Beau Pribula dazzles in Virginia debut as Cavaliers overwhelm NC State 34-8 in season, ACC opener

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Quarterback Beau Pribula made an impressive debut for Virginia as the Cavaliers thrashed North Carolina State 34-8 in their season opener and ACC debut on Saturday at Scott Stadium.

Pribula, who transferred from Penn State and played last season at Missouri, completed 155 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while adding 110 rushing yards, marking the first Virginia quarterback to achieve 100 rushing yards in a game since 2022's Brennan Armstrong.

The Cavaliers showcased a well-balanced offense and a formidable defense early on, leading 17-0 at halftime. Playing without star linebacker Kam Robinson (knee), Virginia stifled CJ Bailey and the Wolfpack, getting an early lead by intercepting a tipped pass on NC State's third play.

North Carolina State's CJ Bailey finished with 12 completions on 23 attempts for 84 yards and an interception, but his performance fell short against the Virginia defense. He also lost a red-zone fumble.

Virginia and North Carolina State will look to build on these performances in their upcoming matchups. Virginia faces Norfolk State, coached by former Virginia Tech star Michael Vick, in a Friday night game on September 11. Meanwhile, North Carolina State will seek redemption when it travels to Raleigh to face FCS Richmond on Friday, September 11.