The Mountaineers host FCS opponent UAlbany in a week two matchup.
WVU is looking to get back on track after a brutal loss to Penn State, while the Great Danes are looking to make a huge statement.
Our staff gives their prediction:
Ashley O’Brien:
West Virginia clearly had struggled against Penn State in week one. They will need to play clean and consistent football against UAlbany if they want to gain a little bit of momentum and trust. I don’t think the offense will have too much trouble performing on Saturday. However, Albany has hidden talent and could stun the Mountaineers. In the end, I predict this game to be a lot closer than many would like, but WVU still comes out on top.
West Virginia 28, UAlbany 14
Ryan Roddy:
To put it simply, the Mountaineers didn’t play well against Penn State in week one. The Nittany Lions had their way and showed why they’re a top team in the country. I think WVU can use this game against UAlbany to work out the kinks and exercise their depth if they build a comfortable enough lead, which I predict they should have little problem doing. I am looking to see what freshman and depth pieces can make a difference in the game and in the future. I also want to see how the starters respond early after last week. Albany has two offensive pieces that could surprise some in runningback Griffin Woodell and former Oregon Duck Seven McGee. Ultimately, I predict West Virginia’s offense to find its rhythm and put a lot of points on the board, while the defense has some struggles, but figures it out in the end.
West Virginia 48, UAlbany 17
Korey Moore:
I’m not sure if this will feel like a statement win as it is happening, as no statement will be louder than West Virginia’s loss to Penn State last weekend, but I don’t see a world where the Mountaineers don’t handle Albany easily on Saturday. The Great Danes are not the same team they were last season, and their only real offensive threat is in the run game, which I think WVU will have no problem defending. Albany really has one key receiver in Seven McGee and one rushing option in Griffin Woodell. Albany’s defense may be able to catch West Virginia off guard in some moments, and they will hold onto the ball long enough offensively for it to not be a blowout in favor of the Mountaineers, but this will overall be a convincing FCS win for WVU. Hopefully, with regained composure, the Mountaineers can enter the following week’s Backyard Brawl ready for a high-energy victory for the team and fanbase.
West Virginia 35, UAlbany 6
Tanner Mountz:
This cleanup game for WVU will be all important after a very tough week one and super important week three ahead. This game offers a chance for players to break out and create a role for themselves all season long like everyone saw Hudson Clement do a season ago. However, this is a UAlbany team that made the FCS playoffs a season ago and currently sits ranked in the FCS Top-25. WVU will need to play better than they did a week ago if they want to run away with this game. I think WVU will find their rhythm once again before traveling up north to Pitt and fans will get a look at a fluid offense, and some backups getting playing time
West Virginia 59, UAlbany 10
