By: Jack Greven
Tribe Football continues its nonconference slate with a short trip up I-64 to Charlottesville, where they’ll face the Virginia Cavaliers in their only FBS matchup of the season.
William & Mary earned its first win of the year last weekend in a 28–27 thriller against Maine. Virginia, meanwhile, is coming off its first loss — a 35–31 setback to NC State. The Cavaliers have won every matchup in the series since 2015. Their most recent meeting, in 2023, saw W&M jump ahead 13–3 before UVA scored 24 unanswered to win 27–13. That was Virginia’s first win of the year on their way to a 3–9 season, their worst since 2016. After improving to 5–7 in 2024, the Cavaliers are chasing bowl eligibility for the first time since 2021.
Let’s take a closer look at this week’s opponent:
Virginia Cavaliers
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference
2024 Record: 5–7
Historically, Virginia has been one of the ACC’s less successful programs, and that trend has largely continued into the 2020s. The Cavaliers haven’t had a winning season since 2019, when they earned an Orange Bowl bid. Fourth-year head coach Tony Elliott has yet to break through, posting three straight losing seasons and a 6–17 ACC record.
Still, 2024 showed modest progress with five wins, though the Cavs struggled at home (1–4 against FBS opponents at Scott Stadium). In the 2025 preseason ACC poll, Virginia was picked 14th of 17 teams, though outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated had them higher at 11th. No Cavaliers earned preseason All-ACC honors.
Virginia enters Week 3 at 1–1 after a dominant 48–7 win over Coastal Carolina and a frustrating 35–31 loss to NC State, a game they led by 10 at halftime. Missed chances late — including a failed 4th-and-1 inside the 10-yard line and a last-minute end-zone interception — proved costly.
The Cavaliers struggled in many areas last season but have shown early improvement. After allowing 47 sacks in 2024 (fourth most in FBS), they’ve yet to give up a sack in 2025. They’ve also turned third down into a strength, converting 59.5% on offense (22 of 37) while allowing just 9.5% on defense (2 of 21) — both ACC-best marks after two weeks.
Offense
Virginia’s offense is loaded with experience — all 11 starters are redshirt juniors, seniors, or graduate transfers.
- QB Chandler Morris (Grad transfer, North Texas): Former TCU starter who brings both arm strength and mobility. He’s completed 70% of his passes for 521 yards and 3 TDs while rushing for 106 yards on 8 carries. Turnovers remain a concern — he’s thrown 17 interceptions in 18 starts.
- RB J’Mari Taylor (Grad transfer, North Carolina Central): A breakout addition after posting 1,400 yards and 17 TDs last season. He already has 199 yards and 5 TDs through two games. Senior Xavier Brown and junior Noah Vaughn provide depth.
- WRs: Virginia lost top target Malachi Fields (Notre Dame transfer) and TE Tyler Neville, but added Cam Ross (James Madison) and Jahmal Edrine (Purdue). Returning junior Trell Harris rounds out the group.
- OL: Much improved from last season’s disastrous unit. Despite losing grad transfer Monroe Mills (ACL), UVA added Brady Wilson (UAB) and Wallace Unamba (FAU), and the line has held strong through two games.
The Tribe defense will need to guard against Morris’s deep ball and contain Taylor’s explosive runs (6.7 yards per carry). Turnover margin could be the difference.
Defense
Virginia’s defense returns several key players but remains inconsistent.
- Injuries: Senior CB Jam Jackson (knee) is out, while sack leader Kam Robinson (collarbone) has missed two games but could return Saturday.
- Linebackers: The strength of the unit, led by senior James Jackson, junior transfer Marcellus Maddox, and sophomore Landon Danley (team tackle leader).
- Defensive Line: Bolstered by transfers Cazeem Moore, Mitchell Melton, and Wallace Carmac, alongside veteran Jahmeer Carter.
- Secondary: Safeties are the highlight. Grad transfer Devin Neal (Louisville) brings playmaking ability after 4 INTs last season, while RS freshman Ethan Minter has impressed early with 8 tackles and a pick.
While improved, this unit has been Virginia’s weak spot. The Cavaliers have surrendered points in bunches, and W&M will need to exploit their cornerbacks with short, efficient passing while establishing the run to control possession.
What the Tribe Must Do
To have a chance at an upset, William & Mary needs:
- Sustained drives: Control the clock and keep Virginia’s offense off the field.
- Clean special teams: Avoid costly errors like the botched hold that spoiled a field goal try against Maine.
- Win turnover margin: Force Morris into mistakes while protecting the football.
This will be the toughest test the Tribe faces all season, but it’s also a prime opportunity to make noise against a Power Four opponent.
Let’s Go Tribe!
Photos Courtesy of Tribe Athletics
The William & Mary Sports Blog 