Virginia Tech vs. Virginia: Preview, odds, how to watch, prediction

The Virginia Tech Hokies (3-8, 2-5) face the Virginia Cavaliers (9-2, 6-1) in the regular-season finale at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. The Hokies are trying to ruin UVa’s dream season and knock them out of a spot in the ACC Championship Game and potentially the College Football Playoff.

Virginia Tech has won the last four meetings and 23 of the past 25. The Hokies have held the Commonwealth Cup for over 1,800 consecutive days.

The Cavaliers have lost two games this season: N.C. State and Wake Forest. The Hokies played both, defeating N.C. State, but handing the game to Wake Forest due to multiple defensive penalties. As far as UVa’s N.C. State loss, thanks to a weird scheduling quirk, that game didn’t count as an ACC loss.

Quarterback Chandler Morris leads the Hoos. A sixth-year player, Morris has spent time at Oklahoma, TCU and North Texas before arriving in Charlottesville. The son of former Arkansas and SMU head coach Chad Morris, Chandler has completed almost 67% of his passes for 2,404 yards, with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 223 yards and four touchdowns.

Another big part of Virginia’s offense is running back J’Mari Taylor. The North Carolina Central transfer has rushed for 917 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

The Cavaliers have three solid options at receiver: Trell Harris (51, 766, 5 TDs ), Jahmal Edrine (37, 465, 1 TD), and Cam Ross (42, 458, 2 TDs). Those players will present quite the challenge for Virginia Tech’s secondary, which has struggled.

For all of the talk about Virginia’s offense, it’s the defense that has been very solid.

• Total defense: No. 28 (322.1 YPG)

• Pass defense: No. 61 (214.8 YPG)

• Run defense: No. 20 (108.0 YPG)

• Scoring defense: No. 36 (21.2 PPG)

Last season, Pop Watson started at quarterback for the Hokies and led them to a win. Will Watson play on Saturday? Kyron Drones left last week’s game, but appears to be a full-go for this game. For the Hokies to win, they need something from the passing game. Virginia is susceptible against the pass, and the Hokies have the receivers, specifically Ayden Greene, who can win outside. And it would sure be a good time to remember you have tight end Benji Gosnell on the roster.

Of course, this season’s offense has been at its best with Drones and the combination of Marcellous Hawkins and Terion Stewart running the ball. Tech needs Drones to make some plays on the ground, but the combo of Hawkins, Stewart, and true freshman Jeff Overton Jr. is key.

Defensively, the Hokies need to rattle Morris, easier said than done.

Virginia is 9-2, which is impressive, but its best wins are against Louisville (7-4) and Florida State (5-6). This is a very winnable game for Virginia Tech in interim coach Philip Montgomery’s last match in charge.

Here’s how you can watch, including the final betting odds and a prediction.

• When: Saturday, November 29, 2025

• Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Virginia

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

• TV: ACC Network

• Announcers: Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Tori Petry (sidelines)

• Radio: Virginia Tech Sports Network Radio. You can find a list of affiliates here.

• Streaming options: fuboTV [try it free]

• Series history: Virginia Tech leads the all-time series 62-38-5, and has won the past five meetings. Last season, redshirt freshman quarterback Pop Watson led the Hokies to a 37-17 win. Watson completed 14 of 21 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown. Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 124 yards and two scores.

• Odds: Virginia is an 8.5-point favorite, per FanDuel.

Prediction

I think this game comes down to the wire. I don’t believe the 2025 Virginia Cavaliers are THAT much better than the 2025 Virginia Tech Hokies. And that’s not me saying the Hokies are good. Virginia’s schedule leaves a lot to be desired. With a competent passing game this year, Tech probably wins a couple more games. You can blame Drones, pass protection, scheme, etc., but the passing game has lacked.

However, UVa is the better team. The Hoos have everything to play for, including a spot in the ACC Championship. With James Franklin looming, the Cavaliers better win this game. What happens?

Call me crazy, but I think the Hokies send Montgomery out with a bang.

Virginia Tech 27, Virginia 24