Hello all. Welcome to my annual WVU predictions, this year with a twist.
It’s going to be blog-o-mized.
We’ll run down my predictions a day at a time.
Today, I’ll take a swing at a toughie: the Mountaineers’ opener against Virginia Tech at Landover, Maryland.
So let’s get to it, shall we?
If you’re either a fan or a gambler, you know the Hokies have opened as a slight (4-point-ish) favorite.
Honestly, WVU could have been established as the favorite and I wouldn’t have blinked. The Mountaineers have weapons at running back (Justin Crawford, Kennedy McKoy and Martell Pettaway) and quarterback (Will Grier). I truly expect Ka’Raun White to have a breakout season at wideout. Also, on defense, there’s some terrific talent in Kyzir White and Dravon Askew-Henry.
Of course, questions remain along the offensive front, most notably in regard to depth. Same with the defensive front.
On the flip side, Virginia Tech will start its first freshman at quarterback in an opener since Michael Vick in 1999. And, no, he is not of the Michael Vick caliber. His name is Josh Jackson and he’ll certainly be a target for WVU defensive coordinator Tony Gibson’s blitz attack. The Hokies do, though, have some veteran pieces returning on offense.
On defense, Tech has a boatload of returning starters. That’s not good for a WVU team seeking receivers, especially if Marcus Simms is out. But, like the Mountaineers, there are depth problems.
Expect this one to be close, but the quarterback comparison certainly favors West Virginia and there’s a soft spot along the Hokies’ defensive front that Crawford and company can exploit.
WVU 30, VT 28.