Others seem excited to finally see the Dukes and the Hoos on the field as opponents again for the first time in 40 years. There is also discussion about what type of schedule the program should be using, who attractive opponents might be, and more. You can find TheSabre.com threads here, here, and here.
This is the second future opponent announced since new coach Tony Elliott took the reins of the program in December. UVA and Indiana agreed to a two-game home-and-home exchange for 2027 and 2028. That news came out on Dec. 20, 2021. The Cavaliers also announced in September that they agreed to a 2 for 1 series with Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers come to Charlottesville on Nov. 19, 2022 and Aug. 30, 2025, while the Hoos travel to CCU on Sept. 21, 2024. The layout of future schedules can be found here.
What do you think? Are these exciting opponents for the Hoos? Jump on the message boards to share your thoughts and vote in the poll below.
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Fan(s) Of The Week
Simply put: Go Hoos!
Student Fan(s) Of The Week
No matter the results, the Hoos are No. 1!
Feature Photo Of The Week
Francisco Caffaro muscles his way around the basket for UVA.
Love UVA….but we will be ready for this dance!