West Virginia Mountaineers 2017 Football Schedule and Analysis

Sept. 3

7:30 PM ET

ABC

The Black Diamond Trophy has resided in Blacksburg since 2005. The Mountaineers are 5-1 all time against the Hokies on a neutral field. Both teams are coming off 10-win seasons and are looking to renew bragging rights.

Sept. 9

The Mountaineers have dominated this series posting an 18-3 record against the Pirates. The two last met in 2009, a 35-20 victory for the Mountaineers. East Carolina has struggled as of late, going just 3-9 last season. However, this game has historically always been close.

West Virginia finishes its non-conference slate at home against the Delaware State Hornets from the FCS ranks. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools and should be a good tune-up game leading into conference play for the Mountaineers. 

The Mountaineers dominated the Jayhawks at home last season. Do not expect anything different in 2017 as Kansas is still in the midst of trying to get things moving in the right direction under third-year head coach David Beaty. Since taking over at Kansas, Beaty’s Jayhawks have been outscored by the Mountaineers 97-21.

Historically TCU has had the Mountaineers’ number since they both joined the Big 12 in 2012. However, last season saw a drastic change in the series with West Virginia cruising past the Horned Frogs 34-10 in Morgantown. Expect the Mountaineers’ defense to shut down the Frogs again this season.

The Red Raiders’ only hope of beating the Mountaineers last season laid on the shoulders of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is now gone. While Texas Tech head coach Kilff Kingsbury is known for his pass-happy offense, the Red Raiders figure to have trouble against a West Virginia secondary that is just as tough this season as it was last.

Baylor is officially under construction with the hiring of new head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule brings a slower-paced offense to Waco, something the Bears faithful will have to get used to. It will take a few seasons for Rhule to get the right personnel in place. This season won’t be the one to regain the advantage over the Mountaineers.

The Cowboys have won the past two meetings against the Mountaineers. The game returns to Morgantown this season, the site of that 2015 heart-breaking, overtime loss on Homecoming. This game is always a toss-up.

Second-year head coach Matt Campbell has brought excitement back to Iowa State football. However, the Cyclones’ defense is very young. That does not bode well against Holgorsen’s offense, which likes to attack from every angle.

Holgorsen finally got his first victory over legendary head coach Bill Snyder last season. However, it was a dogfight to say the least. Snyder has always seemed to get the better of Holgorsen on the field. Just like Oklahoma State, there is no true method to predicting the outcome of this yearly matchup.

The Longhorns haven’t beaten the Mountaineers since 2014. There is a new regime in Austin as well with the departure of Charlie Strong. Tom Herman brings optimism to the program but just like Matt Rhule, it will take a few years to get the right personnel in place.

TThe Sooners continue to dominate the Mountaineers every season. As the perennial Big 12 favorite, the regular season championship always goes through Norman. That will not be any different this season. As for the Mountaineers, it seems every season they get further away from that signature, season-defining Big 12 win. Since 2013 the margin of victory for the Sooners has only grown each season.