The Commonwealth Clash

Newly Ranked #25 Virginia is Set to Host Norfolk State for an In-State Battle

Fresh off a by week and an impressive victory over NC State in Week 0, Virginia cracks into the Top 25 and is ready to keep their momentum rolling vs Norfolk State. For the visiting Norfolk State Spartans, led by second-year head coach Michael Vick, this represents a high-profile test to build confidence heading into their conference play.

What to Watch For

• The Michael Vick Effect

  • Already matching their win total from last year, with only 1 win, Vick has this team moving forward

  • Although this is a tough matchup, this will be good for Vick to get a taste of how his team matches up with more talented rosters, as they took on no ranked teams last season

• Virginia QB Beau Pribula Dual-Threat Ability

  • Missouri transfer QB Pribula made a statement in his Virginia debut in Week 0, throwing for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns paired with 110 rushing yards

  • Pribula’s dual-threat ability makes this offense extremely hard to slow down

The Verdict and Early Bet Leans

• This Virginia offense is going to be extremely hard to slow down, with their defense also looking to make it a hard day for the Spartans offense. This could easily turn into a Friday night snoozer with the talent gap between these two teams.

• Current Odds

  • Virginia (-44.5)

  • O/U 54.5

• Early Leans

  • Norfolk +44.5 (Virginia should blow this out of the water but I believe the clock moves too fast in this game to cover the spread)

  • Under 54.5 (Again, I believe the clock moves too fast in this one. Virginia held NC State to 8 points, so points will be extremely hard to come by for Norfolk State, leaving Virginia to do the heavy lifiting)

• Full Game Prediction

  • 44-3 Virginia