Virginia’s football team suffered a lopsided 51-7 defeat against No. 14 Wake Forest on Saturday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, marking one of the Cavaliers’ most significant losses in the history of the rivalry. The defeat, their second-worst in 54 meetings, extended Virginia’s losing streak to three games, dropping the team to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Wake Forest improved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the ACC, securing their fifth consecutive win.

Virginia’s quarterback Beau Pribula completed 212 passing yards, recording one touchdown and one interception. Despite some offensive production, the Cavaliers’ drives were halted prematurely inside Wake Forest territory on multiple occasions during the first half, including a crucial interception and a failed fourth-and-one conversion. These missteps allowed the Demon Deacons to build an early and commanding lead through a combination of field goals and touchdowns.

Wake Forest’s defense proved particularly effective, limiting Virginia to just four touchdowns over their last four games and preventing the Cavaliers from sustaining offensive momentum throughout the matchup. The visitors managed to score only once late in the third quarter on a 47-yard touchdown pass from Pribula to wide receiver De’Shawn Martin. Additionally, Wake Forest’s defense forced a turnover on downs during a fourth-and-goal attempt in the fourth quarter, further stifling Virginia’s scoring opportunities.

Alongside the ACC contest, other regional games saw Liberty dominate Florida International with a 49-10 victory, while Holy Cross defeated Richmond 33-14.