There’s a lot of hype surrounding the West Virginia football program heading into the 2017 season, and for good reason.
Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineers were undefeated in last year’s regular season, against all teams not from the state of Oklahoma that is. They won 10 games for the second time in the Holgorsen-era, but expectations keep rising, especially with some unknowns surrounding the rest of the Big 12.
Will the Oklahoma Sooners continue their reign without Bob Stoops? Can the Oklahoma State Cowboys finally get over the hump? What about Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns? Not to mention Baylor, Kansas State or TCU.
Holgorsen’s currently in the midst of his best run at WVU, increasing the ‘Eers win total every season for the past four years. Adding quarterback Will Grier to the mix heaps pressure on the shoulders of all those involved, but the junior gunslinger is primed and ready, particularly for the season opener.
Virginia Tech finished 10-4 last season and gave eventual-National Champion Clemson a fight in the ACC Championship Game. Pushing the Tigers to the brink, the Hokies fell just short, losing 42-35 before rebounding in their bowl game, defeating Arkansas 35-24.
It’s well-known that “Saturdays are for the boys” but Holgorsen and the Mountaineers kick off the 2017 season on Sunday, Sept. 3, on ABC in prime time. Facing off against old Big East rival Virginia Tech, right away the Mountaineers will learn where they stand among the nation’s top 25.
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The Hokies enter the season ranked No. 22, but are left replacing a number of key contributors. They’ll have a new quarterback and weapons on the outside, but do return an experienced unit on defense, including Terrell Edmunds and Greg Stroman. Redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Jackson was recently named the Week 1 starter.
With all eyes on the Hokies and Mountaineers to wrap up opening weekend, the lights will shine too bright for the young Virginia Tech quarterback, especially against WVU defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. Dravon Askew-Henry returns to his safety position in 2017, giving Kyzir White room to roam around and wreak havoc.
There’s a few experienced linebackers for the Mountaineers nobody is talking about, too. Look for Al-Rasheed Benton and Xavier Preston to flock to the football as well. WVU’s Will Grier re-introduces himself to the country in the spotlight, and the ‘Eers are off and running with Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy in a win to jump start a long season. Let’s go.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 23, WVU 27 (1-0)
The East Carolina Pirates sail into Morgantown for a Week 2 matchup after opening their season against James Madison University.
Gardner Minshew is expected to steer the ship for the Pirates on offense. Playing in seven games last year, he completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns, but also threw four interceptions.
The Pirates defense wasn’t able to make up for their shortcomings on offense a year ago, surrendering 36.1 points per game — 110th out of 128 teams.
The Mountaineers last played East Carolina in 2009 and defeated the Pirates 35-20. That was before Holgorsen took over as head coach and all those players from both teams’ are gone. Don’t expect a different outcome though, as WVU football’s handled their non-Power 5 schedule with ease.
The Mountaineers really get their offense going in game No. 2, but it’s the defense that really steps up; the sellout crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium was a nice touch too. WVU’s superior athletes will certainly shine against ECU. Holgorsen’s used a stable of running backs last season, with three of them returning: Justin Crawford, Kennedy McKoy and Martell Pettway.
If things get out of hand and the ‘Eers start to chomp up the clock, all three could see carry totals into double digits.
Prediction: East Carolina 13, WVU 38 (2-0)
Delaware State went winless in 2016, including an 0-8 record in the MEAC. Second-year Hornets’ head coach Kenny Carter’s out-of-conference schedule in 2017 is tougher than many Power Five programs, though. Along with playing the Mountaineers, they’ll face off against in-state rival Delaware, Florida State and South Carolina State. They might not win many games, but they’ll certainly play some heavy hitters this upcoming year.
Their first big contest comes against the Mountaineers in Morgantown on Sept. 16. A tune-up game for the Mountaineers before getting into conference play, they should take care of business against the Hornets for a third consecutive win to start the year.
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Delaware State played three quarterbacks a year ago, all combining for 10 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. They averaged only 14.7 points per game due to an offense that couldn’t run or pass the ball. The Hornets averaged 128.4 yards on the ground and only 162.9 in the air. Justin Crawford and Gary Jennings will rack those numbers up against Delaware State by themselves.
