West Virginia Football: 3 guaranteed wins on Mountaineers’ 2017 schedule

The first game of the season against Virginia Tech is also one of the toughest on the schedule for West Virginia football.

West Virginia starts their season fast. Virginia Tech is a top 25 team and ACC Championship contender. Defeating the Hokies establishes WVU. Loaded offense helps them do that. Dana Holgorsen’s in a good position.

Florida transfer QB Will Grier provides another dimension, running back Justin Crawford is a star and Ka’Raun White is one of the best at his position. White is West Virginia’s best receiver since Kevin White, his older brother. The defense could be a different story.

WVU has had defensive troubles. Since the Mountaineers joined the Big 12 the offense took charge. They lose a lot at linebacker. Seniors Al-Rasheed Benton and Xavier Preston lead the way. Secondary is strongest part of the defense.

Dravon Askew-Henry recovers from a knee injury. Kyzir White and Elijah Battle are solid. Defensive end loses the most. Sophomores Reese Donahue and Adam Shuler start at DE. The defense is something to watch.

West Virginia is a Big 12 contender. Knocking off Oklahoma and Oklahoma State puts them at the top. Kansas State, Texas, and TCU, also compete. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State finished at the top the last two years.

Holgorsen led WVU to 10 wins. It was the first time it happened. Only the Oklahoma schools knocked them off in Big 12 play. They cleared the non-conference slate. Virginia Tech makes that harder this year.

Now, let’s take a look at three guaranteed wins for the West Virginia Mountaineers in 2017.