On the field, Virginia Football has improved immensely, making its first bowl game since 2011 with its selection to the 2017 Military Bowl. The success seen by the Hoos isn’t limited to the gridiron, however.
For the third time in program history and the first time since 1986, the Cavaliers were recognized with the 2017 Academic Achievement Award by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Virginia is one of seven teams - along with Alabama, Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State, Northwestern, Utah and Utah State - to be recognized this year.
The AFCA takes a six-year window into account, meaning the 2010 entering class was the one focused on for the award.