Following an intense pair of overtime victories against then-No. 8 Florida State and Louisville, the Virginia Cavaliers entered their bye week with a strong 5-1 record and a perfect 3-0 start in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Coach Tony Elliott’s squad is now gearing up for the second half of the season, facing off against the Washington State Cougars in a homecoming game this Saturday night, marking their final non-conference matchup for 2025.
A win against Washington State, currently boasting a 3-3 record, would enable the Cavaliers to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2021. This matchup also represents a historic moment, as it will be the first meeting ever between the two programs, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 PM at Scott Stadium and coverage on The CW.
The key players to keep an eye on in this matchup include Washington State’s quarterback Zevi Eckhaus and defensive end Isaac Terrell. Eckhaus, who previously played at Bryant in the Big South, has made a significant impact since taking over as the starter after a mid-season switch. He has thrown for 758 yards and six touchdowns—with only two interceptions—in his three starts, showing he can perform under pressure. Although the Cougars currently hold a 1-2 record in games he has started, his performance has helped revitalized their offense, including a remarkable effort against then-No. 4 Ole Miss.
On the defensive front, Terrell stands out as a formidable pass-rusher for the Cougars, posing a challenge for Virginia’s offensive line, which has allowed only five sacks this season. However, the Cavaliers are fortunate to have an almost full-strength line with left tackle McKale Boley returning after an injury. Successfully managing Terrell will be crucial for Virginia as they work to exploit Washington State’s defense, which has allowed 348.3 yards and 28.0 points per game.
Establishing a strong running game will be essential for the Cavaliers. Despite Washington State’s solid pass defense, ranking among the best at limiting opposing quarterbacks, they struggle against the run, allowing 156.3 rushing yards per game. Virginia’s offensive line, bolstered by the return of center Brady Wilson, is poised to capitalize on this weakness. J’Mari Taylor, currently the ACC’s third-leading rusher, is expected to play a pivotal role in helping the Cavaliers gain control of the game on the ground.
As Virginia seeks to secure their sixth win in seven games—something they haven’t accomplished since 2007—they are entering this matchup with a clear advantage given their two weeks of preparation. Over the last two seasons, Virginia has demonstrated resilience when coming off bye weeks, boasting a 4-0 record under Elliott in such situations.
With a healthy lineup and the home-field advantage, Virginia is anticipated to perform strongly against Washington State. The atmosphere is expected to be electric with over 50,000 fans in attendance as the Cavaliers aim to extend their winning streak. The prediction leans towards a decisive victory for Virginia, with an expected score of UVA 35, WSU 17.