MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — The Mountaineers head to Athens to face a confident Ohio Bobcats team, fresh off a narrow season-opening loss to Rutgers. The betting line has the Mountaineers favored by 3.5 points. Here’s how The Voice of Morgantown experts think the game will play out:
Wyatt Coffman, Graphics Designer, The Voice of Morgantown (@wcgraphicdesign): This could get dangerous for the Mountaineers. Ohio is a talented team with one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. This is no cakewalk for West Virginia. I think the Bobcats come out strong with the support of their biggest crowd in school history. However, late in the game and int he second half, West Virginia pulls away to beat Ohio. WVU 31 Ohio 21. Season Record: 1-0
Rush Bishop, Director of Video Content, The Voice of Morgantown (@RushBishop27): I’ve been pretty vocal about my thoughts on this game – and unfortunately, they’re not optimistic. West Virginia is, by just about every measure, the better team: more talent, more physicality, stronger coaching. This game isn’t about X’s and O’s or schemes. Clearly, WVU is better at this than Ohio. This game is about whether WVU can remain focused, take it one play at a time, and not try to do too much at once.
But with Pitt on deck and Ohio having recently upset Iowa State in Athens, I can’t shake the feeling that history might repeat itself. This has all the makings of a trap game. Still, if there’s one coach I trust to keep this team locked in, it’s Rich Rodriguez. He preaches a week-by-week mentality, and it’s exactly what WVU needs right now. Looking ahead is how upsets happen – and Rich Rod knows it.
If this game were played 100 times, I think WVU wins 99. I fear that Saturday is the one. And hey – if I’m wrong, let me have it. That’s a price I’m more than happy to pay! Ohio 23 WVU 21. Season Record: 1-0
Clark Johnson, Senior Football Writer, The Voice of Morgantown: Today is the classic example of a trap game. Ohio is a solid football team that could easily take down West Virginia if they’re not careful. I’m going with my gut here. WVU 31 Ohio 30. Season Record: 1-0
Bernie Mac, Vice President, The Voice of Morgantown (@BernieMac_VOM): I think the 3 point spread in this game is straight up disrespectful. Yes, I understand that they have a playmaker at quarterback but Zac Alley is too good of a defensive coordinator to let that beat the defense – they will adjust as needed and hold the line.
Our offense looked great last week minus the turnovers. We know Rich Rod and staff put an emphasis on ball security this week at practice. If WVU limits mistakes, Ohio will not be able to stop the offense and WVU will walk away with a semi easy victory. WVU 35 Ohio 21. Season Record: 1-0
Brad Smith, Founder/Publisher, The Voice of Morgantown: I understand West Virginia fans being concerned about this game. For the last 6 years, games like this didn’t necessarily end well. That said, this is a whole new program now and teams like the Ohio Bobkittens are mere bugs on West Virginia’s windshield. This game isn’t going to be close early, middle or late in the game. Bet big on the Mountaineers to dominate! WVU 44 Ohio 17. Season Record: 1-0
