Three keys to victory for Virginia ahead of their clash with Norfolk State

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The Virginia Cavaliers will take the football field again after an early Week 1 bye following their Week 0 dominance over the NC State Wolfpack. On the other sideline this time out will be an in-state foe with former Virginia Tech star quarterback and college football legend Michael Vick as their head coach.

The Norfolk State Spartans come into Charlottesville with a 1-1 record, with their most recent game being their only loss of the season to the Old Dominion Monarchs, 31-10. The line Vegas opened with for this contest was 43.5 in favor of the ‘Hoos and has since moved to a 45.5-point spread. Tony Elliott’s squad will be expected to not only win this one, but to dominate for all four quarters.

Here is what Virginia needs to do to look back at this game and deem it a success.

Let Beau and the ground game take control early

Virginia dominated NC State on the ground by rushing for 258 yards in Week 0, with QB Beau Pribula leading the charge, accounting for 110 yards himself. Norfolk State is an FCS opponent, and Virginia has no reason to get fancy when it already knows what works against an opponent it has a huge advantage over on the ground. Establish the line of scrimmage and let Beau and the running back committee stress the Spartans out with their legs. Sprinkle in a couple of big plays through the air to satisfy the naysayers, but keep the main thing the main thing. Run the dang ball.

Don’t let Norfolk State hang around

This feels like a key for a #2 vs. #15 seed in March Madness. The only way Norfolk State will start to gain confidence is if the Cavaliers let them. The Spartans aren’t talented enough to take it themselves; they will need to be handed some gifts. They stressed ODU out last week for a half, trailing by a touchdown early in the third quarter, but that is because ODU gave them life. If Virginia stays disciplined and everyone stays committed to doing their job, this game will be a non-issue as predicted.

Dominate defensively

Virginia’s defense has already opened up eyes throughout the nation when they only allowed 168 yards of total offense and eight points to NC State, and they did that without their preseason All-ACC linebacker, Kam Robinson, who will make his season debut in this week’s game. This is a tremendous opportunity for Virginia to keep dominating while building depth by getting starters off the field early and giving younger guys playing time.

Prediction:

Virginia 52, Norfolk State 3

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