West Virginia vs Virginia Tech: 3 bold predictions

3. The Mountaineers will rush for over 200 yards as a team

The West Virginia Mountaineers are loaded at running back and don’t have much else to fall back on this season. At least, that’s what it looks like on paper for them.

Quarterback Will Grier brings an added dimension as a passer but the Mountaineers should lean heavily on the legs of running backs Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy. Crawford rushed for 1,184 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on 163 carries in 2016. He averaged 7.3 yards per carry for West Virginia.

Controlling the line is key here for West Virginia if they want a chance against the gritty Virginia Tech Hokies’ defense. The team rushed for 228.4 rushing yards per game last season, 25th in the FBS.

Testing the tackling ability of the Hokies will be key as they will debut a strong, but young group of players up front. They may struggle against the run early and if they do, it will open up the playbook for quarterback Will Grier.

Opening the playbook for Grier could also be another blessing in disguise for the Mountaineers.