Virginia football opens NC State week as 5.5-point favorite against the Wolfpack

The Cavaliers begin the 2026 season Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Elliott greets players during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Game week has officially arrived. Virginia and NC State will kick off at 3:30 p.m. at Scott Stadium, as the dawn of the ACC football season arrives. The Cavaliers are currently favorites to win, as they are favored by 5.5 points on Fanduel. The projected total between the conference foes is 52.5 points. 

Fanduel’s moneyline has Virginia at -220 to win. The Cavaliers have only hosted the Wolfpack four times since 2006 — and have gone just 1-3 in that span. Virginia is hoping to end an NC State streak and start the season 1-0.

Last time these teams played each other, it was an offensive frenzy in which the Wolfpack won 35-31. The Cavaliers were driving downfield late until a late interception by Chandler Morris sealed the defeat. That ended up being Virginia’s only road loss of the season.

The Cavaliers went on to author an 11-3 season — including a first place finish atop the regular season ACC standings. They are aiming to win 10-plus games again and return to Charlotte, N.C. for another chance at a trophy.

The NC State game could end up being one of the more difficult outings for Virginia. The Wolfpack have some high-end talent, most notably star quarterback CJ Bailey. The Cavaliers do have a few advantages though, such as experience, roster continuity and a home field advantage. Noah Teague of Sport CLT had this to say about the matchup:

“I'm thinking Virginia wins 35 to 31. I think that was actually the score of last year, reversed with the teams, but I think it will play out similar to last year. I think that these two teams are very similar, it may come down to just who has the ball last. But given that Virginia had a better season last year, they're coming back with some of those pieces, they've got Tony Elliott back. I think that stability potential, you probably have a bit of an edge, especially with the home field there.”

The Cavaliers have won each of their home openers under Elliott except for a 2023 loss to James Madison, then led by championship-winning Coach Curt Cignetti. This one carries some extra stakes as the rare in-conference season opener. When the ACC expanded its schedule, this game was transitioned to an ACC game even though it was originally a non-conference date.

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