Rivalry History and Key Data
The Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies are long-standing rivals in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The annual football game between the two teams is known as the “Commonwealth Cup,” and it has been played 100 times since 1905. Virginia leads the series with a 60-37-6 record, including a 24-18-2 mark in Blacksburg.
In recent years, the Hokies have held a slight edge in the rivalry. They have won six of the last 10 meetings, including a 29-24 victory in Charlottesville last season.
2023 Season Outlook
Both Virginia and Virginia Tech enter the 2023 season with high expectations. The Cavaliers are ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP Top 25, while the Hokies are ranked No. 29.
Virginia is led by quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who is one of the most prolific passers in the ACC. He threw for 4,055 yards and 31 touchdowns last season. The Cavaliers also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Nick Jackson and safety Tony Elliott.
Virginia Tech is led by quarterback Grant Wells, who transferred from Marshall this offseason. Wells is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs. The Hokies also have a talented receiver corps, led by Da’Sean Downey and Kaleb Smith.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Virginia is a 3.5-point favorite over Virginia Tech in the 2023 Commonwealth Cup. The over/under for the game is 60.5 points.
The majority of experts are picking Virginia to win the game. ESPN’s Bill Connelly gives the Cavaliers a 69.1% chance of winning, while CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm gives them a 65% chance of winning.
Key Factors to Consider
There are several key factors that could decide the outcome of the 2023 Commonwealth Cup.
- Quarterback play: Armstrong and Wells are both talented quarterbacks. The quarterback who makes the fewest mistakes and takes advantage of his opportunities will likely lead his team to victory.
- Defense: Both Virginia and Virginia Tech have strong defenses. The defense that can generate the most turnovers and get off the field on third down will have a significant advantage.
- Special teams: Special teams can often be the difference in a close game. The team that makes the most of its opportunities on special teams will have a better chance of winning.
Prediction
Based on the key factors above, I predict that Virginia will defeat Virginia Tech in the 2023 Commonwealth Cup. The Cavaliers have a more experienced quarterback and a stronger defense. I believe that they will be able to make enough plays to win the game.
Additional Analysis
In addition to the key factors above, there are several other factors that could affect the outcome of the 2023 Commonwealth Cup. These include:
- Home field advantage: Virginia Tech will have the home field advantage in this year’s game. This could give them a slight edge, especially if the game is close.
- Weather: The weather could also play a role in the outcome of the game. If the weather is bad, it could favor the team with the better running game.
- Injuries: Injuries are always a concern, especially in a physical game like football. The team that is able to stay healthy will have a better chance of winning.
Overall, I believe that Virginia is the better team and should win the 2023 Commonwealth Cup. However, there are several factors that could affect the outcome of the game.