Could an upset happen? No. We’re not even going to entertain that. I’m not even sure Delaware State will make the trip to Morgantown. Assuming things go according to plan, they’ll come, they’ll see the beautiful hills of West Virginia and they’ll leave with a bag of the state’s famous pepperoni rolls and a big loss on their resume. College is all about experiences though, right?
Prediction: Delaware State 13, WVU 48 (3-0)
The Kansas Jayhawks host their Big 12 opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers, a team they haven’t beaten on the gridiron since 2013. That season was Dana Holgorsen’s worst campaign at the helm of the WVU football program, as the ‘Eers went 4-8 (also the only year the Jayhawks have ever beaten West Virginia).
Aside from that game though, West Virginia owns the Jayhawks. Last season, the ‘Eers lit them up for 48 points and only gave up 21 defensively.
Former Mountaineer assistant Joe DeForest is now the Kansas special teams’ coach, so while it’s all business as usual, there will be a little sideshow to watch for.
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The Jayhawks possess one of the best defensive players in the country in Dorance Armstrong Jr., but he alone won’t be able to halt the WVU offense that’ll be rolling by this trip to Kansas.
With multiple running backs in Holgorsen’s arsenal, he can deploy different looks for the defense to figure out; both Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy rushed for over 100 yards in last season’s game against the Jayhawks. Third-year Kansas coach David Beaty will have his team ready for the ‘Eers, but it won’t be enough to overcome their offense.
Prediction: Kansas 24, WVU 34 (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)
Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs finished 6-7 (4-5 in Big 12 play) a year ago after winning 23 games between 2014 and 2015. They also took a beating from the Mountaineers in 2016, losing by 24 points. It was after that game that some pundits came around to believing in WVU as a legitimate playoff contender.
Senior quarterback Kenny Hill is the projected starter again, but the Texas A&M transfer has been a model of inconsistency since putting on the Horned Frog’s jersey. Surrounding Hill is a group of experienced players on both sides of the ball, though.
Kyle Hicks is one of the top running backs in the Big 12, returning after last season’s 1,042-yard, 12-touchdown campaign. The front five on offense is a seasoned unit too, starting four seniors and a sophomore with 12 games under his belt.
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The Horned Frog’s have a pair of tackling machines in their linebacking corps. Travin Howard’s totaled 100 tackles in each of the last two seasons, including a Big 12-leading 130 a year ago. Junior Ty Summers was second in the conference — and on TCU — with 121 tackles. This all happened with the best defensive line Patterson’s had while at TCU, a group that tallied 43 sacks. The core of that group is gone, so expect the production of the linebackers to suffer in the early part of the season.
With a bye week sandwiched between their first two Big 12 games, the Mountaineers have a chance to regroup, get healthy and get their minds right before gearing up for an enduring 2017 campaign. In a game as tough as their head coach, the Horned Frog’s can’t quite close the door on the ‘Eers at home. Tony Gibson’s unit holds on long enough for Will Grier to work his magic and get the win in a hostile environment. If WVU keeps this run going, College Gameday could make a return to Morgantown.
Prediction: TCU 24, WVU 31 (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)
The Mountaineers return from Texas with another Lone Star state opponent waiting for them. When Texas Tech comes to town in October though, the Red Raiders could be desperately fighting for their coach to keep his job.
Kliff Kingsbury is an offensive mastermind, evidenced by Texas Tech’s 43.7 points per game average from a year ago (fifth-best in the nation). But to be a legitimate threat in college football, both sides of the ball need to be effective in order to succeed.
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Kingsbury’s defense was dead last in opponent’s points per game in 2016, giving up 43.5; the Mountaineers gave up 43 points only twice last season.
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The WVU football team doesn’t get enough credit for their defense, though. Tony Gibson’s unit held Texas Tech to 17 points last year, the Red Raiders second-lowest total on the season. And that game was in Lubbock. Imagine what’ll happen when they come to Morgantown with a new quarterback and have to play in front of those Mountaineer Maniacs.
Replacing Patrick Mahomes’ production isn’t a realistic goal for the new Red Raiders’ quarterback, even if that player has a background in running his own show. And by show, I mean a furniture restoration business. Nic Shimonek will be dealing with different leather as the quarterback, but got some experience in 2016 as a backup. He threw for 464 yards and six touchdowns.
