Fan Support To Be Focus Saturday Night

By Jeff White (jwhite@virginia.edu)

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Surrounded by reporters Saturday evening after UVa’s 45-13 win over Kent State, a football game that drew a crowd of only 33,526 at Scott Stadium, defensive end Eli Harold stressed the importance of fan support.

He also made a suggestion. Harold said he’d love to see a white-out in the stands for Virginia’s clash against ACC rival Pittsburgh.

“It’s going to be exciting,” Harold said, “playing under the lights.”

In a key Coastal Division matchup, the Cavaliers (3-2, 1-0) host the Panthers (3-2, 1-0) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

There will be no University-sponsored white-out Saturday night at 61,500-seat Scott Stadium, UVa officials said Monday afternoon. Fans are welcome to wear white … or orange … or blue … or whatever color they’d like, said Todd Goodale, Virginia’s associate athletics director for external affairs.

As of Monday afternoon, Weather.com was predicting a high of 71 degrees for Saturday, with a low of 45.

“We’re not concerned with the color of the clothing people wear to the game,” Goodale said. “Wear what you’re most comfortable in, whether that’s a polo shirt, a T-shirt, a dress, a shirt and tie, khakis, jeans, even body paint. Just come out and support the team, because that makes the difference.”

Five games into their fifth season under head coach Mike London, the Wahoos have surpassed their victory total from 2013, when they finished 2-10. After Saturday, UVa will play only two more games at Scott Stadium this season: Oct. 25 against North Carolina and Nov. 22 against Miami (Fla.).

Virginia is 3-1 at home this season, and one of the victories was a 23-21 upset of then-No. 21 Louisville on Sept. 13.

“We know that Scott Stadium can provide a tremendous home-field advantage, and it’s proven that over the years,” Goodale said. “If people really want to show their support for the team, bring a friend or two who will be as passionate as you are.”