Penn State vs. West Virginia prediction, picks, spread, game odds, where to watch, TV channel, live stream
The first full week of the 2024 season includes several games in which FBS teams will play FCS teams, so we should enjoy the FBS contests. This includes a blowout in Morgantown, West Virginia, where No. 8 Penn State will face a West Virginia team that surprised just about everyone last season with a 9-4 record last year.
While games like these have always been important, this season adds a little more spice to them. This is the first season with a 12-team playoff that will include seven at-large berths. If you’re hoping to be one of those 12 teams and fail to win your league, games like these can work for or against you when the committee starts comparing resumes.
It’s only been Week 1, but we’re already thinking about resumes. Welcome to a new era of college football.
Penn State vs. West Virginia: Things to know
Penn State has two new coordinators: Manny Diaz did such a great job with the Penn State defense last season that when Duke needed a replacement for Mike Elko, they plucked Diaz away from the Nittany Lions. Diaz’s replacement is a familiar face to Big Ten fans. Former Indiana coach Tom Allen takes over a unit that is expected to be one of the best in the country. Penn State secured one of the biggest assistant hires of the offseason on the other side of the ball, plucking Andy Kotelnicki away from Kansas. Kotelnicki has created exciting and explosive offenses in stops with Buffalo and the Jayhawks, and the hope is he can bring those big plays to Happy Valley.
Garrett Green was a pleasant surprise for the Mountaineers: Green didn’t play well in the opener against Penn State last season, but he had a four-touchdown performance the following week and never looked back. The 5-foot-11-inch-tall, 202-pound Green isn’t physically imposing, but don’t overlook his impact on the game. He finished last season with 2,406 yards passing and 16 touchdowns along with 772 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. Green also runs the Mountaineers’ offense.
Penn State’s Abdul Carter might be one of the best defensive players in the country: Producing great linebackers and pass rushers is something of a tradition at Penn State. Names like LaVar Arrington, Jack Ham, Micah Parsons and Sean Lee immediately come to mind, as well as last season’s first-round pick Chop Robinson. The most notable name this season is Abdul Carter. Carter finished last year with 48 tackles, 4.5 sacks and an interception, and he’ll play an even bigger role this season.
How to watch Penn State vs West Virginia match live
date: Saturday, August 31 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Place: Milan Puskar Stadium – Morgantown, West Virginia
TV: Fox | Live Stream: fubo (try it free)
Penn State vs. West Virginia predictions, picks
Penn State’s defense will be the best unit on the field in this game, and as we saw last season, they will make life difficult for Garrett Green and the Mountaineers’ offense. As for Penn State’s offense, while I’m high on the long-term projections under Andy Kotelnicki, it’s wise to expect some speed bumps, especially in a tough road environment. Pick: Under 51.5
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