MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — There should be no drama in West Virginia’s home opener, but the WVMetroNews sports staff faces tougher decisions across this week’s remaining top matchups:
The lines:
Mississippi State (-8.5) at Kansas State
Georgia (-9.5) at South Carolina
Clemson (-12) at Texas A&M
Penn State (-8.5) at Pitt
USC at Stanford (-3.5)
Michigan State (-6.5) at Arizona State
Eastern Kentucky at Marshall (off)And our staff picks:
ALLAN TAYLOR
West Virginia 50, Youngstown State 16 — West Virginia has never lost to an FCS team, or I-AA as the old-timers still like to say, and there’s no legit reason to think Saturday will be different. Bo Pelini was spitting mad at his club last week, so he’ll coach up better effort this time. Thing is, even an inspired effort shouldn’t make a difference given West Virginia’s skill.
Mississippi State 27, K- State 24
South Carolina 28, Georgia 24
Clemson 33, Texas A&M 28
Penn State 33, Pitt 20
Stanford 24, USC 23
Michigan St. 23, Arizona St. 21
Marshall 40, Eastern Kentucky 17
BRAD HOWE
West Virginia 56, Youngstown State 17: West Virginia’s offense was ‘as advertised’ last Saturday against Tennessee in Charlotte. It should be even better against an FCS opponent, Youngstown State.
Mississippi State 31, Kansas State 24
Georgia 35, South Carolina 24
Clemson 38, Texas A&M 24
Penn State 31, Pitt 24
Stanford 27, USC 24
Michigan State 28, Arizona State 24
Marshall 49, Eastern Kentucky 24
HOPPY KERCHEVAL
West Virginia 45, Youngstown State 17: The conventional wisdom after WVU’s win over Tennessee and Youngstown State’s upset loss to Butler suggests that the Mountaineers blow out the Penguins. However, this could be a letdown game for WVU, while Coach Bo Pelini must have challenged his team this week to get its act together. This game could be closer than expected at the half before WVU pulls away in the second half.
Mississippi State 35, Kansas State 21
Georgia 27m South Carolina 24
Clemson 44, Texas A&M 17
Penn State 34, Pitt 31
USC 28, Stanford 24
Michigan State 27, Arizona State 24
Marshall 44, Eastern Kentucky 14
KYLE WIGGS
West Virginia 56, Youngstown State 7: The FCS Penguins seem in complete disarray after losing to Butler. The Mountaineers should be able to name the score. Watch for them to keep the pedal down with style points seem important as ever and Heisman candidate Will Grier needs his numbers.
Mississippi State 28, Kansas State 24
Georgia 24, South Carolina 20
Clemson 27, Texas A&M 24
Penn State 26, Pitt 20
Stanford 31, USC 30
Arizona State 35, Michigan State 28
Marshall 38, Eastern Kentucky 14
RANDY GYORKO
West Virginia 59, Youngstown State 17: West Virginia has Will Grier and an endless amount of guys that can catch the exquisite passes he throws to them. Youngstown State does not have either of those riches. The Mountaineers should make easy, and possibly more importantly quick, work of the Penguins. The 2018 schedule is daunting. This is one of the few reprieves, and the ‘Eers should take advantage.
Mississippi State 27, Kansas State 23
Georgia 24, South Carolina20
Clemson 31, Texas A&M 20
Penn State 41, Pitt 27
Stanford 26, USC 17
Michigan State 30, Arizona State 24
Marshall 45, Eastern Kentucky 23