2020 will be a season unlike any other. All teams participating in the FBS this fall will be bowl eligible, meaning that literally any team with any record in any conference could be extended a bowl invitation. However, now that nearly all FBS programs will be participating this season, this has become more of a concept than a reality. Nonetheless, should WVU be able to continue their success this season, they will likely be offered one of the Big 12’s bowl spots. Now that we are nearly halfway through the season, who we may play in a bowl game will begin to take shape.
One of the Big 12’s bowl affiliates is with the Lockheed Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. This bowl spot usually goes to the lowest qualifying school in the Big 12, but with the conference being solid from top to bottom, this could be a destination the Mountaineers find themselves in at the end of the season. Though most bowl games have two conference tie-ins, this one does not. Instead, this Big 12 member will be going up against a Group of Five school. It can be anyone in the MAC, C-USA, American, Mountain West, or Sun Belt.
If the Mountaineers find themselves in the Lockheed Armed Forces Bowl, there is really only one opponent that makes complete and total sense – that opponent is Marshall. I know, most of you in Mountaineer Nation cringe at that idea, but hear me out. This would actually not be a bad matchup at all.
Marshall, just like WVU, actually has one of the best defenses in the entire nation. While the Mountaineers have the nation’s best, Marshall isn’t far behind coming in at 5th. Yes, Marshall hasn’t necessarily played world beaters, but in today’s College Football, this is hard to do.
On the offensive side of the ball, Grant Wells is good – really good. I have actually been thoroughly impressed with his play, and anyone who knows me knows I never give Marshall credit for anything. However, I just cannot help myself with Wells. The kid can ball.
Of course, Marshall would have to hit a few bumps along the way to the C-USA Championship to end up in this bowl game, but it certainly could happen. These two fanbases constantly bicker with one another, so why not let our guys settle this one on the field?
Who wouldn’t want to see Leddie Brown carve up this Marshall defense, and for Darius Stills to get himself a sack or two on Grant Wells? This bowl matchup could prove once and for all that WVU is the superior program – even though we know they are. It would be two of the best defenses in the nation going head-to-head, and would provide quality holiday entertainment for the entire Mountain State.
One last thing…WVU is 12-0 all-time against Marshall. Wouldn’t it be nice to make that 13-0 and have all offseason to boast about it?
Think about it, Mountaineer Nation. Marshall would be a perfect bowl opponent for West Virginia in 2020.
