West Virginia vs Virginia Tech: 3 bold predictions

The West Virginia Mountaineers and Virginia Tech Hokies face off in a game that could go either way.

The Black Diamond Trophy rivalry is renewed as the Virginia Tech Hokies and West Virginia Mountaineers face off. It is their first meeting since 2005. The Hokies won the last meeting 34-17.

The Mountaineers will have the task of facing a fast-paced Hokies’ offense and a defense known for always bringing pressure.

The Hokies will also face a fast-paced offense but the West Virginia defense isn’t so insurmountable as they return four starters from last year’s squad.

Still, there’s a reason the Mountaineers are ranked the No. 22 team in the preseason AP Poll. The Hokies sit a spot ahead of them as the 21st ranked team. The Mountaineers are one of five Big 12 teams ranked in this year’s AP Top 25 while the Hokies are one of five teams ranked from the ACC as well.

The game serves as a test of adaptability in a sense. Both coaches are coming off 10-win seasons and rather impressive performances in conference play.

The Hokies won the Coastal division in 2016, losing to the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Championship game. The Mountaineers were one win away from clinching their first Big 12 title since joining the conference. They went 7-2 in the conference in 2016.

This year’s season opener at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland is sure to bring fireworks. Here are three bold predictions for the game.