Game Day Primer / Sat, Oct 31
AWAY TEAM
4–4
HOME TEAM
6–1
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01 / Why this game matters
Virginia won its last trip to Wake Forest by one point. This time, finding enough points is the problem. The Cavaliers scored 13 and 16 in consecutive losses and now have an injured backfield to reshuffle. Across the field, No. 14 Wake has a rested , whose 17 touchdown passes and one interception suggest he won’t be handing Virginia many favors.
02 / Know these people
Beau Pribula / The quarterback asked to find another route
Virginia · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,369 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. With Virginia’s leading rusher out, successful early throws could keep the offense from becoming predictable.
Gio Lopez / The passer making possessions count
Wake Forest · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,947 passing yards and 17 touchdowns against one interception. Virginia needs to create difficult throws rather than wait for him to donate a mistake.
03 / Watch for this
When Virginia gets near the end zone, find receiver . Five of his 17 catches have been touchdowns. Watch whether looks his way and whether Wake leaves a defender alone with him. With Virginia reshuffling its running backs, that matchup gives you something specific to follow when the Cavaliers need six points.
04 / Sound smart
Wake’s quarterback has 17 touchdown passes and one interception. Virginia may need to earn the ball back the long way.
The central storyline
Virginia won its last trip to Wake Forest by one point. This time, finding enough points is the problem. The Cavaliers scored 13 and 16 in consecutive losses and now have an injured backfield to reshuffle. Across the field, No. 14 Wake has a rested , whose 17 touchdown passes and one interception suggest he won’t be handing Virginia many favors.
A read on both sides
Virginia
Team vibe
Unranked Virginia is 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC after losses to SMU and Duke. It averages 28.3 points and allows 19.6, but scored only 13 and 16 in those defeats. Quarterback has 13 touchdown passes against two interceptions, giving the Cavaliers a passing foundation while their running options change.
Wake Forest
Team vibe
No. 14 Wake Forest is 6-1 and 4-1 in conference after a 41-7 win over California followed by a bye. It averages 37.4 points and 290.3 passing yards, while allowing 19.4 points. Quarterback has been productive without many interceptions, so Virginia cannot count on free possessions.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch which Virginia backs take the first two series and where contact occurs.
If you see it: The runner meets a defender before reaching the line.
Here's what it means: Virginia may need short passes to replace some of those rushing yards. Repeated failed runs would leave the quarterback in obvious passing situations.
On screen
Look for: Watch Virginia’s first tackle after Wake Forest completes a short pass.
If you see it: The receiver is brought down before turning upfield.
Here's what it means: The Cavaliers are making Wake assemble a longer drive. A missed tackle would allow the passing game to gain much more without a difficult throw.
The central storyline
Virginia won its last trip to Wake Forest by one point. This time, finding enough points is the problem. The Cavaliers scored 13 and 16 in consecutive losses and now have an injured backfield to reshuffle. Across the field, No. 14 Wake has a rested , whose 17 touchdown passes and one interception suggest he won’t be handing Virginia many favors.
A read on both sides
Virginia
Team vibe
Unranked Virginia is 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the ACC after losses to SMU and Duke. It averages 28.3 points and allows 19.6, but scored only 13 and 16 in those defeats. Quarterback has 13 touchdown passes against two interceptions, giving the Cavaliers a passing foundation while their running options change.
Wake Forest
Team vibe
No. 14 Wake Forest is 6-1 and 4-1 in conference after a 41-7 win over California followed by a bye. It averages 37.4 points and 290.3 passing yards, while allowing 19.4 points. Quarterback has been productive without many interceptions, so Virginia cannot count on free possessions.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch which Virginia backs take the first two series and where contact occurs.
If you see it: The runner meets a defender before reaching the line.
Here's what it means: Virginia may need short passes to replace some of those rushing yards. Repeated failed runs would leave the quarterback in obvious passing situations.
On screen
Look for: Watch Virginia’s first tackle after Wake Forest completes a short pass.
If you see it: The receiver is brought down before turning upfield.
Here's what it means: The Cavaliers are making Wake assemble a longer drive. A missed tackle would allow the passing game to gain much more without a difficult throw.
Players & Coaches
Players & Coaches
Virginia · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,369 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions. With Virginia’s leading rusher out, successful early throws could keep the offense from becoming predictable.
Players & Coaches
Wake Forest · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,947 passing yards and 17 touchdowns against one interception. Virginia needs to create difficult throws rather than wait for him to donate a mistake.
Players & Coaches
Virginia · Wide Receiver (WR)
Five of his 17 receptions have been touchdowns. Watch where Virginia sends him when the field gets shorter near the goal line.
Players & Coaches
Wake Forest · Wide Receiver (WR)
His 49 catches have produced 720 yards and four touchdowns. Thursday’s ACC report lists him probable; if he plays, Virginia has an experienced target to account for throughout the route.
The Stakes
Wake Forest has only one ACC loss and can protect that position at home. Virginia needs to halt consecutive defeats before the conference record slips further.
Why it matters
Virginia cannot build its upset plan around suddenly getting generous with the football. and his receivers need to create points while the running game adjusts. I’d trust Wake’s rested offense to control this one unless Virginia starts turning its scoring chances into touchdowns. Another afternoon in the teens looks unlikely to be enough.
History & Context
History & Context
Virginia won its 2024 visit to Wake Forest 31-30. That memory gives the Cavaliers a reason to enjoy this trip, even as the current records put the pressure firmly on them.
Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters
Wake’s quarterback has 17 touchdown passes and one interception. Virginia may need to earn the ball back the long way.
Conversation Starters
Virginia’s last visit here ended 31-30. Nobody should file the result before the fourth quarter.
Conversation Starters
The first few Virginia handoffs are worth watching as closely as the first deep pass.