CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia head football coach Tony Elliott has been selected as The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Presented by PNC Bank.
The Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week award honors a football coach who led his team to a significant victory during the previous week, while also embodying the award’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity.
The Cavaliers outlasted No. 8 Florida State, 46-38, in double overtime in front of a sold-out crowd at Scott Stadium. Quarterback Chandler Morris led the effort by completing 26-of-35 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for three more scores, including a 4-yard keeper in the second overtime. Cornerback Ja’son Prevard sealed the upset with his second interception of the game on Florida State’s final drive.
The victory marked Virginia’s first home win over a top-10 opponent since 2005 and improved the Cavaliers to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the ACC.
“Coach Elliott and the Cavaliers showed tremendous poise and resilience in a high-pressure matchup,” said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, Jim Terry, in a statment. “Their ability to upset a top-10 opponent in such dramatic fashion reflects the leadership, character and preparation that The Dodd Trophy represents.”
Now in his fourth season, Elliot has helped the Cavaliers develop NFL caliber talent, produced multiple All-ACC performers and delivered signature road wins over ranked opponents, all while maintaining focus on building what Elliott calls “The Model Program.”
The Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank – along with the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week Award – celebrates the head coach of a FBS team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity. The award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.