The Shadow
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (VR) — With three games remaining in the regular season, Virginia head football coach Tony Elliott is focused on improving execution, limiting mistakes and finishing the season strong.
During Tuesday’s press conference, Elliott addressed the Cavaliers’ recent struggles, injury concerns and upcoming matchup against California.
Although Virginia’s hopes of reaching the ACC Championship Game have faded, Elliott said the Cavaliers still have goals within reach, including winning the state championship and finishing the postseason.
“We still have two more goals that we can attain that we started the season with,” Elliott said.
Following the Wake Forest game, Elliott used the bye week to evaluate Virginia’s performance, identifying third-down conversions, red-zone efficiency and quarterback protection as major concerns.
Elliott said missed assignments, dropped passes and inconsistent execution have prevented the Cavaliers from sustaining drives. He also acknowledged that the coaching staff must simplify certain assignments and better prepare players.
“We got to coach better. We got to teach better,” Elliott said.
Defensively, Virginia must improve tackling angles, coverage assignments and its ability to contain mobile quarterbacks, particularly on third-and-long situations.
Elliott defended quarterback Beau Pribula’s performance against Wake Forest, pointing to dropped passes and protection breakdowns. He also praised backup Eli Holstein and expressed interest in finding opportunities for both quarterbacks.
Virginia could receive a boost with the expected return of offensive playmakers Kam Courtney and Jekail Middlebrook. Brandyn Hillman and Ethan Minter have returned to practice, while Corey Costner and Myles Brown remain day-to-day. Landon Danley will miss this week’s game.
Elliott also praised offensive tackle Monroe Mills, who has returned from surgery and developed into one of Virginia’s most consistent linemen.
Looking ahead, Elliott warned that California presents a difficult matchup despite its record. He praised the Golden Bears’ size, speed and defensive versatility, along with their ability to move the football through the air and on the ground.
“This is a good football team that’s coming in here, and they’re fighting for their season just like us,” Elliott said.
With November bringing additional distractions surrounding recruiting and players’ futures, Elliott stressed the importance of maintaining focus.
For the Cavaliers, the priority remains correcting mistakes, improving fundamentals and making the most of their final three regular-season games.
