NC State football at Virginia first look: Odds, key matchup, game day info
The record resets to 0-0 next week when N.C. State travels to Virginia for its ACC opener, and it’ll be a return trip for several members of the Wolfpack.
Quarterback Brennan Armstrong came to Raleigh by way of the Cavaliers program, leaving UVa as one of the best players in school history. He holds program records in 15 different categories and is No. 2 in two others, including No. 1 in total offense (10,301 yards) and single season passing (4,449 yards).
N.C. State offensive coordinator Robert Anae and offensive line coach Garett Tujague also return to their former stomping grounds. Anae was the mastermind behind the scheme in which Armstrong succeeded, coaching in the same role from 2016-21. Tujague, meanwhile, coached the Cavaliers O-line from 2016-22.
Photos: NC State football defeats VMI
“It’s gonna be awesome. I’m going to treat this week just like every other week: prepare, get ready for them and just take it all in when I get there,” Armstrong said following the team’s win over VMI on Saturday. “I’m just here to play a ball game and just enjoy the moment … It’s another important game for the ACC, so that’s just kind of where I’m at.”
UVa is in its second season under Tony Elliott and is 0-3 through the first three weeks of play. It fell to Tennessee and Maryland by double digits and dropped a 1-point heartbreaker to James Madison in Week 2. For a team returning to play after a tragic shooting ended its 2022 season, the Cavaliers would really like to put a game in the win column.
The Wolfpack leads the all-time series 36-24-1, winning the last four out of five meetings. N.C. State and UVa most recently played in 2020, with the Pack winning 38-21 on the road.
Key matchup: N.C. State defensive line vs. Virginia offensive line
The Wolfpack showed growth in its game against VMI on Saturday, with the defense coming up clutch in the victory. It held the Keydets to 191 yards of total offense and 15 yards rushing. The visitors averaged just 0.7 yards per carry.
N.C. State added seven tackles for a loss and three sacks, while holding VMI to just 1-of-10 on third down.
The UVA O-line has struggled in its three appearances, as well. It is just 16-of-44 on third down conversions and is averaging just 1.9 yards per rush. It will be interesting to see how an offensive line, featuring Tujague’s former players, matches up against a tough Wolfpack D-line.
Virginia has found more success in the pass game, picking up 746 total yards and 8.4 per throw. With the successful pass rushing against VMI, the Cavaliers’ offensive line has a big task to protect its quarterback and maintain the pocket.
Vegas betting odds
The U.S. sports books installed N.C. State as a 9-point favorite on Sunday.
N.C. State at Virginia game and TV info
Teams: N.C. State Wolfpack (2-1) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (0-3)
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Date: Friday, Sept. 22
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Stream: DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV
