Well, just like that Wahoo fans, we are legit two days away from kicking off the season against the Wolfpack of NC State. It has been a long offseason, but it is almost over! We gathered final record predictions from each person of the Cavalier Connection crew as we spitball what this season could look like.
Tyler Griffin’s Predictions
For those of you who don’t know, Tyler joined the Cavalier Connection in October of last season as a photographer. He has done such a great job taking pictures including the featured image of this article, go check him out on X @TLenz and Instagram @tylers_visuals.
Tyler is predicting a 10-2 season with losses to SMU and Cal.
Jeff’s Predictions
Jeff is predicting a 9-3 season. A couple similar reasons to me which I will list later, he anticipates a good season with some toss-up games. He expects a good season from Beau Pribula and a stifling defense. Not to mention such an experienced offensive line.
Jay’s Predictions
Jay along with Tyler has Virginia going 10-2. The two differ on the losses however, as Jay has the losses to SMU and Wake Forest on the road. Worst case to Jay is 8-4 with the best case being 11-1. He believes the offensive line will carry offensively and a deep experienced defense at all three levels will make opposing offenses uncomfortable all year.
Jack’s Predictions
My record prediction is 9-3 with losses to West VA, FSU, and SMU. Similar to Jay, I believe the record could range anywhere from 8-4 to 11-1, there are multiple games that are toss ups. I truly believe Virginia has a good shot in every game on the schedule, but the games are played on grass not on paper. Florida State and SMU being on the road just has the feel of tough road games to pull out. FSU is one of the most respected home environments in the entire country and SMU is on the rise since its conjunction with the ACC. As for West Virginia, I think it is a game UVA should win but there is typically at least one game every season that Virginia should win that blows it. Last year was the Wake Forest game and you could even go back to the Maryland game the year before that. Being a neutral site game in Charlotte (Lot’s of PTSD from that stadium last season) I just think this could be one the Cavaliers could drop. The good news is obviously it is a non-conference game so if we are going to drop one that may be the one to drop. Other games of note, I think Cal may be a tough game at home in November, as well as the season opener against NC State. Of course, maybe the biggest question mark is the Virginia Tech game to close the season. I believe that game will have a lot of stakes and could legit go either way, but let’s give the ‘Hoos the benefit of the doubt to get the monkey off their back and find a way to win it in Blacksburg for the first time since 1998. The question is, say Virginia does go 9-3, will that be enough to get back to Charlotte for another ACC Championship appearance?