Virginia hasn’t been bowling since 2011 but is set to make its triumphant return to the postseason against Navy in the Military Bowl on December 28.
Sportsbook opened the game as a pick 'em with a total of 56.
It’s been an impressive resurgence for Virginia, as the program was eligible for bowl season with six wins by November. Their offense isn’t great, but the defense is excellent and gives them a chance to win every week. This is the 40th meeting between the two schools but the first since 1994. Navy leads the all-time series by a 28-11 margin.
This is the 14th bowl appearance in the last 15 years for Navy. The Midshipmen finished third in the American Athletic Conference West Division. Navy is not just good for a mid-major school, it’s a legitimate program and can never be counted out this time of the year. In Navy’s last four bowl games, it’s 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS.
OddsShark college football prediction models picked a 29-24 result in favor of the Midshipmen on Thursday. Check the matchup report for any updates or pick revisions before kickoff. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
Virginia Cavaliers vs Navy Midshipmen Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Virginia Cavaliers will try to spoil the party on Thursday; they are 6-6 against the spread this season, while the Navy Midshipmen are 6-4-1 ATS. Virginia is 5-7 on the OVER/UNDER betting totals; Navy is 4-7. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Navy vs Virginia injuries news.
The game pits the Midshipmen, currently No. 83 in our OddsShark NCAA Football Power Rankings, against the Cavaliers, who rate No. 75 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Navy Midshipmen's No. 50-ranked offense (30.36 PPG) against a Virginia Cavaliers defense that ranks No. 64 at 26.67 PPG. The Midshipmen passing attack has averaged 91.18 yards per game, less than the Cavaliers give up through the air (179.58 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the Cavaliers own the league's No. 61-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 172.6 yards per game when on the road. Navy, on the other hand, rates No. 1 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last game, the Cavaliers were Week 13 losers coming out on the wrong end of a 10-0 score against Virginia Tech.
In their last game, the Midshipmen were Week 13 losers coming out on the wrong end of a 24-14 score against Houston.