Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The BYU Cougars begin the 2013 college football season on Saturday as they head East to take on the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. These two programs haven't played each other since 2000, when BYU rallied for a 38-35 win in overtime. Here's a look at what the Cavalier players and coaches are saying about their matchup with the Cougars.
Virginia Head Coach Mike London on the importance of playing high-caliber teams like BYU
"When you're playing against some of the best teams in college football, you better get your act together, particularly when you're at home, or else you get embarrassed. I think the players are excited about the challenges that present themselves. We feel pretty good about where we are, who we are, but [these games are] definitely a true barometer as to where you are, where you need to go."
Virginia Assoc Head Coach for Defense, Jon Tenuta on BYU's new offense
"A lot of it's still option football, a lot of it's still Wing-T football. These guys haven't reinvented football. They've just taken what people have done in the past and added it to their packages. So you still have to be sound, but you still can't wait for what happens. You have to make something happen."
Mike London on BYU's Kyle Van Noy
"Well, he's definitely one of the best college football players that is out there and deservedly so, a lot of accolades. You watch tape, he not only plays on defense everywhere but on special teams. He's a guy that plays a lot of spots at special teams — plays well there too."
Virginia running back Kevin Parks on playing a team like BYU in the season opener
"To build a dream season, you got to schedule tough opponents. I feel like this is a great challenge for us. I feel like we're ready for it and Saturday's going to be the big kick-off for us. Everybody's excited."
Virginia guard Luke Bowanko on the exposure the Cavaliers will get by playing the Cougars
"It'll be a broader audience. They'll be watching to see what BYU's going to do and hopefully by the end of the game they'll be like, Wow, those kids from Virginia can play ball."
Virginia DE Jake Snyder on facing BYU's up-tempo offense
