West Virginia football: 3 bold predictions vs. UCF in Week 9

UCF and West Virginia football will meet for the first time in nearly 20 years. Both teams need this game to snap out of their losing streaks, but only one of them can stop the bleeding for this Saturday.

West Virginia has lost two straight games after a 4-1 start. The Mountaineers looked like an early Big 12 contender, but those back-to-back losses have put that conversation to rest.

As for UCF, it has lost four straight.

The Knights lost to the Oklahoma Sooners, 31-29, last week. The Mountaineers fell to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 48-34.

Here are some bold predictions for this Saturday’s matchup.

1. Running back battle: RJ Harvey and CJ Donaldson Jr.

There are high expectations for this matchup. Both running backs are strong and can put up rushing yards. Both of these men will put on a show for their respective teams.

RJ Harvey recorded 23 carries for 101 yards during Saturday’s 31-29 loss against Oklahoma.

CJ Donaldson Jr. will need to have a performance as he did back on Sept. 16 against Pittsburgh where he rushed for 102 yards. If he can rush for 100 or more yards, West Virginia will have a chance to win this game.

Durability hurts Mountaineers

The Mountaineers have about five players that are not 100 percent to play in this game. Mostly on the defensive side with their safeties. UCF is expected to win by at least 6-7 points. West Virginia is going to have a long day if someone else doesn’t step up on defense and slow down UCF’s running game.

Injuries are part of the game but West Virginia will be missing Hudson Clement for this matchup. He’s very valuable to this team.

Garrett Greene will have a three-touchdown game

Mountaineers quarterback Garrett Greene is due for a big game and I believe going on the road will give him a lot of pride and fire to have a great performance. A lot of players are hurt and as a leader, he will rise to the occasion. Three touchdowns and 200-plus yards for this game.

Garrett Greene threw for 249 yards for the Mountaineers against the Cowboys, going 15-for-30 with two touchdowns and one interception. He added 16 carries for 117 yards.

West Virginia and UCF will collide at noon ET in Orlando, Fla.