The college football season begins with a bang for multiple area schools this weekend, because it is one thing to start your schedule, but a completely different matter to play your opener against a conference opponent.
For those still lounging by the pool at this time, this is akin to jumping in the deep end as opposed to wading in on the steps while using the handrail. So, while preseason No. 14 USC dips its toe in the water against San Jose State as a 39-point favorite (don’t sleep on the Spartans under former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo), Virginia (who also received votes in the AP Top 25 Poll) jumps in against an ACC opponent that has had their number recently.
Other locals on the FCS level (Georgetown, Towson, Richmond) are doing the same by starting Patriot League or CAA play in August. Nothing quite like not even having time to wash off the sunscreen to learn about your team’s warts on the first weekend.
Virginia vs. NC State, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Rio de Janeiro was supposed to be the site for this showdown in what would have been the first college football game to be played in Brazil, but it was determined that the “event could not be conducted.”
The Wolfpack have won six of the last seven meetings, including last year’s thriller in Raleigh, where Chandler Morris was intercepted in the end zone with 1:02 left in regulation. Beau Pribula is at the controls this year after starting for Missouri in 2025 and playing for Penn State in 2023.
Back for the ‘Pack is CJ Bailey, who ran for two touchdowns while throwing for another score in last year’s meeting. U.Va. went 6-1 at Scott Stadium last year and looks to continue its home cooking ways.
My tailgating pals Kippy and Buffy kick off another season of pregaming with intriguing wines (and cheeses), and when the game was slated for Rio were looking into a Tannat from Uruguay. The change of venue means they’re looking inside the commonwealth and finding a bottle of 2021 Chateau O’Brien Limited Reserve Tannat from 2021.
“Full bodied, dense and concentrated — with black fruit flavors and a silky smooth finish.”
Perfect with aged Gouda on rye crispbread.
Presto’s Pick:
Cavaliers look crisp from the start and finish with a flourish, winning 31-26.
William & Mary falls to Villanova, Howard handles Alabama A&M, Richmond beats Bucknell, Morgan State tops North Carolina A&T.
Last Season: 95-34.
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