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

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AMES, IA – OCTOBER 13: Defensive back Greg Eisworth #12 of the Iowa State Cyclones tackles wide receiver Gary Jennings Jr. #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers as he rushed for yards while linebacker Willie Harvey #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones defends in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

6. Pick Analysis. Oct. 12. Morgantown, W.V.. Iowa State Cyclones. 837. Scouting Report. player

The Iowa State Cyclones handed West Virginia their first loss a season ago, a heartbreaking 30-14 defeat in Ames. Led by head coach Matt Campbell, the Cyclones are quietly building one of the best programs in the Big 12.

Under Campbell’s control, the Cyclones have gone 8-5 the past two seasons. Is this the year they really surprise people and join the College Football Playoff hunt? They’ll need to get through the Mountaineers first, and I believe they will.

Nothing against what Neal Brown is trying to build in Morgantown, but Campell’s base has been laid and he’s trying to put the finishing touches on his program. Most coaches, if they win a national title, do it within their first four years.

Brown and the Mountaineers are just going to be a speed bump for the Cyclones in 2019.

Prediction: Iowa State 31, West Virginia 23 (3-3, 1-2)

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