West Virginia vs. Virginia Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
My best West Virginia vs. Virginia prediction focuses on No. 25 Virginia getting the better of West Virginia in this neutral-site game. West Virginia's rushing attack has been excellent this season, but it has yet to face a defensive opponent anywhere near Virginia's caliber.
Virginia is favored by 10.5 ahead of Saturday's 7:30 p.m. ET game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. The game will air on ACC Network and stream on ESPN Unlimited.
🏈 West Virginia vs. Virginia picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 3 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| ATS: Virginia -10.5 (-104 via FanDuel) | 1.5 units to win 1.44 units |
| O/U: Under 53.5 (-108 via Caesars) | 0.5 units to win 0.46 units |
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.9 units
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💰 West Virginia vs. Virginia prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Virginia -10.5 (-104 via FanDuel)
Of the teams that have played two games, West Virginia has the second-most rush attempts this season. Led by the duo of Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr., West Virginia is averaging the ninth-most rushing yards per game, but I expect Virginia's 14th-ranked rush defense to get the better of this matchup.
While West Virginia has mostly been untested against the likes of Coastal Carolina and UT Martin, Virginia's defense held NC State to just 168 yards. Quarterback CJ Bailey led the team with just 33 rushing yards that day, as Virginia allowed just 3.1 yards per carry. This season, Virginia is allowing 2.38 yards per rush attempt.
Coastal Carolina quarterback Deuce Bailey threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns against West Virginia. I don't know how West Virginia is going to slow down Beau Pribula, who has more touchdowns (5) than incompletions (4) this season.
📡 SBR Edge
When West Virginia struggles to run, the Mountaineers' 111th-ranked pass offense won't be able to pick up the slack against Virginia's 17th-ranked pass defense.
West Virginia's success is opponent-based
Hawkins has rushed for at least 96 yards in both games, as he leads West Virginia with 199 rushing yards this season. However, prior to those two performances, his career high was just 69 yards, and he'd cleared 33 yards just twice.
Additionally, Cook, who ran for at least 100 yards 10 times last year, has never topped 81 yards against a power conference opponent. I don't expect him to top that number against a Virginia team that ranks ninth in total defense, with a conference game under their belt.
Score prediction: Virginia 34 West Virginia 17
📊 Live West Virginia vs. Virginia odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.
West Virginia vs. Virginia opening odds
- Moneyline: West Virginia +310 | Virginia -395
- Spread: West Virginia +8.5 (-110) | Virginia -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-110) | Under 50.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch West Virginia vs. Virginia: Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
- TV: ACC Network
- Streaming: ESPN Unlimited
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Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
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