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Washington State Cougars vs Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Washington State Cougars travel across the country to face the Virginia Cavaliers in an intriguing cross-conference matchup on Saturday night at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, airing live on ESPN2.
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This will be the first-ever meeting between these programs, and both teams enter with something to prove — Virginia looking to extend its rise in the national rankings, and Washington State searching for its first road win over a Top 25 team since 2022.
Virginia’s Offense Rolling into Form
The Cavaliers (5-1, 2-0 ACC) have been one of the most electric offenses in the country, scoring at least 30 points in every game and averaging 43.0 points per contest — eighth in the FBS. Head coach Tony Elliott’s group has found the balance that eluded it last season, entering Week 8 with 489.2 total yards per game, ranking 11th nationally.
Virginia’s recent wins haven’t been easy. Both came in overtime, including a 30-27 victory at Louisville before last week’s bye. Still, Elliott sees his team’s resilience as a strength.
“It’s going to be a battle of who can play the hardest and who can play sound and under control,” Elliott said. “We can’t make mistakes — we’ve got to match their energy, if not exceed it.”
Quarterback Chandler Morris continues to pace the offense, throwing for 1,428 yards and 11 touchdowns with just four interceptions. Running back J’Mari Taylor has been dominant on the ground with 465 yards and eight rushing scores, while Trell Harris leads the team in receiving with 384 yards on 26 catches.
The Cavaliers’ offensive balance has made them difficult to defend — and a sixth win this weekend would mark their best start since Elliott took over in 2022.
You can compare live betting lines for this matchup on the college football odds page.
Washington State Searching for Signature Win
The Cougars (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) enter after a grueling road trip and a tough loss to then-No. 4 Ole Miss, where they gave up 439 yards in a 38-21 defeat. Despite the setback, first-year coach Jimmy Rogers saw progress from his young team.
“Obviously, we have another challenge this week,” Rogers said. “Virginia’s explosive, well-coached, and really physical. We’ve got to clean up the things we didn’t execute as well last week to have a shot in this game.”
Washington State’s defense struggled early in the season, allowing over 400 yards in three of its first four games. However, the unit has improved significantly, giving up just 27 total points across its last two outings. Rogers credited his players’ growing understanding of his system.
“We’ve gone from wondering if we have a clue to understanding what’s being coached,” Rogers said. “We’re improving each week.”
Offensively, quarterback Zevi Eckhaus has settled into rhythm since replacing Jaxon Potter under center. Eckhaus has thrown two touchdown passes in each of his last three games, providing stability at the position. Wide receiver Tony Freeman has been his favorite target with 30 receptions for 304 yards, while running back Kirby Vorhees leads the team with 244 rushing yards.
Visit the college football expert betting guide for deeper stats and breakdowns.
Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college football picks, Virginia opened as a -13.5 home favorite with the total set around 63. Early betting action has leaned slightly toward the Cavaliers, who have covered the spread in three of their last four games.
Current Odds:
- Washington State Cougars: +13.5 (-110)
- Virginia Cavaliers: -13.5 (-110)
- Total: 63.0 (Over -108 / Under -112)
Virginia is 4-0 straight-up at home this season, while Washington State has yet to win a road game against a ranked opponent under Rogers.
Matchup Breakdown
Virginia Cavaliers Outlook
Virginia’s offense has been one of the most explosive units in the nation thanks to the play of Morris and Taylor. Their balance forces defenses to respect both the run and the deep passing game. The Cavaliers’ offensive line has also kept Morris upright, allowing just six sacks through six games.
Defensively, Virginia has relied on timely stops and red-zone discipline. The unit ranks 34th nationally in points allowed (21.5 per game) and thrives at creating turnovers. With a week of rest after two overtime battles, the Cavaliers should be fresh and well-prepared for another physical test.
Washington State Cougars Outlook
Washington State’s recent defensive turnaround has been its biggest story. After surrendering 59 points combined to North Texas and rival Washington, the Cougars have tightened up, especially against the run. Their focus this week will be keeping Virginia’s big plays to a minimum.
Offensively, Eckhaus gives the Cougars stability and mobility. Washington State averages 364 total yards per game but needs to finish drives more efficiently — they’ve scored touchdowns on just 51% of red-zone trips this season.
The Cougars will also need to manage the emotional and physical toll of back-to-back long road trips if they want to pull the upset.
Key Edge
Virginia’s offensive versatility gives it the advantage, but Washington State’s improving defense and controlled tempo could help keep things closer than expected early. If the Cougars can limit turnovers and slow Taylor’s running lanes, they can hang within striking distance.
Betting Trends
- Virginia is 4-0 straight-up at home this season.
- Virginia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
- Washington State is 4-2 on the under this season.
- The total has gone over in 4 of Virginia’s last 5 home games.
- Washington State is 1-4 straight-up in its last 5 road games.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Virginia has been dominant at Scott Stadium, while Washington State’s defense has shown progress but may struggle to handle the Cavaliers’ depth and speed on offense. Expect Virginia to start fast and maintain control throughout.
Projected Score: Virginia 38, Washington State 24
Best Bet: Virginia -13.5
Secondary Lean: Over 63
For more college football previews, odds analysis, and betting picks, visit ScoresAndStats College Football.
