The Voice of Morgantown’s staff picks the winner of today’s game against the West Virginia Mountaineers and Texas Tech.
MORGANTOWN, West Virginia – The West Virginia Mountaineers (2-1) host the Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-2) today at 3:30PM in Morgantown. West Virginia beat Pitt 17-6 in the Backyard Brawl last week, while Texas Tech beat Tarleton State 41-3. Here’s how our experts think the game will play out today:
Ben Gilbert, Writer, The Voice of Morgantown, 3-0
If there was ever a game that made you go, I can trust the direction this team in headed in, it’s this one. Texas Tech embarrassed WVU last season and we have the opportunity to keep them down with a 1-3 start on the season. Show the Big 12 this is a team you picked wrong. Show the fan base this is a team worthy of your applause, of your attendance, of your hope. Slow them down and play all four quarters to the whistle. Unfortunately, I think we get edged late as much as I want to believe in the season turning around – I think Tech is better than advertised. Prove me wrong.
Texas Tech 31 WVU 27
James Gravley, Writer, The Voice of Morgantown, 3-0
West Virginia, according to our own Brad Smith, will be without Garrett Greene. This means that WVU will likely rely on the running game in a game that likely be high scoring from one party, Texas Tech. West Virginia can win this game if they control the clock and trust CJ Donaldson running the ball. However, I don’t think WVU’s defense can stop the passing attack of the Red Raiders. Texas Tech wins this one.
Texas Tech 38 WVU 20
Clark Johnson, Senior Writer, The Voice of Morgantown, 3-0
WVU got exactly what they needed last week. They are riding high, ready to prove the doubters wrong, and have a chance to accomplish some first time feats under Neal Brown. Unfortunately, I don’t believe they get it done today. The Red Raiders have their number, and this continues with a heartbreaking loss.
Texas Tech 31 WVU 27
Brad Smith, Publisher, The Voice of Morgantown, 2-1
It’s flatout embarrassing that West Virginia is a 6.5 home underdog to a 1-2 team that has already lost to Wyoming and has only beaten Tarleton State this season. Texas Tech was predicted to be one of the top teams in the Big 12 this season and although they haven’t lived up to the hype early in the season, they are an extremely talented team that will be starving for a big victory on the road in their Big 12 opener. West Virginia will try to control the clock and play a conservative ground game, but the Mountaineers’ secondary is going to get exposed in a major way against Tech’s passing game. Boo birds return to Morgantown and Neal Brown goes right back on the hot seat where he belongs.
Texas Tech 49 WVU 35
