Good Teams Win, Great Teams Cover – 2nd Edition

Virginia’s 16–13 loss to Wake Forest was rough all around, and it stung even worse for anyone who backed the Hoos or the over. UVA closed as a 6.5-point favorite, and the over/under was 48.5 — meaning bettors on either side of the orange and blue walked away empty-handed. The game turned when quarterback Chandler Morris went down with an injury, but truthfully, the offense was sputtering long before that. The Cavaliers didn’t find the end zone once, settling for three field goals and relying heavily on a defense that once again kept them within striking distance.

Now the focus shifts to this week’s tricky matchup at Duke, where the Blue Devils are 5.5-point home favorites and the over/under sits at 57.5. That total feels optimistic, especially considering UVA’s recent offensive woes. The number likely assumes that Morris could return, but if it’s Danny Kaelin under center again, that 5.5 might actually be light.

Given how well Virginia’s defense has been playing and how sluggish the offense has looked, I’d lean toward the under, but I’m staying away from the line entirely until there’s clarity at quarterback. My gut says Kaelin gets the start — and if so, Duke -5.5 may end up looking generous by kickoff.

On the hardwood, Ryan Odom’s Cavaliers delivered their most complete performance of the young season, rolling past Hampton 91–53 and dominating every statistical category. UVA closed as a 24.5-point favorite and covered with ease. The over/under of 148.5 ended up cashing for under bettors, though it wasn’t a total sweat-free finish as the Hoos poured in points late.

At 3–0 to start the season — and 3–0 to the under — Odom’s group has found early success without sacrificing defensive discipline. The offense looks sharper with each outing, but make no mistake, defense and execution remain the heartbeat of this team.

Next up: Marshall comes to Charlottesville on Saturday. There’s no line yet, but expect UVA to be heavily favored — and don’t be surprised if the under remains the safer bet until someone proves otherwise.

For now, UVA football is leaving bettors guessing, UVA basketball is rewarding patience, and one stat line stands tall in Charlottesville — the under is still undefeated.

Entertainment purposes only.