West Virginia gets its first major test of the 2026 season in Week 3 as the Mountaineers head to Charlotte to take on No. 25 Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium.
Both teams enter Saturday night’s matchup at 2-0, but they’ve taken different paths to get there. West Virginia survived a second-half scare against Coastal Carolina in its opener before cruising past UT Martin 52-7 last weekend, while Virginia has been dominant from the start. The Cavaliers opened the season with an impressive 34-8 win over NC State before blowing out Norfolk State 59-3 in Week 2.
Now Rich Rodriguez and the Mountaineers will find out just how much progress they’ve made. Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has emerged as one of the Big 12’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks through two games, but he’ll face a Virginia defense that has allowed just 11 points all season.
With both teams looking for a 3-0 start and West Virginia getting an opportunity to pick up a quality non-conference win for the Big 12, this should tell us plenty about where the Mountaineers stand heading into conference play.
West Virginia vs. Virginia Odds
- Spread: Virginia -10.5
- Over/Under: 53.5
- Moneyline: Virginia -395/West Virginia +310
Odds as of Wednesday morning. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Is West Virginia’s Offensive Line Ready?
WVU needs to run the ball to win. That’s how Rich Rod’s offense is set up under Michael Hawkins, Cam Cook and the rest of the Mountaineers weapons. It has to all start on the ground. Last season, the Mountaineers were 4-1 when coming up with more than 350 yards of total offense, and 0-7 when they didn’t. In Rodriguez’s last year at Jacksonville State in 2024, the ground game averaged 251 yards per game. Last week they racked up 316 yards on the ground vs. UT Martin. The line appears to be stronger than last season, however, the Cavaliers welcome in a strong defensive line. The tackle combination of Jason Hammond and Anthony Britton is elite. Virginia won almost every time the other side bombed away, but went 3-3 against those who ran for over 135 yards, and was 8-0 when allowing fewer yards.
Virginia vs. West Virginia Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Virginia 27, West Virginia 20
I want this to be a break out game for West Virginia, but it just isn’t a good match up for this team. UVA held NC State to 76 rushing yards in Week 0. And for what it’s worth, NC State rushed for over 400 yards against FCS Richmond last weekend. Now, the reality is their running game is probably somewhere in between, but that Cavaliers front seven is really solid. And that will be the difference maker in this game. WVU will need to get the ball over the top, which isn’t likely the bread and butter of this team. But if Hawkins can find Troy transfer DJ Epps, or if Prince Strachan can return from injury, the Mountaineers might be able to pull off the upset. But, I have to go with UVA in this spot.
Virginia wins. West Virginia covers.
