Matchup Breakdown and Final Score Prediction For Virginia vs Florida State

Can the Cavaliers stun the nation tomorrow night and defeat Florida State?

Sep 20, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball to Cavaliers wide receiver Cam Ross (6) as Stanford Cardinal linebacker Ese Dubre (30) chases during the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Thirty years ago, Scott Stadium saw one of Virginia football’s greatest nights. Ranked No. 4, Florida State expected an easy win, but the Cavaliers stunned the Seminoles and sent the student section onto the field. On Friday night, Florida State returns under the lights. Could history repeat?

What’s at Stake

Sep 13, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott looks on from the field prior to the game against the William & Mary Tribe at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Virginia (3–1, 1–0 ACC) just routed Stanford, 48–20, showing what Tony Elliott’s rebuild can be at full strength. Since 2022, postseason play has eluded the Cavaliers. The program hasn’t made a bowl since 2019, and Elliott knows he badly needs a breakthrough. Beating Florida State would provide that.

Florida State (3–0) is stacked. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos already has six touchdowns and his dual-threat ability makes him hard to defend. FSU shocked Alabama in Week One, then crushed East Texas A&M and Kent State. They have fast receivers, a deep backfield, and a physical offensive line.

But this isn’t a hopeless matchup. Bill Connelly’s SP+ has Florida State by just three, 28–25, and gives UVA nearly a 43% chance to win. ESPN’s FPI puts Virginia at about 40%. Those numbers say the gap is smaller than the polls suggest.

Virginia Offense vs. Florida State Defense

This is the most balanced Cavalier offense in years. The ground game has piled up 1,006 rushing yards on 169 carries — a 6.0-yard average — with 13 touchdowns already. J’Mari Taylor has brought a bruising style, Xavier Brown is hitting the edge with speed, and Harrison Waylee is the steady veteran who keeps chains moving. At 251.5 yards per game, this is no longer just a “nice” rushing attack. It’s one of the best in the ACC.

Chandler Morris has thrown for 1,029 yards at nearly 60% completions with six touchdowns. He has a deep group of targets: Trell Harris is emerging as the go-to, Jahmal Edrine and Jayden Thomas add size, and Cam Ross handles the slots and intermediate routes. Even the tight ends—Dakota Twitty and Sage Ennis—give Morris mismatch options down the seam.

Sep 20, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) catches a touchdown pass as Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) defends during the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The line is where everything comes together. McKale Boley looked like an All-ACC tackle last week, but there’s concern inside. UAB transfer Brady Wilson left the Stanford game and is day-to-day with a calf issue. If he’s out, Drake Metcalf moves to center, with Kevin Wigenton II or Tyshawn Wyatt at guard. Whoever plays must protect Morris. Virginia averages 508.8 yards and 45.5 points, but FSU’s defense is among the toughest. Elliott must stay aggressive, push tempo, and keep the ball in Morris’ hands.

Florida State Offense vs. Virginia Defense

Castellanos is the kind of quarterback who can flip a game on one play. He’s elusive, decisive, and comfortable improvising when protection breaks down. Add in FSU’s backfield depth, and you get an offense averaging nearly 60 points per game. It’s fast, explosive, and relentless.

Virginia’s defense isn’t perfect but improves weekly. The Cavaliers allow 24.0 points and 325.8 yards per game. The front has bite: Jahmeer Carter clogs the middle, Mitchell Melton and Jacob Holmes bring pressure, and Kam Robinson’s recent return boosted the unit.

Sep 20, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) is stripped of the ball by Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Kam Robinson (5) after a hit by Cavaliers defensive tackle Anthony Britton (55) during the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The concern is the secondary. Stanford scored twice on busted coverages, and that can’t happen here. Castellanos will exploit mistakes. Coordinator John Rudzinski must keep the group disciplined, communicating, and focused on duties. The defense doesn’t need a shutout but must make FSU work for points.

Three Keys for Virginia's Victory

• Play Fast and Stay Aggressive – Tempo can be UVA’s weapon. Don’t slow down. Keep FSU uncomfortable.
• Protect Morris – The line has to give him a clean pocket. If he has time, this passing game can move the ball.
• Clean Up the Coverage – Explosive plays killed them against Stanford. Against FSU, one lapse could be the difference.

The Final Outlook

Florida State owns the all-time series 15–4, and on paper they have more talent. But Charlottesville has seen this before. Thirty years ago, a top-five Seminole team walked into Scott Stadium, and they didn’t walk out with a win.

This Virginia team is balanced, experienced, and beginning to believe. The rushing attack is real. The passing game is no longer one-dimensional. The defense has improved with Robinson’s return. If the Hoos protect their quarterback, stay disciplined, and avoid the penalties and missed tackles that hurt them early, they have more than a puncher’s chance.

Virginia 34, Florida State 31.