Mountaineer Football Predictions

Well, it's rapidly approaching so it's time for me to put out my predictions for the 2005 Mountaineer football season. This is supposed to be a rebuilding year...we've lost a lot of talented players on both sides of the ball. The quarterback/wide receiver situation looks like it could be a real hassle all year...I'm not sure what we have. Coach Rod keeps talking about what a great camp it has been and all the practices have gone well. Pleasant practices don't translate into wins...so, I'm not convinced by his happiness. So, therefore, I look for a lackluster year...middle of the road. The easy schedule should help them but don't be looking for a BCS Bowl. Here goes:

Sept. 4 - SYRACUSE (AWAY) - Opening game. We'll get a chance to see what the Mountaineers have. Syracuse has been struggling and is attempting to put in a new offense under a new coach. It could cause a wrinkle for the Mounties but not enough for the Orange to beat them. Mountaineers improve to 1-0.

Sept. 10 - WOFFORD (HOME) - Give me a break. If we don't beat them by 5 touchdowns I'd be worried. Mountaineers improve to 2-0. I miss the game because of the Polar Bear Band.

Sept. 17 - MARYLAND (AWAY) - Maryland is in the same boat as the Mounties this year. Attempting to rebuild a team that lost a lot of players. Most people have the Terps finishing 5th in the ACC this year...so, this will be a gauge game for WVU. This could be the make or break game for the season as far as respect for the Big East. And, when it's make/break, you can count on the Mountaineers to break. Mountaineers drop to 2-1.

Sept. 24 - EAST CAROLINA (HOME) - Another give-me game...should be a simple victory. Moutaineers go to 3-1.

Oct. 1 - VIRGINIA TECH (HOME) - Another big ACC game, especially considering the Hokies won the ACC last year. And seeing another Vick at Mountaineer Field should be interesting. Think Marcus will hear some interesting chants? Anyway, a victory would be huge considering the Hokies could come in ranked in the Top 10. Sunnyside could burn is we win...but, not meant to happen. Mountaineers fall to 3-2.

Oct. 8 - RUTGERS (AWAY) - How do we play at Rutgers 2 years in a row? Last year we were rolling until Chris Henry started making gestures to the fans and got escorted from the game. Then Rutgers nearly came back for the victory. Don't expect it to be that close this year. Moutaineers now 4-2.

Oct. 15 - LOUISVILLE (HOME) - Could be the determining game for the Big East Championship (along with Pitt). Louisville has a potent offense and I don't believe WVU can match them score for score. And, I don't look for the defense to be able to completely shut them down. It should be a rocking Mylan-Puskar Stadium but not enough to put them over the top. Game ends, Mountaineers 4-3.

October 22 - SOUTH FLORIDA (AWAY) - Thank goodness for these cupcakes. Wofford, East Carolina and South Florida. Three cheap wins...but that's what you need to get to the bowl systems. Mountaineers improve to 5-3.

November 2 - UCONN (HOME) - A very scary game indeed. UConn is going to be a powerhouse before all is said and done...too much money up there not to produce winners every year. The Mountaineers will squeak by the Huskies in a tight one to go to 6-3.

November 9 - CINCINATTI (AWAY) - Let me make this clear...Cincinatti is not a good team. They beat us in 2002 for some reason but they haven't done much since then. Should be an easy win...but expect the Mountaineers to find a way to make it close and barely win in the end. 7-3.

November 24 - PITT (HOME) - Depending on how well Louisville plays, this could be the game that determines who win the Big East outright or for a 3-way tie. I like having Pitt at home which could make a difference but, with the season on the line, expect the Mountaineer to choke very similarly to last year. Season over...7-4.

So, there is it...7 wins, 4 losses...no major surprises. An average year...some bowl to go to and lose. But just enough excitement in the season to make people buy tickets to watch them lose. Sounds about right.