Virginia (0-0) vs Richmond (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 6:00 pm (David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium)
Betting Odds: Virginia -18.5 / Richmond +18.5 --- Over/Under: 51.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN+ Stream live sports and exclusive originals on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
In this article we will formulate a Richmond vs Virginia prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 31st at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this non-conference matchup.
Richmond Spiders Betting Preview
The Richmond Spiders were 9-4 (7-1) last season and they finished tied for first in the CAA with Albany and Villanova. Richmond opened the season by losing their first two games, which included a 45-14 loss against Michigan State. Richmond went on to win eight of the last nine regular season games, including a 27-26 win over William & Mary in the Capital Cup. The Spiders defeated NC Central in the first round of the FCS playoffs by a score of 49-27 but lost in the second round by a score of 41-13 against Albany.
Richmond used a two-quarterback system in 2023 and both quarterbacks will be back for this season. The Spiders averaged 28.2 points per game last season and their wide receiver room is very deep, but the same cannot be said for the running back position. Defensively, the Spiders were solid last year and should be even better this season.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers went 3-9 (2-6) last year and they finished tied for 11th in the ACC standings with Syracuse and Pittsburgh. Virginia lost their first five games of the season, before picking up their first win against William & Mary. The Cavaliers knocked off North Carolina by a score of 31-27 in the next game, but they lost the next three. Virginia went 1-1 to end the regular season, which included a 30-27 win over Duke.
Virginia will have Anthony Colandrea under center for this game, who did play last season, but had issues with turnovers. The offensive line was not very good last year, but they do return quite a few starters that should be better. The Cavaliers did not run the ball very well last year, but they did lose their leading rusher. Defensively, Virginia was pretty bad last year, but the offense turning the ball over did not help anything.
Why Richmond will cover against Virginia
- Virginia has lost 12 of its last 15 games.
- Virginia has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in five of Virginia's last six games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Virginia's last five games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia ranked 18th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game last season (8.3).
- Virginia was one of only 22 FBS teams to lose 2+ games when leading after Q3 last season.
Richmond vs Virginia Prediction
Virginia comes into this season looking to start off on a positive note after a very tough 2023, but they could have their hands full with a Richmond team that made a playoff run in the FCS. Richmond should have another very solid team this year and they should find success against this Virginia offense. The Cavaliers should be a better team than they were last year and it starts with the quarterback.
If Virginia can avoid the turnover issues that plagued them last season, they will find more victories on the schedule. I do think Virginia could flirt with a bowl appearance this year, but I also think they will start slow in this game against a very solid FCS opponent. Take Richmond with the points here.
David’s Pick Richmond +18.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
