Some people say procrastination is the sincerest form of flattery (ed. I don't know of anyone who says that), so you all should feel very loved. Game week is upon us and I have been somewhat silent as to my season prognostication. It is not because of a massive amount of research or my busy work schedule. Nope, I'm just a lazy bum, but what do you expect from a guy that was a 5th year senior?
This season is a make or break year for HCBS and very important for the Mountaineer football program as a whole. We have 18 returning starters, a somewhat favorable schedule, but question marks in some key areas. If we have any hope of regaining the momentum and attention of the Fraudriguez era, it is now or never.
As you all know, I'm a fan of HCBS, but I still have some questions about his coaching abilities. Which is why, I think, at the end of the season our record could be between 8-4 and 12-0. Let's get on with the predictions...
Coastal Carolina: W Three things need to happen during this game: Our defense needs to show they are for real, Geno needs to find a favorite receiver, and Noel Devine should rack up a ton of yards to kick-off his Heisman campaign.@ Marshall: W Not concerned at all about the junior college down south. I hope HCBS has the balls to run up the score against a less talented in-state "rival."
Maryland: W Hide the pepperoni rolls and Kegler's wings because The Fridge is coming back to town. The Maryland defensive front will be the first test of the season for our questionable offensive line. I think they handle the speed and size of the Terps and begin The Firdge's farewell tour.
@ LSU: W I've thought about this game more than any other on our schedule. Death Valley is one of the toughest venues in all of college sports. The Ragin' Cajuns in the stands make the Cameron Crazies look like debutantes. The experience of playing at Auburn last year, however will prove to be the difference as WVU escapes with the victory.
UNLV: W This will be further proof that the Mountain West does not belong in the discussion with the big boys.
USF: W B.J. Daniels is a talented running QB but will be outplayed by Geno Smith. The national WVU hype will start after Smith and Devine run wild on Thursday night.
Syracuse: W The Orange are improving but the Schwartzwalder Trophy stays in Morgantown. Momentum is building and the HCBS bandwagon is starting to get awfully crowded.
@ UConn: This game will feature a battle of undefeated teams and be the biggest home game in the short history of the UConn football program. Unfortunately for UConn, it will end in heartbreak as Noel Devine breaks another long 4th quarter touchdown run for the WVU victory.
Cincinnati: W They have returning play-makers on offense but lack that play-making ability on the defensive side of the ball. It is hard to win with a first year head coach and it will prove impossible on Mountaineer Field for the Bearcats. This will be payback for the past two years.
@ Louisville: W Charlie Strong will turn this program around very quickly, but not quick enough. Easy WVU victory on the road.
@ Pittsburgh: L I hate to say it, but I think Dion Lewis and Jonathan Baldwin will be too much for us to handle. It will be another heartbreaking loss for the Mountaineers at the hand of our biggest rival.
Rutgers: W The hangover of the Pitt loss will have an effect on the fans as our Mountaineers pound the Scarlet Knights on Senior Day at Mountaineer Field. Noel Devine will rush for 200+ yards and be invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony.
There you have it folks. I'm predicting an 11-1 record, a Big East title, and a BCS birth. Let's get it on.