West Virginia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Phil Poling
Following two big wins at home, the Mountaineers travel to Manhattan, Kansas, for probably their toughest game of the season. Dana Holgorsen squares off against Bill Snyder in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Pretty intimidating.
After squeaking out a victory in 2016 thanks to a shanked field goal by the Wildcats, WVU opened Big 12 play in the win column and never looked back. Kansas State finished fourth in the Big 12, good enough for fourth, but were chasing from behind at the onset of the season.
Kansas State comes in to 2017 ranked in the Top 25 in various polls, something that’s unusual for the Wildcats. But Snyder’s built this program from the ground up, reaching its peak in his waning years as coach.
Jesse Ertz is one of eight returning starters for the offense, and many believe he’s a top-four, or five, quarterback in the Big 12. Still, Ertz only threw for 1,755 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016. Some even believe he’ll make it to the Heisman ceremony.
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This is the type of game where Tony Gibson’s DAWGS step up and, like his mantra claims, win games. Grier and Co. won’t have their way with the Wildcats in Manhattan, not on Snyder’s watch. But the Wildcats offense must still score to beat the complete team that is WVU, and that’s where they’ll struggle.
An early turnover could really cause problems for Kansas State if the ‘Eers running game gets going. Expect Gibson’s unit to attack the offense, winning battles at the line of scrimmage will be a key component to victory.