West Virginia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019

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MORGANTOWN, WV – SEPTEMBER 03: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass while under pressure from Justin Arndt #30 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half of the game at Milan Puskar Stadium on September 3, 2016 in Morgantown, West Virginia. West Virginia defeated Missouri 26-11. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

player. 822. Pick Analysis. Missouri Tigers. 2. Scouting Report. Sept. 7. Columbia, Mo.

Neal Brown and the ‘Eers’ first road test in 2019 comes in SEC territory against the Missouri Tigers. They’re dealing with a change at quarterback, too, from Drew Lock to Clemson-transfer Kelly Bryant.

The Tigers finished 8-5 a season ago without a single regular-season loss to a non-conference team. They did, however, fall to Oklahoma State in the Liberty Bowl, 38-33, but bowl games don’t matter in the SEC unless they’re CFP games — or so I’ve heard.

With a stable of running backs and a strong defensive front, the ‘Eers will be competitive wherever they play. But their first road test — without an established quarterback under center — will haunt them in the second week of the season. Don’t expect fireworks, but the game will certainly be close.

Prediction: West Virginia 20, Missouri 24 (1-1)

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