The Shotgun/Throwdown: Will Neal Brown Be Tested in his First Game as the West Virginia Head Coach?

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Football

James Madison will provide Neal Brown with an immediate test | WV MetroNews

Neal Brown and the Mountaineers may be facing a tough test in their season opener on Saturday. James Madison has three out of its last eight games against FBS teams, including an upset win over Virginia Tech in 2010. Now the Mountaineers’ undefeated streak against FCS opponents is on the line, as the Dukes come to Morgantown hoping to spoil Neal Brown’s debut as the WVU head coach.

Coal mine trip meaningful to West Virginia football | The Oklahoman

Since arriving at WVU, Neal Brown has made significant efforts to show his players that they not only represent the University, but the entire state of West Virginia. One of Brown’s biggest efforts to relay this message to his team was seen when he took his players and coaches to Arch Coal’s Leer Mining Complex in Grafton. This trip was not only meaningful to the players, but also the people of West Virginia, who appreciated Brown helping his team learn about the history and culture of the state.

Brown Reveals Two-Deep For Saturday’s Season Opener | West Virginia University Athletics

West Virginia’s Neal Brown released the depth chart for his first game as the head coach of the Mountaineers. The depth chart included a key position of indecision, the fifth spot on the WVU offensive line. Coach Brown discussed the ongoing position battle and more in this week’s Big 12 Coaches Teleconference.

Three Guys Before The Game – Dukes & Depth Chart (Episode 133) | WV MetroNews

Tony Caridi, Brad Howe, and Hoppy Kercheval took a look at the newly released depth chart for the Mountaineer football team in this episode of Three Guys Before The Game. The guys discussed the upcoming matchup with James Madison. They also noted the interesting aspect of the season opener involving former WVU quarterback Curt Cignetti being the JMU head coach.

West Virginia Athletics

WVU Picked Third in MAC Preseason Poll | West Virginia University Athletics

The #23 West Virginia men’s soccer team has been projected to finished third in the Mid-American Conference. #3 Akron was projected to finish at the top of the league, followed by Western Michigan. The Mountaineers are the reigning MAC regular-season champions, after earning a perfect 5-0 record in conference play during the 2018 regular season.

Gentile Named Student-Athlete of the Week | West Virginia University Athletics

Senior forward Jade Gentile led the #11 West Virginia women’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over Duquesne last week, earning her WVU Student-Athlete of the Week honors. During the match last week, Gentile scored her second career goal. The Mountaineers also played tremendous defense as a team, preventing Duquesne from getting off a single shot in the game.

Around the Big 12

10 Big 12 football predictions for 2019, including Jalen Hurts’ Heisman chances, a trap for Texas and more | The Dallas Morning News

Does Jalen Hurts have a chance to win the Heisman at Oklahoma? Is Texas overlooking a potential upset against a G5 opponent? Check out predictions on those topics and more.

Here’s where KU’s QB competition stands heading into Saturday’s season opener | The Kansas City Star

New Kansas head coach Les Miles will not be naming the Jayhawks’ starting quarterback before their season opener against Indiana State. The position battle is between Thomas MacVittie and Carter Stanley. Miles said that he wants to see how the situation plays out.

Not his first rodeo: Matt Wells is ready to make his coaching debut at Texas Tech in season opener vs. Montana State | The Dallas Morning News

After six season at Utah State, Matt Wells is preparing to lead the Red Raiders in their first game against Montana State. Wells shared with the media this week that he feels prepared and excited. He and Texas Tech may be tested this week, considering Montana State is ranked 17th in FCS.

Around the NCAA

Every conference should replace divisions with pods | Banner Society

Many college football conference division are regionally based or designed to protect rivalry games. Unfortunately, many rivals end up in opposite divisions and have to wait years at a time to play each other. What if conferences used rivalry-based “pods” instead of divisions?

How to overreact to Week 1 college football | Banner Society

College football fans have been waiting all summer for the start of the season. Some fans got a head start with “Week 0” this past weekend, but most fans will see their teams begin their season this week. With anticipation and emotions on the rise for each team’s first game, here are some ways to overreact to Week 1 of college football.

15 football overtime rule ideas, ranging from nah to HELL YEAH | Banner Society

While overtime in college football is exciting, it could potentially be improved. Banner Society took a look at some new concepts for overtime in college football. Some are just for fun, but some are pretty interesting ideas.

Josh Gordon’s reinstatement is exactly what the Patriots needed | SB Nation

Josh Gordon is back to help New England in a position that needed his assistance. The Patriots are significantly more productive in the passing game with Gordon. The Pats can rely on Gordon as a solid starter at receiver.

Ask a former NFL player: Which team can challenge the Bears in the NFC North this year? | SB Nation

Which team is winning the NFC North this season? Will Chicago remain on top or will Minnesota challenge the Bears for the top spot? Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz breaks this topic down and more.

Chad Williams can be a deep threat for Kyler Murray, if the Cardinals give him a real shot | SB Nation

Chad Williams is young, quality NFL wide receiver who is still improving. He may be able to pair well will Kyler Murray. If Williams doesn’t break out with the Cardinals, then he might for another team.

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