Washington State vs Virginia Tonight: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, Odds & Must-Watch Storylines

Kickoff Preview: Washington State vs Virginia, Week 8 College Football Showdown No. 18 Virginia (5-1, 3-1 ACC) welcomes Washington State (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) to Scott Stadium on Saturday, Oct 18, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET on The CW and FOX Sports app. It’s the first-ever meeting between the Cavaliers and Cougars, and a win would make UVA bowl-eligible for the first time under third-year head coach Tony Elliott. Why This Game Matters • Bowl Eligibility: Virginia clinches a postseason berth with a victory and stays in the ACC title chase after Miami’s stunning loss to Louisville. • Statement Opportunity: Washington State just pushed top-five Ole Miss to the limit and can reset its season with a Power-Five road upset. • Quarterback Duel: UVA’s Chandler Morris (1,742 yds, 14 TDs) is playing the best ball of his career, while WSU newcomer Zevi Eckhaus has accounted for five touchdowns in two starts since taking over. Key Matchups to Watch 1. Kirby Vorhees vs UVA Front Seven – The Cougars’ junior back ripped off 88 yards at Ole Miss and must keep Morris on the sideline. 2. Isaac Terrell vs UVA O-Line – Terrell recorded two sacks last week; slowing him is critical for the Cavaliers’ play-action game. 3. Special Teams Edge – Virginia ranks third nationally in punt-return average, which could tilt field position in a tight contest. Betting Odds & Prediction FanDuel lists Virginia as a 17.5-point home favorite with an over/under of 55.5. Expect WSU to cover but UVA to escape, 34-24, behind Morris’ precision passing and a late defensive stand. How to Watch & Stream • TV: The CW (national), regional FOX affiliates • Live Stream: FOX Sports app, FuboTV, Sling TV (free trials available) • Radio: Virginia Sports Radio Network, Washington State Learfield Network Search-Friendly Fast Facts • First meeting: Cougars vs Cavaliers history begins in 2025 • Location: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA – 61,500 capacity • Weather: Clear, 61°F at kickoff (ideal passing conditions) • Rankings: Virginia No. 18 in AP; Washington State unranked but trending up • Hashtags: #GoHoos #GoCougs #WSUvsUVA Injury Report (Thursday update) • Virginia – WR Malachi Fields (ankle) probable; LB Trey Jones (knee) out • Washington State – LT Jack Wilson (concussion) questionable; CB Jalen Hicks (hamstring) probable Bottom Line Virginia controls its destiny in the ACC, but Washington State’s balanced attack and recent momentum make this a classic trap game. Tune in Saturday night for a cross-conference clash that could shake up bowl projections and fuel October’s playoff storylines.