For the first time since 2018, Syracuse University is 3-0, but they’re not letting the AP votes and hype get to their heads.

“We have to keep that same mentality through the offseason, the summer workouts, the 'why-not-us' mentality," Mikel Jones said.

"The bottom line is to lock in and focus, and follow the process, which is to be 1-0 every week," Dino Babers said.

It’s a short week, with Virginia coming to the Hill for a Friday night showdown. The Cavaliers haven’t played in the Dome since 2005, but their new head coach Tony Elliot was a longtime assistant at Clemson.

“He’s been in this place and he’s been in this locker room plenty of times. He’s very familiar with us. Hopefully, it’ll be one of those situations where we’re happy when it’s all said and done," Babers said.

Speaking of familiarity, 'Cuse offensive coordinator Robert Anae and quarterbacks coach Jason Beck left the 'Hoos staff last year.

“It’ll be an emotional game. I’m sure they’ll be some hugs and hellos either before or after. Either way, it doesn’t bother me, the game is the game. As a family, we need to understand it’s bigger than all that. It's about Syracuse versus Virginia," Babers said.

Anae and Beck coached several of the current Cavs, including their quarterback, Brennan Armstrong. Having this pair is a useful tool in a unique situation.

“Those guys work for Syracuse University. They need to do everything in their power to make sure Syracuse has success on Friday night," Babers said.

“I’m going to go stop by and get tips and pointers from them because he did coach some of those guys," Ja'Had Carter said.

As for the Orange offense, you don’t see this much. A tweet from Sean Tucker said he wasn’t pleased with his performance after being held to 42 rushing yards against Purdue.

UVA has struggled with the run during their 2-1 start, so Tucker could be poised for a big night. On paper, SU has the edge, but don’t tell them that.

“We don’t want to be the person that gets a team going. They have guys, they have weapons. They’re a dangerous team for sure," Garrett Shrader said.

The stage is set for a Friday night showdown at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

“We need to bring it. The whole country needs to see exactly what it’s like to go to school here and be a part of what’s going on in the Dome, in the Loudhouse," Babers said.