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)