Beau Pribula shines in Virginia debut as Cavaliers cruise past NC State, 34-8.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Beau Pribula wasted little time making an impression in his Virginia debut. The transfer quarterback accounted for three touchdowns and 265 total yards as Virginia opened its season with a convincing 34-8 victory over North Carolina State on Saturday in the ACC opener for both teams. Pribula, who began his college career at Penn State before spending last season at Missouri, completed an efficient performance through the air, throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He was even more effective on the ground, rushing for 110 yards. His rushing total made him the first Virginia quarterback to eclipse 100 yards on the ground in a game since Brennan Armstrong accomplished the feat in 2022. “I thought he was very decisive, very efficient with the ball,” Virginia head coach Tony Elliott said. “He protected it, didn't put it in jeopardy for the most part. He was looking for checkdowns. If it wasn't there, he was pulling it down, keeping us ahead of the chains. It was fun to watch him play.” Virginia established control early and never gave the Wolfpack much of an opportunity to respond. The Cavaliers built a 17-0 halftime advantage behind an offense that consistently moved the football and a defense that kept NC State out of rhythm.

The Virginia defense forced two three-and-outs to begin the game before coming away with an interception on NC State's third possession after a pass was tipped. NC State quarterback CJ Bailey struggled throughout the afternoon. He finished 12-of-23 passing for 84 yards with an interception and also lost a fumble in the red zone. Without star linebacker Kam Robinson, who missed the game with a knee injury, Virginia's defense still managed to keep Bailey and the Wolfpack offense under control. “The world's not going to end, but it was disappointing as hell, to say the least, to see how we played today,” NC State head coach Dave Doeren said. “I own that. That's on me. Everybody can blame the head coach.

That's great. I'm going to go in there and work my (backside) off for these guys and help them.” Virginia's ground game was another major factor in the victory. The Cavaliers finished with 258 rushing yards and used a deep group of running backs to keep the Wolfpack defense constantly rotating. Five Virginia backs recorded at least six carries. Jekail Middlebrook led the group with 64 yards on 15 carries, while Xavier Brown added 40 yards on eight carries. Brown also contributed two receptions, including a 45-yard touchdown that helped Virginia maintain its command of the game. Xay Davis, Noah Vaughn and Tennessee transfer Peyton Lewis combined for 44 rushing yards on 19 carries. “We're going to need all five of those guys throughout the course of the year,” Elliott said. The performance offered an early glimpse of what Virginia hopes can become a balanced, physical identity this season. The Cavaliers controlled the line of scrimmage, consistently moved the ball on the ground and prevented NC State from generating sustained offensive momentum.For NC State, the loss exposed problems on both sides of the ball. Bailey was unable to find a rhythm, while Virginia's offensive line helped the Cavaliers establish the run throughout the afternoon. Virginia, meanwhile, enters its open date with plenty of momentum following a dominant start to conference play. The Cavaliers return to action Sept. 11 when they host Norfolk State in a Friday night matchup. The Spartans are coached by former Virginia Tech star Michael Vick. NC State will also return Sept. 11, hosting FCS opponent Richmond in Raleigh as the Wolfpack looks to rebound from its disappointing conference-opening performance.