Virginia struggles offensively, and Illinois takes advantage winning 24-3 (9-10-22) 

By: Darrell Owens

Headline Photo Credit: Matt Riley-UVA Athletics

The Tony Elliott era at Virginia would take its first road trip as the Cavaliers (1-0) headed to Campaign to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (0-1). Virginia was coming off a 34-17 win over in-state rival Richmond. The Cavs were hoping to get off to a 2-0 start and after last year’s 42-14 victory over Illinois Virginia’s confidence was high. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers would struggle offensively in this contest.

Virginia would strike first with a 42-yard Brendan Farrell field goal giving the Cavaliers their only lead of the game 3-0 with 11:08 left in the first quarter. With 5:38 left in the 1st, Illinois would take the lead after UVA’s Billy Kemp fumble at the UVA 06-yard line, and Illinois Matthew Bailey would scoop it up and take it in for the Illini’ touchdown giving Illinois the 7-3 lead. Two minutes later, Illinois would have possession again, Illini QB Tommy Devito threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to WR Michael Marchese putting Illinois up 14-3 with 3:35 sec left in the 1st quarter. 

In the second quarter, Illinois would put the game away after Devito would find Tip Reiman on a 2-yard pass eventually making this a 21-3 game. Illinois would knock in a field goal in the 3rd quarter putting the Cavs away for good 24-3. Despite the Cavaliers forcing 4 turnovers 3 fumbles & an interception it just wasn’t enough. Virginia is now 1-3 all-time vs. Illinois. Virginia Head Coach Tony Elliott had this to say after the game…

“That was a rough day at the office right there, but hey, you live and you learn and grow, and we’re gonna find a way to get better from it.”

The Cavaliers head back home to take on in-state for Old Dominion on Saturday, Sept 17 at 2 pm from Scott Stadium.