The first full week of the 2024 college football season features numerous Week 1 matchups between FBS and FCS teams, making the few FBS showdowns all the more exciting. One of those key matchups is West Virginia hosting No. 8 Penn State on Saturday in Morgantown, West Virginia.
The Nittany Lions will face a tough test right out of the gate against a Mountaineers team that surprised many last season with a 9-4 record.
This season brings added significance to games like these, as it's the first year of the expanded 12-team playoff, which includes seven at-large berths. For teams aiming to secure one of those spots without winning their conference, games like this one could make or break their playoff chances when the committee begins comparing resumes.
It's only Week 1, but we're already thinking about playoff implications. Welcome to the new era of college football.
LIVE UPDATES: Follow along for real-time updates from Week 1's top games, including Penn State vs. West Virginia.
How to Watch Penn State vs. West Virginia Live
- Date: Saturday, August 31
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West Virginia
- TV: Fox
- Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Penn State vs. West Virginia: What to Know
Penn State has two new coordinators: Manny Diaz, who led Penn State’s defense last season, has moved on to become Duke's head coach. Replacing him is former Indiana head coach Tom Allen, who takes charge of a unit expected to be among the best in the country. On offense, Penn State made a significant offseason hire by bringing in Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas, known for creating explosive offenses at his previous stops.
Garrett Greene's emergence for the Mountaineers: Greene struggled in last season’s opener against Penn State but bounced back with a four-touchdown performance the following week, setting the tone for the rest of the year. Despite his modest size at 5-foot-11, 202 pounds, Greene made a big impact, finishing the season with 2,406 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 772 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns. The Mountaineers’ offense will rely heavily on his performance.
Abdul Carter's potential for Penn State: Known for producing top linebackers and pass rushers, Penn State could see Abdul Carter emerge as one of the nation's best defensive players this season. After recording 48 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception last year, Carter is set to take on an even larger role in 2024.
Penn State vs. West Virginia Prediction and Picks
The Penn State defense is expected to be the strongest unit on the field, likely making life difficult for Garrett Greene and the Mountaineers' offense. While Penn State's offense shows promise under Andy Kotelnicki, some early struggles in a challenging road environment are likely. Pick: Under 51.5 points.
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