Can the Virginia Cavaliers get beyond the heartbreak of the Notre Dame loss by beating William & Mary? We take a look below in the Virginia vs. William & Mary prediction and game preview.

Virginia vs. William & Mary Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 19
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Scott Stadium (Charlottesville, VA)
Network: ESPN3

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Why You Need To Care

Few teams suffered a more excruciating loss than Virginia, which allowed the game-winning touchdown pass to Notre Dame with 12 seconds left. It sent the Cavaliers to their second straight loss, and makes this weekend an absolute must-win. If UVa stumbles to William & Mary, which is coming off a bye week, head coach Mike London might not get out of the weekend with his job.

Why William & Mary Will Win

Venerable head coach Jimmye Laycock always has his team ready on Saturdays. The Tribe is well coached and fundamentally sound. And it’s going to run the ball. The Cavaliers have allowed almost six yards per carry through two games, while William & Mary is going to ride productive senior Mikal Abdul-Saboor.

Why Virginia Will Win

The Hoos showed some offensive punch last week versus a very good Notre Dame defense. QB Matt Johns had a solid game, with help from WR Canaan Severin, and Taquan Mizzell is an emerging back. After facing UCL and ND, Virginia is battle-tested and ready to shove around a smaller opponent.

Player Who Matters

The Cavalier secondary must play better after beginning 2015 by allowing six touchdown passes and picking off none. Corners Maurice Canady and Demetrious Nicholson ought to get a swift confidence boost this weekend against QB Steve Cluley who’s going to miss star WR Tre McBride.

What’s Going To Happen?

The Cavaliers will play with a sense of desperation, for their season and their coach. Even in the Notre Dame loss, Virginia showed some positive signs, especially from the passing game. Johns will build off his Week 2 effort, tossing two touchdown passes in his team’s first win of the year.

William & Mary vs. Virginia Prediction

Prediction: Virginia 35, William & Mary 20, Line: No Line, o/u: No Line

Must See Rating: 5: Republican Debate, Second Round – 1: Republican Debate, First Round … 1.5

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