The Voice of Morgantown’s staff picks the winner of today’s game against the West Virginia Mountaineers and Duquesne Dukes.
MORGANTOWN, West Virginia – The West Virginia Mountaineers (0-1) host the Duquesne Dukes in the home opener for the Mountaineers. Duquesne hammered Edinboro in Week 1 49-17, while West Virginia fell 38-15 at #7 Penn State. Here’s how our experts think the game will play out today:
Ben Gilbert, Writer, The Voice of Morgantown, 1-0
This is a get-right game for the Mountaineers. Even without trying to keep the foot on the gas the entire time, the opportunities for a blowout game are undoubtedly possible in all four quarters. We will speed up the clock using our run-heavy offense. Expect Jahiem White to be everything advertised and no one to have an answer for CJ Donaldson.
West Virginia 66 Duquesne 10
James Gravley, Writer, The Voice of Morgantown, 1-0
I believe West Virginia bounces back against Duquesne and in a big way. Look for CJ Donaldson to have a career day rushing the ball and look for Garrett Greene to find receivers open down the field. The defense will be better prepared for this game. The only worry fans should have is the “look ahead” effect as Pitt comes to town next week. However, West Virginia wins this game handedly.
West Virginia 44 Duquesne 10
Clark Johnson, Senior Writer, The Voice of Morgantown, 1-0
After a rough season opener, the Mountaineers will be looking to right the ship against Duquesne. While I think WVU wins easily, the Dukes may give them a little more trouble than they would like. Things are a little too close for comfort in the first half, but a solid second half by CJ Donaldson helps pull the Mountaineers away.
West Virginia 41 Duquesne 17
Brad Smith, Publisher, The Voice of Morgantown, 0-1
The thing about Neal Brown is that he beats teams that he’s supposed to beat. Today, West Virginia is supposed to beat Duquesne and Neal Brown’s Vanilla Raid Offense will be effective against an inferior opponent. West Virginia’s secondary is incredibly suspect and will struggle all season long, but not today. Duquesne just doesn’t have the fire power to expose the Mountaineers’ weaknesses. West Virginia wins big in its only game that they’ll be favored in this season.
West Virginia 38 Duquesne 13
