Yesterday, the Big 12 Conference finally revealed their 2021 football schedule. West Virginia is currently slated for a normal season (12 games, 9 in-conference) that will see them hit the road for six contests, while hosting six opponents in Morgantown.
As with everything, there are things that I like and that I do not like with this schedule. So with that, let’s talk about WVU’s 2021 football schedule…
- (What I Like)
This one is obvious – THE RIVALS ARE BACK! Having both Maryland and Virginia Tech on the schedule at the same time is such a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, due to my age, I never got to relish the days of traditional rivals very long. If there is one thing I dislike about the Big 12, it is the lack of rivals. It will also be fun to witness Neal Brown’s first matchups against our border foes.
Three of the top four teams in the conference coming to Morgantown is very favorable for West Virginia, in my opinion. The Mountaineers proved in 2020 that they are a tough go when they are within the confines of Milan Puskar Stadium. No, I do not expect WVU to go undefeated in these three games, but picking up one win against Iowa State, Texas, or Oklahoma State shouldn’t be too much of an ask.
I really love ending with Kansas. Of course anything can happen in College Football, but let’s be real, it’s Kansas. Ending the season on a high-note is something that I always hope West Virginia can do. Even playing in Lawrence, this is a game the Mountaineers should and probably will win. This could also be huge momentum going into bowl season.
- (What I Don’t Like)
This one is a very big stretch, but I honestly do not like having to play at Oklahoma. I feel that after last year’s game in Morgantown was called off, the Big 12 Conference should have made an exception and scheduled the game for Milan Puskar Stadium. This is obviously just a far-fetched belief of mine, but fair is fair. Oh well, though, safe travels to Norman on September 25th.
Opening the season on the road was just an odd choice, to me. It’s just not very “West Virginia.” Though Maryland is a very manageable opponent on the road, I like getting things kicked off in Morgantown or at a neutral site. However, it will take absolutely nothing away from the excitement value of having the Mountaineers back on the field.
In October, WVU will be without a home game for four straight weeks. After hosting Texas Tech on October 2nd, their next home game will not come until October 30th against Iowa State. To put it simply, that just sucks. If fans are allowed back next season (fingers crossed), this extended period away from 60,000 of our closest friends will just be miserable.
