Washington State vs. Virginia today: TV channel, kickoff time, live updates, and what to watch in Charlottesville

How to watch Washington State vs. Virginia

• TV: The CW Network

• Streaming: CW app & participating provider apps

• Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET (USA/Canada) • 11:30 p.m. BST (UK)

• Venue: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Va.

• Radio: School networks and local affiliates (check listings)

Note: Listings and availability can vary by market and device. Schedule subject to change.

Game day weather for Charlottesville

• Forecast: Partly to mostly sunny during the day, turning mild by evening.

• Temps at kickoff: Low–to–mid 70s °F (about 22–24 °C).

• Impact: Favorable passing conditions early; a light evening breeze could nudge kick trajectories but shouldn’t be a major factor.

Washington State vs. Virginia storyline snapshot

• Cross-conference rarity: This is only the second ever meeting between the programs; the first was in 1976, a Virginia win. A home-and-home series brings WSU east tonight, with a return trip slated for Pullman later this decade.

• Ranking pressure: Virginia enters 5–1 and ranked, with a chance to reach six wins before Halloween. That urgency meets the emotional lift of Homecomings.

• Cougars’ reset: Washington State (3–3) has shown flashes against top opposition after a turbulent offseason and roster churn. The key question is consistency—especially on defense—over four quarters away from home.

Expected lineups and key matchups

• Quarterbacks:

  • Virginia (expected): Chandler Morris, who has unlocked vertical shots off play-action while moving the chains with quick game concepts.

  • Washington State (expected): Zevi Eckhaus, a steadier hand who’s helped stabilize the offense with timing throws and pocket discipline.

• Trenches: Virginia’s pass protection has been quietly efficient. Washington State must win early downs to trigger pressure packages; if the Cavaliers live in 2nd-and-medium, their playbook opens up.

• Explosive plays vs. explosives allowed: Virginia’s perimeter weapons can tilt drives with yards after catch. Washington State’s corners will be tested on double moves and boundary fades, an area that’s swung earlier games.

• Hidden yards: Field position and special teams matter in what profiles as a situational game—fair catches inside the 10, punt coverage lanes, and kick touchback strategy could add up.

Numbers that frame the night

• Form guide: Virginia has stacked wins behind efficient red-zone trips and third-down conversions, while Washington State’s variance shows in drive-to-drive swings—long, clock-eating marches followed by three-and-outs.

• Spread temperature: Market consensus leans Virginia by the high-teens, reflecting home field, ranking, and recent form. WSU’s path involves finishing drives (TDs, not FGs) and stealing a possession with a takeaway.

What each team needs to do

For Virginia:

• Start fast to harness the crowd; avoid the post-bye lull.

• Keep protections multiple (chips, slides) against simulated pressure looks.

• Force WSU into predictable passing downs where the rush can tee off.

For Washington State:

• Win early downs with inside zone/duo and quick perimeter throws to stay ahead of the sticks.

• Mix coverages post-snap to blur reads for Morris.

• Limit explosives—tackle in space and turn 20-yard shots into 8-yard catches.

Live score and updates

Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. ET. If you’re arriving late, check the in-stadium or team channels for quarter-by-quarter updates and any weather-related timing adjustments. We’ll note major swings—turnovers, momentum-shifting explosives, and red-zone stands—as they happen.

Fast facts: Washington State vs. Virginia

• Series: Virginia leads 1–0 (last meeting 1976).

• Why it matters: Bowl math in October, national ranking optics, and a potential résumé booster for the Cavaliers—or a program-boosting road scalp for the Cougars.

• What to watch first two drives: Virginia’s tempo and play-action depth; Washington State’s ability to generate pressure without blitzing.

However it unfolds, the contrast in styles—Virginia’s balanced, layered attack versus Washington State’s rhythm offense and opportunistic defense—should make for compelling prime-time football in Charlottesville.