Latest Virginia vs. Richmond Odds: Who Is Favored to Win? 👇
Virginia is a 18.5-point favorite over Richmond according to DraftKings Virginia. The Cavaliers have dominated the series, which makes this moneyline and total make more sense. Virginia, a Division 1 school in the ACC, is battling an FCS program, which usually ends poorly for the latter. However, an underdog of between 15-20 will typically win a handful of times in the college football season.
| 🔢 Spread | Virginia -18.5, Richmond +18.5 |
| 📊 Moneyline | Virginia -1350, Richmond +800 |
| 📈 Game Total | Over/under 50 points |
| ✅ Last Verified | December 20, 2024 |
Odds at other sportsbooks, like Fanduel, may differ slightly.
Given the total and spread odds, we can get a pretty good prediction of what the outcome is expected to be. There are a few options that make sense but 35-16 is the one that seems both realistic and fits well with what the sportsbooks are predicting. With the rivalry in 2022 ending 34-17, the spread somewhat resembles that outcome as well.
What the Spread Tells Us
The spread tells us that the Virginia Cavaliers are expected to win by about three scores. The last five games, they have won by 17, 29, lost by 17, 32, and 24, so this spread seems to be relatively in line with those, but one can see Virginia typically wins by a sizable margin.
What the Moneyline Tells Us
The moneyline is unplayable in all aspects in this situation. It tells us the Virginia Cavaliers are a major favorite and should win with relative ease. However, as most know, that's not always the case. Don't include this play on your moneyline parlays or anything of that nature.
Related Virginia Betting Content:
Cavaliers Chances to Win vs. Richmond in Week 1
The Cavaliers and Spiders haven't always squared off and don't play on an annual basis. They have competed every other year since 2008 with every game, with the exception of this one, coming in September. All the early-season matches have been at Virginia.
How the Cavaliers Win vs. Richmond
Virginia has a major experience edge, so it really needs to just stay true to what it does best - run the ball and limit the opposing team's quarterback. The Cavaliers have just two players entering and starting who haven't been with the team before, so they have continuity; however, Tony Muskett is still getting more experience and played in just six games last season. Virginia averaged 117.9 rushing yards per game and should have a vital size advantage. Winning the trenches is the easy way for them to win and also cover the spread.
How the Spiders Win vs. Virginia
While Virginia played much better programs than Richmond for most of last season, it did allow 184.5 rushing yards per game to opponents. Finding a way to abuse that weakness will be key. QB Kyle Wickersham averaged 40 rushing yards per game last season and led the FCS in completion percentage at .726. His ability to sustain drives will be how Richmond stays competitive. The only time Richmond has won, it held Virginia to 20 or fewer points. It has allowed 34 or more in five of its last six games and won the lone time it gave up fewer. Defending well will be paramount as well.
History of Cavaliers vs. Spiders Series
The Cavaliers and Spiders rivalry dates back to 1979, but it only recently picked up far more steam. They have played seven times since 2008 and just 10 times in total, showing just how infrequently they took the field from 1979 to 2008.
Cavaliers Record vs. Richmond
The Virginia Cavaliers are 9-1 all-time against the Richmond Spiders. The Cavaliers have scored 30 or more in seven of those ten games while Richmond has topped 30 just once.
All-Time Best Virginia/Richmond Games
With Virginia being a Power 4 program and Richmond an FCS side, this rivalry is, of course, lopsided, but that doesn't mean there haven't been some thrillers.
September 3, 2016: Richmond 37, Virginia 20
Richmond typically doesn't have a dominant offensive showing against Virginia. It did in this game. It went into the half up 16-7 and ended up scoring 37 points. Richmond was up 30-7 with 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. QB Kyle Lauletta totaled 337 yards and thre touchdowns. This was an offensive explosive from a team that started out with an 11% chance to win.
September 1, 2001: Richmond 16, Virginia 17
The Cavaliers had high expectations here as well and took just a 7-0 lead into the half. They were up 17-7 entering the final 15 minutes. Richmond scored a field goal with 11:54 left and then a five-yard touchdown with 9:40 left. However, it wasn't able to tie the game at 17. The rest of the game was played at 17-16, and that's how it ended. This was the only game decided by single digits.
September 1, 2012: Richmond 19, Virginia 43
This was the highest-scoring game between the two programs. Michael Rocco finished with 311 passing yards and a touchdown. While Richmond scored 19, it only ended with 28 rushing yards. Virginia had 361 passing yards and 184 on the ground. This was an offensive onslaught.
Cavaliers vs. Spiders Odds FAQs
The Cavaliers are favored to win by almost three scores. Virginia has traditionally been a heavy favorite in this battle, and it has typically rewarded those who have bet on it, having won both games since Virginia sports betting was legalized.
Betting on in-state college teams is illegal in Virginia, so you can't bet on this game in VA. You can bet on it if you go to a different state with legal sports betting. Luckily, all of Virginia's surrounding states have legal sports wagering in some capacity.
Virginia is 9-1 all-time against Richmond with the games dating back to 1979. However, the matchup has started to get more popular since 2008. The Spiders' lone victory came in 2016.
The Cavaliers and Spiders typically play an early-season game, and they will take the field in a Week 1 battle on August 1 at 6 p.m. ET. This will be the first time the sides have played in August as every other matchup has come in September.
The Cavaliers won the first game against the Spiders with ease on September 8, 1979. Virginia won 31-0 in a home game in Charlottesville, VA. Richmond has never played at home in the 10 matchups.
Author
Nathan, a lifelong Cincinnatian, has covered football at various outlets for the last half decade. He is our go-to expert for all things NFL and college football.
