As the WVU college football season approaches, anticipation is building among numerous West Virginians. With the advent of a new sports betting landscape, many residents of the state might be eagerly evaluating the Mountaineers’ performance this season while having some money at stake.
Neal Brown takes over as the head coach of WVU for the 2019/2020 season, replacing Dana Holgorsen who left for Houston. Brown, who previously coached at Troy, achieved an impressive 35-16 record over four seasons with the Trojans.
Furthermore, the Mountaineers are on the verge of unveiling their fresh starting quarterback. Modifications in two crucial positions may potentially lead to a challenging journey ahead.
As the Mountaineers gear up for their season opener on Aug. 31 against James Madison, let’s delve into five predictions for the upcoming college football season.
- Get a $25 free bet on the upcoming WVU Mountaineers game at DraftKings WV.
1. WVU will defy expectations
According to the July Big 12 media poll, WVU was placed eighth among the 10 teams. However, this ranking appears underestimated, and it is anticipated that the Mountaineers will secure a position in the top half of the conference.
Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll for the year 2019.
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Iowa State
- TCU
- Oklahoma State
- Baylor
- Texas Tech
- West Virginia
- Kansas State
- Kansas
The Mountaineers concluded the 2018 season with an overall record of 8 wins and 4 losses, including a conference record of 6 wins and 3 losses.
WVU undoubtedly has several positions to fill, particularly at quarterback after the departure of Will Grier, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, the Mountaineers will be seeking to fill other spots at:
- Wide receiver
- Linebacker
- Defensive line
Nevertheless, the team boasts a formidable core that is particularly dominant along the offensive line. Additionally, the schedule presents advantageous circumstances in certain crucial matchups, including the privilege of playing at home against:
- Texas (Oct. 5)
- Iowa State (Oct. 12)
- Baylor (Oct. 31)
- Oklahoma State (Nov. 23)
Last season, WVU achieved a 2-2 record in those games. However, with a remarkable 5-1 home record this year, the team stands a chance of surpassing those previous results. The advantage of playing on their home turf could prove to be crucial.
Challenging away matches on the schedule are against Oklahoma (Oct. 19) and TCU (Nov. 29). Nevertheless, in 2018, the Mountaineers put up a strong fight against OU, narrowly losing 59-56, and delivered a resounding victory over TCU, triumphing 47-10.
While the Sooners and Longhorns are grabbing most of the attention, it appears that the pollsters are underestimating WVU. Expect them to have a season similar to 2018, finishing in the middle of the pack with a chance to secure fourth place or higher.
2. The O-Line Will Hold
Although the offense might be missing some experience from the previous year, the offensive line is expected to perform well. Despite losing left tackle Yodny Cajuste to the New England Patriots, the rest of the significant players on the line are back.
This includes a pair of guards, Josh Sills and Isaiah Hardy, both standing at 6-6, who offer significant size on the inside. Colton McKivitz, a tackle measuring 6-5 and weighing 306 pounds, also comes back to lead a unit that greatly contributed to Grier’s impressive stats last season, with 3,864 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.
The Mountaineers’ new quarterback should find solace in the ample size of the collection. Despite not having an official starter, Jack Allison, a transfer from Miami, is likely to be chosen. The presence of a substantial and seasoned offensive line could provide much-needed stability.
Allison made his debut as a starter for the team in the Camping World Bowl, delivering a performance with a blend of outcomes. His stats showcased 17 out of 35 successful passes, accumulating a total of 277 yards. However, this performance also included one interception and no touchdowns.
In that game, the Mountaineers showcased impressive ground numbers, accumulating a total of 146 yards. It is expected that the offensive line will further strengthen this aspect of the game, allowing Allison to develop in his role.
3. A big win cometh
The Mountaineers have the potential to reach greater heights in 2019, building on their significant victories achieved in 2018.
As an example, in the previous season, the Mountaineers achieved a victory of 42-41 against the Longhorns, who were ranked ninth at the time. WVU subsequently concluded the season ranked 20th in the nation.
In addition, the team achieved significant victories against Baylor (58-14) and TCU (47-10). However, they faced challenging late-season finishes with back-to-back narrow defeats against Oklahoma State (45-41) and Oklahoma (59-56).
Had the Mountaineers managed to split those two matchups, the season could have significantly improved.
WVU exhibited great determination in their win against the Longhorns, and it is highly likely that they will secure another significant victory this season, and maybe even more.
4. Bet on blue against the spread
If you’re seeking an advantage, the blue and gold could be worth considering for bettors. According to VegasInsider.com, the Mountaineers concluded last season with a 6-4-2 record against the spread.
However, the team’s record took a significant hit towards the end of the season with losses to OSU, OU, and Syracuse. Despite this setback, the Mountaineers consistently dominated against less-talented opponents, exceeding the spread.
The Mountaineers could offer great value when playing against lower-ranked teams, particularly when they are considered the underdog. It is worth considering their performance in matches against:
- Kansas
- Baylor
- TCU
Last season, WVU effortlessly surpassed the spread in those particular matchups.
The game on August 31 against FCS James Madison team for the season opener could potentially provide some benefits.
5. Over and over again
Those who enjoy over/under betting might find a favorable ally in the WVU Mountaineers. Out of their 12 games in 2018, the point total went over in seven instances. Although this advantage may not appear significant, it is these slight edges that generate profits for bettors.
The team’s success was mainly observed in games against weaker opponents, where they either exceeded expectations or fell short.
- Youngstown State
- Texas Tech
- Baylor
- TCU
Expect to see numerous high-scoring games once again, especially against the latter three teams. While Youngstown State won’t be part of the schedule in 2019, it’s worth noting that James Madison is also a team to consider for betting on the over.
Will sports betting in WV return before college football?
The West Virginia Lottery has not disclosed an official release date for its online betting app in West Virginia. However, they have hinted that they are aiming for its launch during the football season.
Undoubtedly, many bettors are likely strategizing to place their bets on Mountaineer games. Although mobile betting appears to be at a standstill, there are still live betting alternatives accessible at:
- The Charles Town Races Hollywood Casino.
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort can be rewritten as “The Resort at Mountaineer, featuring a Casino and Racetrack.”
- The Greenbrier is home to The Casino Club.
However, WV bettors are eagerly anticipating the comeback of online betting.
In addition, the West Virginia Lottery has already given its approval to three online sports betting applications.
- DraftKings Sportsbook WV
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- William Hill Sportsbook
Despite the initial excitement, it appears that West Virginia (WV) still has not made significant progress towards the launch of an online app.
Some bettors residing near the Pennsylvania border are considering taking a quick trip across the border to place their bets in the Keystone State, and a few have already started making arrangements.
If DraftKings or a similar mobile platform enters the market, the state could see record-breaking betting figures during football season, with a significant contribution from WVU football.
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