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Virginia vs Florida State: 3 big questions in a tough test

Dustin Judge
Aerial view of Doak Campbell Stadium, where Virginia vs Florida State will be played

Virginia vs Florida State is an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup on Saturday, Oct. 3, with the Cavaliers (3-1, 1-0 ACC) visiting the Seminoles (2-2, 0-1) at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Virginia vs Florida State: can the Cavaliers keep rolling?

Virginia opened with a 34-8 win over NC State and a 59-3 win over Norfolk State. It then lost 38-27 to West Virginia in Charlotte, a game in which it was ranked No. 25. The Cavaliers bounced back with a 42-3 win over Delaware last week.

Quarterback Beau Pribula went 24 of 28 for 279 yards against Delaware and scored five touchdowns, four passing and one rushing. He has 793 passing yards, 11 touchdown passes and one interception this season, CBS Sports reported.

Florida State needs an ACC win

Florida State lost to SMU 27-24 and to Alabama 50-36 before beating Central Arkansas 34-7 on Sept. 26. Quarterback Ashton Daniels has 928 passing yards and six touchdowns, but he has thrown five interceptions.

The Seminoles need their first conference win, and coach Mike Norvell’s job security is already a topic. Our Norvell hot seat report covers the stretch ahead, including trips to Louisville on Oct. 9 and Miami on Oct. 17.

Series history and what to watch

In Virginia vs Florida State history, the Seminoles lead the all-time series 15-5. Virginia is 1-9 at Florida State, with its lone win in Tallahassee coming in 2011. The Cavaliers have won the last two meetings, including a 48-36 double-overtime victory last season.

Coach Tony Elliott said that to reach the ACC title game in Charlotte, a team has to win in Tallahassee. Norvell said Virginia’s offensive line is experienced and older. In Virginia vs Florida State, that line will face a Seminoles defense that has had coverage lapses this season, according to Yahoo Sports. For more ACC action, see our Pitt vs. Virginia Tech preview.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.