This is far too many points for a top 10 defense that returns 6 of their front 7 on defense. This is a defense that despite ranking 118th in time of possession was 3rd in yards per play allowed. Their defensive coordinator Bary Odom takes over as the head coach and there is a lot to be excited about with this team with a chance to pull off an upset in week 1.
Obviously pre-season and media hype is typically about offense and thatâs why I think the spread is where it is for this game. West Virginia typically has a good offense especially under Dana Holgorsen and many are calling for his best offense with an experienced offensive line and senior QB, but Iâm not sold. You all are aware of my feelings on the Big 12, and the Mountaineers are just 9-9 the last two years in this conference now going up against the SECâs top defense other than Alabama. West Virginia has struggled against top 40 defenses from a yards per play perspective going 1-9 over the last 3 years, 0-7 over the last two years. Missouri is just that, but what about their offense?
Listen Missouri was awful on offense last year, and I expect them to score a TD more per game with Drew Lock coming back at QB. The 4 star QB put on 20 lbs, and gets two key transfers along with his top 2 targets at WR back. Alex Ross, a 4 star guy comes over to play RB from Oklahoma, and WR, Chris Black another 4 star guy comes over from Alabama. The offense will improve despite a rebuilt offensive line which can only be a good thing when you look at what they did a year ago. I just hope this Missouri team runs the ball more and they could win this game outright when you consider Josh Heupel taking over the offense, and West Virginia losing 7 starters on defense.
