The Virginia Cavaliers and the Tennessee Volunteers meet in week 1 college football action from Nissan Stadium on Saturday.

Virginia Cavaliers Team Preview

The Virginia Cavaliers will try to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign after year one of the Tony Elliott era didn’t go as planned. The Cavaliers finished the year 3-7 overall and 1-6 in conference play with a losing record for the first time since 2017. The season was marred with on-field disappointment, off-field tragedy and a slew of issues that it can only go up from here. The quarterback job is up in the air after Brennan Armstrong bolted for NC State, but Tony Muskett transfers in from Monmouth as a three-year vet from the Hawks, while backup Jay Woolfolk is in the mix as well. The loss of Armstrong especially hurts because he led the Cavaliers in rushing in 2022, but Perris Jones, Mike Hollins and Xavier Brown are all back and Kobe Pace transfers in from Clemson to give the Cavaliers even more depth. The receiving corps is where the Cavaliers need the most help right away, as Grant Misch is the top returning receiver after pitching in 17 receptions in 2022. Malik Washington will transfer in from Northwestern after logging just under 1,300 yards and 5 touchdowns across 3 seasons for the Wildcats as well. On defense, Chico Bennett is back up front after leading the Cavs with 7 sacks while Aaron Faumui had a team-high 9 TFLs. James Jackson is the top returning linebacker after logging 80 tackles in 2022, while Malcolm Greene and Tayvonn Kyle transfer in to lead the Cavaliers’ secondary.

Tennessee Volunteers Team Preview

The Tennessee Volunteers will look to build on a solid 2022 season that saw the Vols go as high as #1 in the initial CFP playoff ranking, but ultimately, they would finish just outside the top 4 at 11-2 on the year and 6-2 in SEC play, clinching a spot in the Orange Bowl, a game the Vols would win 31-10 over Clemson. Joe Milton has some big shoes to fill now that Hendon Hooker’s in the NFL, but the pieces are there for Milton to succeed and he has the tools, but if he falters, there’s a backup in Nico Iamaleava that’s ready to take over earlier than expected if need be. Jaylen Wright is back in Tennessee’s backfield after logging 875 yards and 10 touchdowns while Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson only make the unit deeper and stronger for the Vols. The receiving group takes a hit with Jalin Hyatt off to the NFL as well, but Bru McCoy is back after logging 52 receptions last season and Ramel Keyton had over 18 yards per reception. On defense, the pass rush loses some pieces, but Roman Harrison will anchor the line with Omari Thomas and Bryson Eason alongside. Aaron Beasley is back at MLB for Tennessee after recording 76 total tackles in 2022 while Keenan Pili transfers in from BYU to help the cause. Jaylen McCullough is back for Tennessee after logging 58 total tackles to sit in second at year’s end while Tamarion McDonald will resume his duties at safety for Tennessee.

Trends

Virginia is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in September and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games while the over is 4-1 in their last 5 games against the SEC. Tennessee is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 week 1 matchups while the over is 6-2 in their last 8 games against the ACC.

Chris’ Pick

I’m sticking with the Cavaliers and the points here. I think we know what Joe Milton brings to the table and he did look good in the bowl game, but I’m a bit hesitant to just jump in and lay four touchdowns with Tennessee right off the bat. I think there’s going to be a bit of an adjustment period and while I think Tennessee wins this one comfortably, I could see more of a 41-14 or 41-17 kind of game, sneaking in the back door for the cover.