The West Virginia University Mountaineers football team is set for an exciting season in 2024-23. With a talented roster and a challenging schedule, the Mountaineers are poised to make a run at a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Mountaineers’ 2024-23 schedule, including key matchups, potential pitfalls, and predictions for the season. So, buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating ride through the Mountaineers’ upcoming campaign.
Before we dive into the specifics of the schedule, let’s set the stage by examining the Mountaineers’ overall outlook for the 2024-23 season. With Neal Brown entering his fifth year at the helm, expectations are high in Morgantown. The Mountaineers have a strong core of returning players, including quarterback JT Daniels, running back Leddie Brown, and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton. They also have a talented recruiting class coming in, led by five-star defensive end Dante Stills.
Wvu Football Schedule 2024-23
The Mountaineers have a challenging but exciting schedule in 2024-23, with key matchups against both conference and non-conference opponents.
- Season Opener: WVU vs. NC State
- Rivalry Renewed: WVU vs. Pitt
- Big 12 Clash: WVU vs. Oklahoma
- Road Test: WVU at Texas
- Homecoming: WVU vs. Kansas
With a talented roster and a favorable schedule, the Mountaineers have a great opportunity to make a run at a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2024-23.
Season Opener: WVU vs. NC State
The Mountaineers will kick off their 2024-23 campaign with a highly anticipated matchup against the NC State Wolfpack at home in Morgantown.
- Rivalry Renewed: This will be the first meeting between WVU and NC State since 2017, and the first time they’ve faced off in Morgantown since 2014. Both teams will be looking to start the season with a statement win.
- Key Players to Watch: For WVU, keep an eye on quarterback JT Daniels and running back Leddie Brown. For NC State, look out for quarterback Devin Leary and wide receiver Thayer Thomas.
- Home-Field Advantage: The Mountaineers will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium. This could be a key factor in a close game.
- Prediction: This is a tough game to call, but I’m giving the slight edge to WVU at home. The Mountaineers have a more experienced team and a better overall roster. WVU 24, NC State 20
The season opener against NC State will be a great test for the Mountaineers and will give us a good indication of what to expect from this team in 2024-23.
Rivalry Renewed: WVU vs. Pitt
One of the most anticipated games on the Mountaineers’ schedule in 2024-23 is their annual matchup against the Pitt Panthers. This Backyard Brawl is one of the fiercest rivalries in college football.
- History of the Rivalry: The Backyard Brawl dates back to 1895 and has been played 105 times overall. Pitt holds a slight edge in the series, with a record of 59-43-3.
- Recent Meetings: The two teams have split their last four meetings, with each team winning twice at home. The most recent matchup was in 2022, with Pitt winning 38-31 in Pittsburgh.
- Key Players to Watch: For WVU, keep an eye on quarterback JT Daniels and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton. For Pitt, look out for quarterback Kedon Slovis and running back Israel Abanikanda.
- Prediction: This is another tough game to call, but I’m giving the slight edge to WVU at home. The Mountaineers have a more experienced team and a better overall roster. WVU 27, Pitt 24
The Backyard Brawl is always a passionate and intense game, and the 2024-23 matchup is sure to be no different. Both teams will be looking to claim bragging rights and keep the coveted Backyard Brawl trophy in their possession.
Big 12 Clash: WVU vs. Oklahoma
One of the biggest games on the Mountaineers’ schedule in 2024-23 is their annual matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners. This Big 12 clash is always a highly anticipated event.
- History of the Rivalry: The WVU-Oklahoma rivalry dates back to 1986, and the two teams have met 13 times overall. Oklahoma holds a 9-4 advantage in the series.
- Recent Meetings: The Sooners have won the last four meetings between the two teams, including a 52-21 victory in Morgantown in 2022.
- Key Players to Watch: For WVU, keep an eye on quarterback JT Daniels and running back CJ Donaldson. For Oklahoma, look out for quarterback Dillon Gabriel and wide receiver Marvin Mims.
- Prediction: This is a tough matchup for the Mountaineers, as Oklahoma is one of the top teams in the Big 12. However, WVU has a chance to pull off an upset if they can control the tempo of the game and limit Oklahoma’s explosive offense. Oklahoma 31, WVU 24
The WVU-Oklahoma game is always a great test for both teams, and the 2024-23 matchup is sure to be another exciting chapter in this rivalry.
Road Test: WVU at Texas
The Mountaineers will face a tough road test in 2024-23 when they travel to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2011.
