Penn State vs. West Virginia staff predictions for Week 1

After spending all week previewing this weekend’s Penn State season opener, it is time to push our chips on the table and show our cards. Our staff has come together once again to share our predictions for every game around the Big Ten this weekend as the college football season formally kicks off for the conference, but now it is time to go on the record for Penn State’s matchup.

Penn State travels to West Virginia for a noon kickoff on Fox, and they do so as a road favorite according to the betting odds. And as you are about to see from our predictions below, there seems to be a pretty comfortable feeling about Penn State’s chances in Morgantown.

Kevin McGuire: Penn State faces a stiff challenge on the road to open the season, and things could look a little rocky at times in the first half. The new offense under Andy Kotelnicki may have to make some quick adjustments against West Virginia, and it will be up to Drew Allar to deliver. But I think the running game takes some of the pressure off in the second half and allows the Nittany Lions to establish control of the game. In the end, Nick Singleton powers his way to a 100-yard performance to help Penn State celebrate a win thanks in part to a second-half defensive effort that holds the Mountaineers down.

Penn State 31, West Virginia 17

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Brad Wakai: Penn State heads into their road contest against West Virginia trying to avoid an upset against a hungry team looking for revenge after receiving a beating last season. While there are a lot of people putting the Nittany Lions on upset alert, they are just too good of a team to lose this game. Penn State wins 31-20 with a strong rushing attack and another good defensive performance.

Penn State 31, West Virginia 20

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Charlie Strella: I think Penn State should take care of business but this is a tough week one opponent. Add in the fact that it is on the road and there are some scenarios where West Virginia could pull off the upset. Still, Penn State has more talent and a superior defense that travels well. It will be fun to watch the new look Penn State offense in action. With the spread currently at -8.5 in favor of the Nittany Lions, I’ll take the Nittany Lions to win and cover by a slim margin.

Penn State 31, West Virginia 20

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Shayne Kubas: West Virginia is looking to avenge their loss to Penn State in last season’s opening week. Senior quarterback Garrett Greene leads what should be a potent rushing offense with a big-play oriented passing game. Penn State’s defense was able to keep their run game in check while also limiting big plays in the air, limiting them to their lowest point total all season (15).I believe West Virginia is better equipped to keep this year’s meeting closer, but the difference in talent on both sides of the ball remains obvious. As long as Penn State’s new offense under Andy Kotelnicki gets off to a good start, a comfortable two-score win seems very likely.

Penn State 38, West Virginia 24

Check out the rest of our Big Ten picks for Week 1 .