Virginia vs William & Mary Prediction, Game Preview

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

By Pete Fiutak | September 4, 2021 2:24 pm CT

Virginia vs William & Mary prediction and game preview.

Virginia vs William & Mary Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 4
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA
Network: ESPN3

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Virginia (0-0) vs William & Mary (0-0) Game Preview

Why William & Mary Will Win

The Tribe went 1-2 during the FCS spring session, but even though it was a rough run, there’s one major positive.

Everyone is back.

They get all the starters back starting with a very big, very experienced offensive front working for a potentially dangerous backfield depending on who’s working in at quarterback – star Hollis Mathis is coming off a shoulder problem, but he should be ready to roll.

Throw in a few transfers, and the secondary should be the star of a sneaky-good defense that should rise up as the season goes on.

Why Virginia Will Win

Virginia gets back a slew of key parts, too, especially on offense.

It took a bit to get revved up last year and it wasn’t consistent enough, but having ten starters back should help the cause.

Like William & Mary’s offense, the Cavs will work around a good-sized line that gets everyone back. As long as it’s able to pound away, controlling the clock won’t be a problem.

The Tribe didn’t generate much of a pass rush in the spring and were lousy on third downs on both sides of the ball. As long as Virginia doesn’t screw up with giveaways, it’ll be fine.

– Week 1 College Football Expert Picks

What’s Going To Happen

It might not be the total wipeout of 2019 right away – when Virginia rolled 52-17 – but it won’t be far off.

William & Mary might have the experience to be effective for a few drives, but Virginia will try to get out to a hot start defensively after a sub par 2020 for a Bronco Mendenhall team. The O will be good enough, but it’ll be the D that takes over.

– Week 1 College Football Schedule, Predictions