In Week 5 of the 2025 college football season, the Florida State Seminoles will play against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Scheduled for a Friday night showdown on September 26, this game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN. Both teams are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, making this an important encounter in the conference standings. The Seminoles are heading into this game with an unblemished 3-0 record and are currently ranked 8th in both the AP and Coaches Polls. Florida State has shown dominance at home, winning all their games at Doak Campbell Stadium, but this will be their first road test of the season. Their recent performances, including a decisive 66-10 victory over Kent State, highlight their offensive prowess. On the other side, the Cavaliers hold a 3-1 record and have remained undefeated in their games at Scott Stadium this season. Virginia’s recent 48-20 win against Stanford showcased their ability to perform at home, providing a potential edge in this contest. However, the Seminoles’ consistent form makes this a challenging matchup for the Cavaliers.
Virginia vs Florida State At a Glance
- Game Venue: The game will be held at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, VA.
- Game Time: Scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
- TV Broadcast: The game will be televised on ESPN.
- Florida State Record: Currently 3-0 this season.
- Virginia Record: Currently 3-1 this season.
- Betting Odds: Florida State is favored with a moneyline of -281 and a spread of -7.0.
Virginia Cavaliers Ready for a Showdown Against Florida State
Offensive Strengths
The Virginia Cavaliers have demonstrated a potent offense this season. Ranked 9th in points scored with 182, their offensive unit has been firing on all cylinders. Their rushing attack is particularly strong, securing a 6th place ranking with 1,051 yards on the ground.
Their passing game has been solid as well, ranking 13th with 1,252 passing yards. This balanced attack has helped them secure key victories and maintain pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Cavaliers have shown improvements compared to last season. They have allowed 78 points, ranking 52nd, a significant step up from their 110th rank last year. Their ability to recover fumbles and intercept passes ranks them among the top three in those categories.
Sacks have been a highlight for their defense, with 9 sacks placing them 9th overall. This pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been instrumental in stalling offensive drives and creating turnovers.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Chandler Morris is a standout performer, leading the team with 1,050 passing yards and 8 touchdowns. His leadership on the field has been crucial in orchestrating Virginia’s offensive game plan.
Running back J’Mari Taylor has been a force in the running game, amassing 298 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. His ability to break through defenses is a key component of their offensive success.
Recent Game Insights
The Cavaliers are coming off a commanding 48-20 victory over Stanford, showcasing their offensive capabilities. They registered 384 passing yards and 210 rushing yards, highlighting their balanced offensive approach.
This win is part of a strong start to the season, which includes victories against William & Mary and Coastal Carolina. Their only loss came in a closely contested game against North Carolina State, ending 35-31.
Betting Trends
- Over/Under in all games: 5-0 (100%) in the last 5 games (2024–2025)
- Straight Up as favorite: 17-6 (73.9%) in the last 23 games (2020–2025)
- Against the Spread as favorite: 3-0 (100%) in the last 3 games (2025)
- Over/Under at home: 3-0 (100%) in the last 3 games (2025)
- Straight Up at home: 3-0 (100%) in the last 3 games (2025)
Florida State Seminoles: Powerhouse Performance on the Road
Offensive Strengths
Florida State’s offense has been impressive this season, ranking 11th in points scored with 174. The Seminoles have excelled in the rushing game, amassing 1,095 rushing yards, placing them 4th in the nation. This ground dominance has translated into consistent first downs, where they hold a 24th rank nationally.
While their passing game ranks 80th with 797 yards, the Seminoles’ ability to control the game on the ground has been their mainstay. Their balanced attack ensures they remain a formidable opponent, both on the air and on the ground.
Defensive Prowess
On defense, Florida State has allowed only 30 points, ranking 9th in the nation, showcasing their ability to stifle opposing offenses. Their defense has been aggressive, with 8 sacks ranking them 10th and 3 interceptions placing them 4th nationally. This aggressive play has put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, disrupting their rhythm.
Though they have yet to recover a fumble, their defensive presence is felt on the field. The Seminoles’ defense will be looking to continue their strong performance against Virginia.
Quarterback Play
Tommy Castellanos has been a key player for the Seminoles, throwing for 594 yards and securing 3 passing touchdowns over three games. His leadership on the field has been crucial for Florida State’s offensive efficiency. Kevin Sperry and Brock Glenn have also contributed, adding depth to the quarterback position.
Their combined efforts have ensured that Florida State remains competitive in every game, with a 3-0 record highlighting their successful start to the season.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 30 Games → 26-4 (86.7%)
- SU – After Win: Last 26 Games → 22-4 (84.6%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 30 Games → 22-8 (73.3%)
- SU – All Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 3 Games → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 19 Games → 14-5 (73.7%)
Rushing Attack
The running back duo of Gavin Sawchuk and Samuel Singleton Jr. has been pivotal, combining for over 328 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Sawchuk’s 5 rushing touchdowns emphasize his red-zone efficiency. Singleton Jr.’s consistent yardage contributes to the Seminoles’ potent rushing attack.
Florida State’s rushing success has been a key factor in their strong start, helping them control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game.
Key Receivers
Micahi Danzy and Duce Robinson lead the receiving corps, with Danzy recording 126 receiving yards and Robinson adding 199 yards and 2 touchdowns. Their ability to stretch the field has opened up opportunities for the Seminoles’ offense. Robinson’s knack for finding the end zone adds another layer to Florida State’s offensive threat.
Both receivers will be critical in maintaining the Seminoles’ offensive rhythm against Virginia’s defense.
Virginia vs Florida State Prediction: Virginia +7.0
In this week’s game between Virginia and Florida State, the Seminoles are ranked 8th and have yet to play a road game this season. Meanwhile, Virginia is undefeated at home and comes off a decisive victory against Stanford. The Cavaliers have shown strong trends against the spread at home, which makes the +7.0 spread appealing for Virginia.
Virginia has shown resilience as underdogs, covering the spread in 61.9% of such games since 2022. They are also on a 3-0 run against the spread in home games this season. Given their recent performance and the fact they are playing at home, Virginia has the potential to keep the game close.
Florida State’s offensive rankings are impressive, especially in rushing, where they rank 4th. However, Virginia’s offense is no slouch either, ranking 13th in passing yards and 8th in first downs. These offensive stats point to a competitive game that could go down to the wire.
The key factor is Virginia’s ability to maintain their home form against a top opponent. Considering their strong home performance and Florida State’s untested road form, taking Virginia to cover the spread is the prudent choice.
- Virginia vs Florida State Prediction: Virginia +7.0
- Virginia vs Florida State Score: Florida State 31 – Virginia 28