After being on the road for two games to open Big 12 play, the Mountaineers finally get to perform in front of those Maniacs again. Texas Tech is one of those games where Justin Crawford rips off a couple 60-yard runs and racks up over 200 yards. With an inexperienced quarterback for the Red Raiders, Kyzir White’s versatility makes him a difficult player to account for.
Prediction: Texas Tech 21, WVU 40 (6-0, 3-0 Big 12)
Baylor head coach Matt Rhule will get his first taste of the Mountaineers midway through the season, and hopefully by then he’ll have an established quarterback.
Zach Smith and Arizona graduate-transfer Anu Solomon are battling for the starting job. Smith enters his sophomore campaign after starting the Bears’ final four games from a year ago. Solomon on the other hand played under Rich Rodriguez at Arizona and had more ups-and-downs than the roads in the West Virginia hills. His stats while there put him in elite company within the school’s record books: 6,922 passing yards rank fourth, and his 69 touchdown passes rank third.
Terance Williams rushed for over a thousand yards and 11 touchdowns last year, but will miss the beginning of the season due to injury. Going with a running-back-by-committee approach, JaMycal Hasty and the freshmen duo of Jon Lovett and Trestan Ebner look to keep the ship afloat in Williams’ absence.
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The Mountaineers had a tough fought game a year ago against Baylor, winning by just three points. But with a new regime in place, a quarterback battle to be won, and an inexperienced backfield, the Bears simply won’t have enough juice to beat the Mountaineers.
Will Grier dazzles a week before a showdown with the Cowboys, and wide receivers Gary Jennings and David Sills are the beneficiaries. Ka’Raun White does some damage too against a Bears’ secondary that still can’t figure their corner back position out by the seventh game of the season.
Prediction: Baylor 25, WVU 41 (7-0, 4-0 Big 12)
Mike Gundy and his mullet come to Morgantown days before Halloween, but there is nothing that’ll scare this Oklahoma State team in 2017.
Mason Rudolph is primed and ready for a Big 12 title run, and if things go as expected, Rudolph will be in the running for the Heisman. Not to mention if both teams are undefeated, College Gameday returning to Morgantown will certainly be a huge topic. The below video was from 2011 when the LSU Tigers came to town.
Rudolph has some incredible weapons at his disposal on offense with the likes of James Washington, Jalen McCleskey and LSU-transfer Tyron Johnson at wide receiver. Washington and McCleskey combined for 2,192 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2016 while Johnson is a former 5-star recruit.
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Sophomore running back Justice Hill — who compiled over 1,000 total yards as a freshman — will look to balance things out in the running game, keeping defenses off balance. Other than Hill, the position is inexperienced, but Rudolph and the receivers will compensate.
The Mountaineers suffered their first loss a season ago against the Cowboys in Stillwater, but will return the favor this season in Morgantown.
In typical Big 12 fashion, the visiting Cowboys get into a shootout with the hometown Mountaineers. Don’t they know the WVU rifle team’s won five straight NCAA titles? The football team’s got their own gunslinger in Grier, and boy was he on target. College Gameday’s Kirk Herbstreit will even be singing Grier’s praises. With a big-time victory over an undefeated program like Oklahoma State, with College Gameday in town, the Mountaineers will be in the driver’s seat moving forward.
The Big 12 Championship Game returning in 2017 introduces the opportunity for a rematch of these two, coming on championship weekend.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, WVU 45 (8-0, 5-0 Big 12)
The Iowa State Cyclones finished 3-9 a year ago, only good enough for ninth in the Big 12. Heading into 2017, there’s still some shuffling of the roster going on, most notably senior Joel Lanning’s position change.
After playing 11 games at quarterback in each of the past two seasons, Lanning will be moved around in 2017 to best help the Cyclones win. He’s thrown for over 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career, but could see time at H-back and even linebacker on defense.
Replacing Lanning at quarterback will be 6-foot-4 junior Jacob Park. He came in at No. 16 on our “Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017” list, and will no doubt have a favorite target on the field.
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The Cylcones best wide receiver is without a doubt senior Allen Lazard. A three-year starter, Lazard’s compiled nearly 2,500 yards and amassed 16 touchdowns — all while being the biggest threat on the field. Lazard’s legacy is bigger than just one season as you can tell. He’s second all-time at ISU in catches (170) and touchdowns, and his 2,418 yards rank third among Cyclone receivers.
