The Shadow
CHARLOTTESVILLE Va. (VR) – Virginia football returns home Saturday afternoon for a familiar Commonwealth clash as the Cavaliers welcome William & Mary to Scott Stadium. The matchup marks the 40th all-time meeting between the two programs, separated by just 127 miles but connected through centuries of tradition.
The Cavaliers lead the series 32-6-1 and have claimed 12 of the last 13 contests, including six straight. That streak is currently UVA’s second-longest active run of success against any Division I program, behind only its 10-game streak over VMI. The rivalry dates back to 1908, when Virginia earned an 11-0 victory in Charlottesville, sparking a stretch of complete dominance in which the Wahoos outscored the Tribe 266-0 over the first 10 meetings.
Virginia enters Week 3 off a strong offensive showing at NC State, piling up 514 yards of total offense in a narrow defeat. Running back J’Mari Taylor has emerged as the Cavaliers’ early-season star, rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns in Raleigh. Taylor leads the ACC with a 6.7 yards per carry average and is tied for second nationally with five rushing scores.
Special teams have also played a starring role for Virginia. Wide receiver Cam Ross has electrified fans with back-to-back weeks of explosive kickoff returns, including a 100-yard touchdown in the opener. Ross leads the ACC in all-purpose yards and has given the Cavaliers consistent momentum swings.
Defensively, Virginia has made its mark on third downs. The Cavaliers boast the nation’s top-ranked third-down defense and also sit No. 12 in third-down offense. They lead the ACC in several categories, including sacks allowed (0) and time of possession (32:59).
William & Mary brings a stingy defense of its own, ranked No. 15 nationally in total defense among FCS programs. The Tribe has forced a turnover in 12 consecutive games, a streak that will test a Virginia offense that went nearly two full games this season without committing a giveaway.
Saturday’s contest will also carry added meaning. Virginia will hold “UVA Strong Day,” honoring the lives of Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry, the three players tragically lost in the 2022 on-campus shooting. Permanent memorials inside Scott Stadium will serve as a reminder of their legacy.
On the opposite sideline, Tribe head coach Mike London returns to Charlottesville once again. London, who guided the Cavaliers from 2010-14, is seeking his 100th career win. His staff includes four former Virginia players, while defensive back Aidan Ryan, a graduate transfer, will face his former team.
Kickoff is set for noon at Scott Stadium, where the Cavaliers will look to extend their winning streak over the Tribe and build momentum heading deeper into September.
