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New experiences fueling UVA in second straight bowl game appearance

Posted at 11:12 PM, Dec 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-27 23:43:44-05

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Saturday will be the renewal of an old rivalry between UVA and South Carolina. The Cavaliers and Gamecocks haven't met since 2003, but have played each other 35 times.

UVA practicing in North Carolina.

Since Bronco Mendenhall arrived at UVA back in 2016, the 'Hoos have underwent a culture change that has produced more winning. After a 2-10 season in year one, the 'Hoos finished at 6-7 in 2017, and have a chance to win eight games for the first time since 2011.

"There wasn't a player on my team a year ago that wasn't a grad transfer that had been to a postseason game," Mendenhall said. "So when you look at an entire room of young people that the postseason was some type of phantom experience, and so even though we didn't play well, the point of reference was established for this year, and years to come."

On Saturday, Virginia will look to win its first bowl game since 2005.