OPINION: After a Rocky Start, What Does the Rest of This Season Have In Store for the Mountaineers?

 

(Photo by WVU Athletics)

The West Virginia Mountaineers have started the season out 2-2 (0-1) with wins against FCS opponent Towson and rival Virginia Tech (VPI to many). They also have losses to at the time #17th ranked Pitt and conference foe Kansas in overtime. 

I personally believe that when we lost to Kansas, this season really was over, but now, I think that West Virginia is finally starting to prove itself. The Mountaineers had a dominant win against Towson at home, and yes, before anyone tells me that it is Towson, it is still very impressive to not give up any points on defense. After that, they defeated Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. That win could potentially be the turning point of the season as WVU blew out the Hokies by the largest margin of victory at Lane Stadium in Blackdiamond history.

If the Mountaineers really want to turn this season around, they have to defeat Texas in Austin and then a potentially Top 15-ranked Baylor Bears team in Morgantown. Texas lost tonight to Texas Tech in Lubbock in OT and I believe that WVU with momentum coming out of the rivalry game against Virginia Tech, has a real chance to pull the upset in Austin. 

They then come home to play Baylor. The thing about Baylor is that they have NEVER defeated the Mountaineers in Morgantown since WVU joined the Big 12. If they defeat Texas, then I think that WVU has a real chance to pull the upset on a Thursday night in October. If they lose to Texas, WVU still has a chance to win (especially since it is a night game on Thursday and crazy stuff ALWAYS happens on Thursday nights in Motown.)

All in all, this schedule is super difficult for the rest of the season:

Saturday, Oct. 1

at #22 Texas Longhorns, Time TBA ET

 

Saturday, Oct. 8

Oct. 13, #17 Baylor Bears, 7:30 ET

 

Saturday, Oct. 22

at Texas Tech Red Raiders, Time TBA ET

 

Saturday, Oct. 29 

TCU Horned Frogs, Time TBA ET

 

Saturday, Nov. 5

at Iowa State Cyclones, Time TBA ET

 

Saturday, Nov. 12

#6 Oklahoma Sooners, Time TBA ET

 

Saturday, Nov. 19

Kansas State Wildcats, Time TBA ET

 

Saturday, Nov. 26

at #9 Oklahoma State Cowboys

If West Virginia wins their next two, the schedule thins out quite a bit and they have some real chances to FINALLY put themselves on the map with Coach Neal Brown. If they split the next two or lose both, then I am not sure how this season will unfold and will potentially be the end of his career. A winning season is still VERY possible, and if they play like they did against VT and tweak that offense, even more, the sky is the limit for this team.