For a long time, Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall didn’t want part of the match against BYU. I have too many ties. I have too many memories. I have too many emotions.
But after he was hired by Virginia (6-2) six years ago, it was always on schedule. Originally planned for 2019, it has been postponed to Saturday on the calendar. On Saturday, Mendenhall will face his previous school for the first time in Provo, Utah. He doesn’t know what kind of greeting he receives from the faithful BYU in LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Best guess: preferred.
After all, Menden Hall helped the cougar run five 10-win campaigns in his 11 seasons at BYU. He led them to a bowl game each season he was in charge of. But loyalty is deeply rooted in BYU Blue, not the Virginia Navy. Cougar (6-2) in 25th place is coached by Karani Shitake, who has continued the tradition of victory since taking over Menden Hall.
Menden Hall, who was appointed coach of Virginia in December 2015, said, “I really have no control over how I receive or don’t receive welcome, but I express my gratitude. You can do it. ” Then we will do our best to prepare the team so that it can succeed. “
His connection with BYU is strong. His brother played there. His dad played there. He won 99 games there. This is the second match in school history after the legendary Ravel Edwards (257).
The original schedule was for the game to take place in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2019 and return to Provo, Utah in 2011. However, it was restructured in 2016, the first meeting in Provo was postponed to this season, and the 23-year contest was switched to Charlottesville.
“I remember not playing this game when it was announced that I was leaving BYU (I was). I didn’t know how to clarify,” Mendenhall recalls. “It’s much better now because there are few players left … it makes it easier. It’s not easy, but it’s easy.”
He played a role in the arrival of BYU quarterback Jalen Hall with defensive lineman Julia Leiataua.
“I love Bronco. I love his staff, but this is our team right now,” Leiataua said. “I love Karani. I love everything he did for us here.”
Shiitake has been doing well at BYU. Cougar is 14-4 under Shiitake when playing as a ranked team, boasting a 4-1 mark against Power 5 schools this season.
A tough and emotional showdown against the Virginia team, who have won four straight games. It’s also a return for the 10 Virginia staff who coached, played, or worked in football at BYU.
“I have a lot of respect for Bronco,” said Shiitake. “He has created great people in his football program. It is an honor to be able to take over as a new head coach after he establishes the program.”
Last meeting
Virginia and BYU last met in 2014, when Menden Hall coached the Cougars. BYU won 41-33 in Provo. The entire timeline favored the Cavaliers 3-2, with average scores close to Virginia 30.8 and BYU 30.2.
I’m searching for no. 600
Cougar has a chance to win Game No. 600 since the first official college season of the 1922 program.
In the first 47 seasons, they won 173 games. Since 1972, Edwards’ first year, they have won 426 victories and national titles.
Big 12 bounds
Menden Hall has long felt that BYU was a perfect fit for the Big 12. That became a reality in September when the cougar accepted the official invitation. BYU will play the first season at the conference in 2023 after becoming independent from 2011.
“Man, did you want it to get worse when I was there,” Mendenhall said. “It’s pretty cool to see it finally bear fruit.”
Bronco Bowl Streak
Cavalier qualifies for the fifth bowl in six seasons under Menden Hall. His team qualified for the bowl in 15 of his 16 years as head coach.
“I have a high standard for them. I think it’s the best gift I can give,” Mendenhall said. Things can get difficult many times, but it’s low expectations, empathy and empathy. I actually believe that the opposite is that you keep asking for more, and it helps people and gives them the opportunity to stand up. “
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AP sports writer Hank Kurtz Jr. contributed to this report.
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Other AP College Football: https: //apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25. Sign up for the Associated Press College Football Newsletter: https: //apnews.com/cfbtop25
As in the old days: Menden Hall faces BYU as a Virginia coach | WGN Radio 720
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