In many ways, Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall has tried to build his football programs in what has long been considered the SEC model — on a foundation of tough defense and a reliable running game.
For the first time on Saturday, Mendenhall will get a chance to see the real thing in person. His Cavaliers (7-5) will face South Carolina (7-5) in the Belk Bowl in Bank of America Stadium at noon. The 14-year coaching veteran who started his career at BYU will be facing an SEC team for the first time.
“We know about the SEC brand,” Mendenhall said.