History of the Rivalry: The WVU-Texas rivalry dates back to 1956, and the two teams have met 10 times overall. Texas holds a 7-3 advantage in the series.
Recent Meetings: The Longhorns have won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 38-20 victory in Morgantown in 2011.
Key Players to Watch: For WVU, keep an eye on quarterback JT Daniels and wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton. For Texas, look out for quarterback Quinn Ewers and running back Bijan Robinson.
Prediction: This is a tough matchup for the Mountaineers, as Texas is one of the top teams in the Big 12. However, WVU has a chance to pull off an upset if they can control the tempo of the game and limit Texas’ explosive offense. Texas 34, WVU 27
The WVU-Texas game is always a great test for both teams, and the 2024-23 matchup is sure to be another exciting chapter in this rivalry.
The Road Test at Texas will be a big challenge for the Mountaineers, but it’s also an opportunity for them to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the country. If WVU can pull off an upset in Austin, it would be a major statement win for the program.
Homecoming: WVU vs. Kansas
The Mountaineers will return home for their annual Homecoming game in 2024-23, when they host the Kansas Jayhawks. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2012.
History of the Rivalry: The WVU-Kansas rivalry dates back to 1929, and the two teams have met 15 times overall. WVU holds a 10-5 advantage in the series.
Recent Meetings: The Mountaineers have won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 24-10 victory in Morgantown in 2012.
Key Players to Watch: For WVU, keep an eye on quarterback JT Daniels and running back CJ Donaldson. For Kansas, look out for quarterback Jalon Daniels and wide receiver Lawrence Arnold.
Prediction: This is a game that the Mountaineers should win. Kansas is a rebuilding program, and WVU has a much more talented roster. Look for the Mountaineers to roll to a comfortable victory in front of their home crowd. WVU 38, Kansas 17
The Homecoming game is always a special event for the Mountaineers and their fans. It’s a chance to celebrate the university and the football program, and to come together as a community. The 2024-23 Homecoming game against Kansas is sure to be a memorable one.
The Homecoming game against Kansas is a great opportunity for the Mountaineers to pick up a win and improve their record. It’s also a chance for the fans to show their support for the team and to celebrate the university.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the WVU Football Schedule 2024-23:
Question 1: When is the WVU football season in 2024-23?
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Question 2: Who are the Mountaineers’ key players to watch in 2024-23?
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Question 3: What are the Mountaineers’ biggest games in 2024-23?
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Question 4: What are the Mountaineers’ chances of making the College Football Playoff in 2024-23?
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Question 5: Where can I find the complete WVU football schedule for 2024-23?
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Question 6: How can I purchase tickets for WVU football games in 2024-23?
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Question 7: What are some of the best tailgating spots at Milan Puskar Stadium?
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In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some additional tips for WVU football fans in 2024-23:
Tips
Here are some tips for WVU football fans in 2024-23:
Tip 1: Plan ahead and purchase your tickets early. WVU football games are always popular, so it’s important to purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at the Mountaineer Ticket Office.
Tip 2: Arrive early to tailgate and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere. Tailgating is a big part of the WVU football experience. Arrive early to set up your tailgate and enjoy the food, drinks, and music. You can also participate in some of the pre-game activities, such as the Mountaineer Walk and the Gold Rush.
Tip 3: Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather in Morgantown can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather. Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain, and a hat and sunscreen in case of sun. You may also want to bring a blanket or jacket in case it gets cold.
Tip 4: Be respectful of other fans. WVU football games are a great place to let loose and have some fun, but it’s important to be respectful of other fans. Don’t be disruptive or abusive, and clean up your tailgate area after the game.
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By following these tips, you can make the most of your WVU football experience in 2024-23.
Conclusion
The 2024-23 WVU football season is shaping up to be an exciting one. The Mountaineers have a talented roster and a challenging schedule, and they have a chance to make a run at a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The season will kick off with a highly anticipated matchup against the NC State Wolfpack at home in Morgantown. The Mountaineers will also face tough road tests against Oklahoma and Texas, and they will have to contend with a talented Kansas team in their annual Homecoming game.
With a strong home-field advantage and a passionate fan base, the Mountaineers have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in 2024-23. If they can stay healthy and avoid injuries, they could be one of the most surprising teams in the country.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting season of WVU football in 2024-23. Let’s go Mountaineers!
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We hope this comprehensive guide to the WVU Football Schedule 2024-23 has been helpful. Be sure to check back for updates and more information as the season approaches.