UNDER-THE-RADAR RIVALRY: WEST VIRGINIA vs Virginia game preview

West Virginia and No. 25 Virginia meet Saturday night in Charlotte for a matchup that brings two programs with plenty of momentum into Bank of America Stadium.

The Mountaineers enter at 2-0 after opening the season with wins over Coastal Carolina and UT Martin. Virginia is also 2-0 and has looked dominant on both sides of the ball, setting the stage for one of the more intriguing early-season matchups.

For West Virginia, the biggest challenge may be slowing down a Virginia offense led by quarterback Beau Pribula.

Pribula Off to a Fast Start

After transferring to Virginia, Pribula has wasted little time making an impact.

Through two games, the senior quarterback has completed 21 of 25 passes for 317 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception. He has also added 102 rushing yards on 17 carries, giving Virginia another dimension outside of the passing game.

His debut against NC State was particularly impressive. Pribula accounted for 265 total yards and two touchdowns, completing 9 of 11 passes while rushing for 110 yards. He followed that performance by throwing three first-quarter touchdowns against Norfolk State.

West Virginia will have to account for Pribula as both a passer and a runner. As head coach Rich Rodriguez put it, the Mountaineers have to account for all 11 players on the field when Pribula is at quarterback due to his dual threat ability.

Brandyn Hillman Has Been a Difference-Maker

While Pribula has received plenty of attention, Virginia's defense has been just as important to its 2-0 start.

Safety Brandyn Hillman has been one of the Cavaliers' biggest playmakers. The Michigan transfer has emerged as the leader of this secondary and has already recorded three interceptions this season after entering the year with just one career interception during his time at Michigan.

Hillman recorded an interception and forced a fumble in Virginia's season-opening win over NC State before intercepting two passes against Norfolk State on back to back drives.

Another superstar that has emerged in Charlottesville is WR Da’shawn Martin. Martin has tallied two catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns on the young season. While the sample size is not there, the production is undeniable. Expect Martin to be the center of this Virginia passing attack on Saturday.

West Virginia quarterback play and protecting the football will be critical against a Virginia defense that has already shown it can create turnovers.

Oklahoma transfer QB Michael Hawkins has started the year with a whopping 76% completion rate. Hawkins, who is one of the most athletic dual threat QBs in the country, will have his biggest test of the year against this Virginia secondary.

The Numbers

West Virginia has been one of the nation's most productive rushing teams early in the season, averaging 298.5 rushing yards per game.

The Mountaineers are also averaging 469 total yards and 41.5 points per game through two contests. Hawkins has been playing at an elite level for this offense.

Virginia, meanwhile, is averaging 247.5 rushing yards per game and 439.5 total yards per game. QB Beau Pribula, an offseason transfer from Missouri, has plugged into this offense beautifully.

The biggest statistical difference comes on defense. Virginia is allowing just 195.5 total yards per game, including only 130 passing yards per game. West Virginia is allowing 371.5 total yards per game, although the Mountaineers have held opponents to just 100 rushing yards per game.

West Virginia has also been effective on third down, converting over 50% of the teams attempts. If the Mountaineers can stay on the field on third down and drain clock, this game will stay close.

The Mountaineers have plenty of offensive firepower of their own, but Virginia's ability to force turnovers and limit opposing offenses presents a significant test. If Hawkins can limit the turnovers, and utilize the QB run game to keep the ball out of Virginias hands, expect this to be a close game.

However, if this becomes a pass-first shootout, Virginia would have already won the game. This game will be decided by who dictates the pace of the game and who wants it more. This is one of the most underrated and heated rivalries in the sport and with both teams entering 2-0, Saturday night in Charlotte should provide an early measuring stick for two teams looking to establish themselves as the season moves forward, and could provide the momentum for the 3-0 winner to propel themselves to a playoff run.

Virginia is one of my playoff dark-horses and I will not bet against them in this matchup. Expect a close Cavaliers victory, but the Mountaineers will keep this game close.