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Don’t expect the Mountaineers to stop Lazard, but they will contain him. Even if he has a big day, the offense will still be rolling from their success against Oklahoma State. One thing WVU football’s lacked in recent yeaars is balance within the offense. Will Grier and the combination of Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy give the Mountaineers that. Plus, Cyclones don’t stand a chance in these West Virginia hills.
Prediction: Iowa State 20, WVU 34 (9-0, 6-0 Big 12)
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.
Prediction: Kansas State 23, WVU 27 (10-0, 7-0 Big 12)
The Texas Longhorns are one of the biggest question marks in college football coming in to the season. Will Tom Herman elevate Texas to elite status? Is Shane Buechele the next great Herman-coached quarterback? How good can a Malik Jefferson-led defense be in the Big 12?
For starters, Malik Jefferson is the best defensive player in the Big 12. He’ll lead the Horns defense along with Anthony Wheeler and Breckyn Hager. John Bonney is another player on the defense to watch for, playing wherever his services are needed in the secondary. Charlie Strong did a good job ushering in talent in Austin, he just never got to see the finished product. Herman’s done well plucking talent from Texas and other states, but right away gets playable guys that’ll push the nation’s best teams.
West Virginia struggled with the Longhorns a year ago, escaping the Lone Star state with a 24-20 victory. Quarterback Shane Buechele threw for over 300 yards against an experienced Mountaineers secondary, and could hurt the ‘Eers even more this year.
With another year to mature, actually being put in a position to succeed and flourish at the position, and playing under the QB guru Herman, big things are expected of the Texas quarterback. Pressure cracks pipes, but it also makes diamonds; I think Texas has found the quarterback they’ve craved.
The Buechele-led Longhorns stroll into Morgantown for a cold, November game. The perfect weather for football. Except the Mountaineers don’t take the Longhorns serious and fall behind early. Forced to fight back, the Longhorn defenders can pin their ears back and get after Grier, causing fits for the ‘Eers offensive line. Malik Jefferson makes a drive-stalling interception late and Tom Herman gets his biggest win at Texas in Morgantown.
Prediction: Texas 27, WVU 19 (10-1, 7-1 Big 12)
The Oklahoma Sooners delivered a humbling beat down to West Virginia last year by a score of 56-28. Following the loss, the ‘Eers dropped to 8-2 overall, but still had a chance at a double-digit win season.
That was 2016 though, this is 2017. New year, new me, right? Right.
Oklahoma’s offense will be completely different this season after losing 1,000-yard running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. Heisman finalist Dede Westbrook is also gone, leaving Baker Mayfield to run the show all by himself.
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I shouldn’t go that far. Baker Mayfield will be left running the show with tight end Mark Andrews. Andrews is currently one of the most gifted tight ends in college football and will be making plays on Sundays in the future. He stands 6-foot-5 and dons a 250-pound frame, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Mountaineers have a number of defenders to slow Andrews, though. Kyzir White could see one-on-one matchups with the Sooner tight end, but also linebackers Al-Rasheed Benton and Brendan Ferns in zone coverage.
After a letdown in Morgantown against the Longhorns, expect the ‘Eers to bounce back in a big way by defeating the rival Sooners in Norman. Dana Holgorsen gets quarterback Will Grier back on track and the running game is too much for an Oklahoma team that misses Bob Stoops.
Prediction: Oklahoma 31, WVU 35 (11-1, 8-1 Big 12)
What’s next?
Following WVU’s regular season-finale victory over the Oklahoma Sooners, a Big 12 title is on the line against Oklahoma State. But you know what they say: It’s hard to beat a great team twice in one season. Maybe that’s just me, but I believe it.
Seeing a team for the second time in the same season is always different. Blitzes are noticed quicker. You don’t misjudge someone’s speed. Penalties become magnified. Little things of that nature.
This will break many WVU fans’ hearts, but reaching the Big 12 Championship Game will have to be good enough for the 2017 season.
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The Oklahoma State Cowboys and Mike Gundy will be representing the Big 12 in the 2017 College Football Playoff. Mason Rudolph will be too much to handle for the ‘Eers for a second time. With a brilliant performance, Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington will be headed for the Heisman ceremony, just like OU’s Mayfield and Westbrook a year ago.