Virginia vs. Wake Forest Odds & Betting Predictions - September 7, 2024

Follow On X: https://x.com/PicksOffice Wake Forest enters this matchup with significant questions at quarterback. Hank Bachmeier, now in his seventh year of college football, has had a career riddled with inconsistency and turnover issues. He struggled at Boise State before moving to Louisiana Tech, where he put up a mediocre 10 touchdowns with 5 interceptions last season in Conference USA. Wake Forest’s offensive line doesn't offer him much protection either, and considering Bachmeier’s tendency to hold the ball too long — evidenced by the 77 sacks he’s taken in his career — Virginia’s veteran defensive front could take advantage of his hesitation. The Cavaliers return six fifth- to seventh-year seniors in their front seven, adding both health and experience to a unit that dealt with injuries last season. This experience should improve a defense that struggled with rushing success and pass rush in 2023. On the offensive side, Virginia looks much more potent than Wake. Tony Muskett is no longer in the picture, and Anthony Colandrea has clearly established himself as the better option at quarterback. In the 2024 season opener, Colandrea completed 17-of-23 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. He finished last year with a boom-or-bust style, racking up 16 big-time throws and 12 touchdowns, while his aggressive approach led to 14 turnover-worthy plays. Colandrea's deep ball accuracy — with 48 attempts over 20+ yards last season — is exactly what can exploit Wake Forest's shaky secondary, which returns this year with even more questions. Virginia’s offensive line is fully intact from last year, and the Cavaliers brought in notable transfers at the skill positions, including Chris Tyree from Notre Dame and Andre Greene Jr. from UNC, who join returning standouts Malachi Fields and running back Kobe Pace. With these weapons, Virginia’s offense looks significantly upgraded. On the other side, Wake Forest’s run defense, ranked 56th in Rushing Success Rate last year, could make it hard to stop Pace, while Colandrea's downfield passing game poses a serious threat to Wake's 111th-ranked Finishing Drives defense. Wake Forest’s defense forced just 16 turnovers last season and ranked poorly in defending explosiveness, sitting at 93rd in the nation. Virginia’s offensive playmakers should find opportunities to score when they get in position. This pressure on Wake's defense, combined with Bachmeier’s propensity for mistakes under pressure, makes Virginia a stronger play in this spot. The Cavs have an edge on both lines, better skill players, and a quarterback who can exploit Wake’s vulnerabilities deep down the field.