Virginia vs William & Mary: Matchup Breakdown and Final Score Prediction

Can Virginia reach 2-1 at home?

Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) runs with the football during the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Gameday returns to Scott Stadium, and this one is about using the weapons, settling in, and getting it right. Virginia sits at 1–1 after piling up more than 500 yards at NC State, only to let red-zone miscues and a late interception flip the result. Now, an in-state opponent, William & Mary, comes to town. It’s a game the Cavaliers are expected to control, but it’s also a chance to show cleaner execution, bank depth snaps, and rebuild momentum before the schedule stiffens.

Tony Elliott emphasized why these Virginia matchups matter—for team growth, recruiting, and providing small programs with a stage. The best way to honor that: play sharp and leave no doubt.

With those stakes and context clear, let’s break down how the matchup unfolds on each side of the ball.

Virginia Offense vs William & Mary Defense

Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) runs with the football during the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Chandler Morris leads with an attack that stretches the field and drives the run game. After moving the ball at will in Raleigh, the emphasis shifts from yards to points. Last year, Virginia averaged 22.7 points per game and converted one-third of third downs—pressure points exposed at NC State. Finishing drives and staying composed under pressure is key.

Expect the plan to start in the backfield. J’Mari Taylor set the early tone, with 150 yards and three scores in Week 2 and ranking among national rushing leaders. He runs behind a line anchored by McKale Boley and Wallace Unamba, with Drake Metcalf and Noah Josey inside, Brady Wilson at center. That group’s physicality should control the box. Taylor’s backups—Xavier Brown’s burst, plus reps from Harrison Waylee and Noah Vaughn—let Virginia push tempo and wear on the front across four quarters.

Outside, the trio is set: Trell Harris and Jahmal Edrine on the perimeter with Cam Ross as the space creator. Harris can win vertically or on deep crossers, Edrine offers size and red-zone leverage, and Ross forces attention on every touch. Getting Ross involved early — through quick game, motions, and jet looks — stresses pursuit angles and typically opens up the middle for Taylor.

Aug 31, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) celebrates with Cavaliers running back Kobe Pace (5) after scoring a touchdown against the Richmond Spiders during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

William & Mary is disciplined. The Tribe is among the CAA and FCS leaders in total defense, having forced a turnover in 12 straight games. The key is not to give them short fields. If Virginia can protect the ball and avoid red-zone stalls, the talent gap will be evident.

Virginia Defense vs William & Mary Offense

The job is clear: set edges, tackle, and force long drives. Missed tackles and minimal pass rush hurt Virginia in Raleigh. This is the week to correct both.

Up front, Jahmeer Carter anchors at nose, with Jason Hammond, Hunter Osborne, and Jacob Holmes inside. Mitchell Melton and the Bandit rotation must win on the edge and compress the pocket. Inside backers—Landon Danley at MIKE, James Jackson at WILL—need to trigger downhill without sacrificing gap integrity. The more Virginia forces second-and-long, the more predictable the Tribe gets.

In the secondary, Donovan Platt’s physicality at corner pairs with Jordan Robinson on the other side, while Ethan Minter and Devin Neal give Virginia experience at safety. Keep the top on the defense, rally to the ball, and make the Tribe sustain 10-play drives. Fewer freebies, more force-outs. If Virginia cleans up the tackling, the explosive plays against it should shrink quickly.

Special Teams

Cam Ross changes field position almost every time on kick returns, already scoring this season and delivering a momentum-shifting 48-yard return at NC State. Even when avoided, hidden yards add up fast. Will Bettridge’s consistency and Daniel Sparks’ placement should give Virginia a clear special-teams edge—shortening fields for the offense and lengthening them for the defense.

Aug 30, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Cam Ross (6) carries the ball to score a touchdown against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers during the second half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Overview

This isn’t complicated. Virginia’s path to victory must:

• Have lean, strong tackling, steady pressure. Win first down, collapse the pocket, kill big plays.

• No lazy or rushed pass attempts. William & Mary thrives on takeaways, short fields. Don’t provide either.

• Run and play a strong short pass game. Taylor, then Brown and company keep legs fresh. Ross on the interior.

Final Score Prediction

ESPN’s FPI places Virginia as a heavy favorite, and SP+ projects a comfortable margin. On paper and on film, the Cavaliers have the advantage in size, speed, and depth. If they protect the football and tighten up their tackling, this should resemble a business-like September win.

Final Score: Virginia 41, William & Mary 13.