Virginia (2-6) and Wake Forest (1-7) had the two worst ACC records last season. This season, each team is off to a 1-0 start after beating up on FCS opponents; Virginia beat Richmond 34-13 and Wake Forest toppled North Carolina A&T 45-13.
Despite finishing last in the ACC last season, Wake Forest is the favorite here at home against Tony Elliott’s team. But is that line warranted?
Check out my Virginia vs. Wake Forest prediction.
Virginia vs Wake Forest Prediction
- Pick: Virginia +2.5
My Virginia vs. Wake Forest bet is on the Cavs to cover the spread as underdogs, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Virginia Cavs vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Odds
| Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -112 | 57 -110 / -110 | +100 |
| Wake Forest Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -108 | 57 -110 / -110 | -120 |
- Virginia vs Wake Forest Point Spread: Virginia +1.5 (-112) · Wake Forest -1.5 (-108)
- Virginia vs Wake Forest Total: Over/Under 57
- Virginia vs Wake Forest Moneyline: Virginia +100 · Wake Forest -120
Virginia vs Wake Forest Preview
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview: Experience on Defense
Virginia juggled quarterbacks for the majority of last season. It started veteran Tony Muskett in six games — including the season opener — and true freshman Anthony Colandrea got the nod in the other six games.
It became clear Colandrea was the better option, providing a more boom-or-bust upside as he finished the year with 12 touchdowns and 16 big-time throws with 14 turnover-worthy plays.
It’s ironic that the other guy's name is Muskett when Colandrea is the clear gunslinger. Colandrea opened the 2024 season as QB1 and went 17-of-23 with 297 yards and two touchdowns.
This play had some history behind it!
The Anthony Colandrea to Trell Harris TD marked the first time in the 135-year history of UVA football the Cavaliers scored a touchdown on their first pass attempt of the season.
pic.twitter.com/NK6746W4mQ— Preston Willett (@PrestonWillett) September 1, 2024
The offensive line returned every starter and a slew of transfers make up the skill positions.
Running back Kobe Pace is back for a second season in Charlottesville after transferring from Clemson, and second-leading receiver Malachi Fields is joined by Notre Dame’s leading receiver Chris Tyree, Kent State transfer Trell Harris and UNC transfer Andre Greene Jr.
Virginia’s defense was a mess last season, especially up front. This team created no Havoc whatsoever and managed an FCS-worst 11 total sacks all season. Not only did the Cavs fail to create a pass rush, but they couldn't stop the run, ranking 122nd in Rushing Success Rate.
Injuries were a big issue last season and were one of the factors that impacted such a poor season. Over 1,400 snaps on defense last season came from true freshmen. This year, they're healthy and experienced, with six players in the front seven being fifth-, sixth- or even seventh-year seniors.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview: Will Bachmeier Play Well?
It boggles my mind that Hank Bachmeier is a starting quarterback at a power-four program. He struggled at Boise State, transferred to Louisiana Tech — where he was bad for one season — and then somehow went upward to an ACC job.
Bachmeier threw just 10 touchdowns with five interceptions in Conference USA last season and has 40 turnover-worthy plays to 68 big-time throws in his career.
Bachmeier has a rebuilt offense to work with. Leading rusher Demond Claiborne is back, but he averaged just 58.6 yards per game last season.
The team will have to find some receivers to step up. Taylor Morin is the only returning receiver who caught more than 15 passes last season. Donavon Greene returned after missing all of last season with an injury.
Wake Forest had a funny defensive profile last season. It was basically the opposite of bend-don’t-break. The Demon Deacons ranked 56th in Rushing Success Rate on defense, so they were solid on a play-to-play basis, but they ranked 93rd in defending explosiveness and 111th in Finishing Drives.
So, when teams did move the ball, they were able to score.
The Deacs were also strong against the run, but they had issues defending the pass. Jasheen Davis and Kevin Pointer return to the defensive line, while linebacker Dylan Hazen is back after leading the team in tackles last season.
Dave Clawson will look to play a more aggressive defense this season after forcing just 16 turnovers last year.
Virginia vs Wake Forest Pick & Prediction
As somebody who has watched a lot of Bachmeier over his six years in college, I can't believe he's starting at Wake.
Bachmeier is a guy who's always struggled with turnover-worthy plays and holds onto the ball way too long. He's taken 77 sacks in his career and countless hits. He really struggles when under pressure and is playing behind a poor offensive line.
Wake Forest has massive questions in its inexperienced secondary and will face a quarterback who loves to chuck it deep. Colandrea had 48 pass attempts of 20+ yards last season, accounting for nearly 20% of his passing attempts. His 6.2% big-time throw rate was third in the ACC last season.
I also prefer the Cavaliers' skill positions in this matchup, with Fields back at receiver, the additions of Tyee and Harris and the talented Pace at running back.
Virginia is super experienced on both lines of scrimmage, and if it can find a way to get some pressure on Bachmeier, it'll force him into mistakes.
These two teams were at the bottom of the ACC barrel last season and likely will be again, but I actually think Virginia is the better team here.
Pick: Virginia +2.5 (Play to +1)
How to Watch Virginia vs Wake Forest Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 7 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN2 |
Virginia vs Wake Forest Betting Trends
- 67% of the bets and 67% of the money are on Wake Forest to cover the short spread.
