The Mountaineer Blueprint: How WVU Can Start Their Dark Horse Run In Morgantown

West Virginia University faces a formidable challenge as they gear up to take on Penn State in Morgantown. This offseason has been one of the most active in recent memory, both for the fan base and the team. There's a mixed sense of excitement, hope, and perhaps even... optimism that this West Virginia squad could not only contend for the Big 12 title but also make a legitimate push for the playoffs.

The season is a long, winding road that begins with what could be the biggest game of the year on August 31st. With Fox's Big Noon Kickoff, a sold-out Milan Puskar Stadium, and a top-10 opponent coming to town, all eyes will be on Morgantown. The nation will be watching to see if the Mountaineers can secure a victory and start the college football season with a bold statement.

The task is daunting, with Penn State coming to town as playoff hopefuls once again. It’s likely that Franklin and the Nittany Lions have noticed the buzz on social media, where WVU fans are hyping up their team and predicting an upset. Franklin has been preparing his players, knowing that while Milan Puskar Stadium may not be the biggest venue they’ll play in, it can get incredibly rowdy and loud.

“It’s a hornet’s nest,” Franklin warns.

For the Mountaineers to pull this upset off a few things will need to go right for them. WVU's success hinges on winning the battle at the line of scrimmage. The offensive line must ensure quarterback Garrett Greene is well-protected while also opening up running lanes for CJ Donaldson. Last year's matchup remained competitive until Penn State pulled away in the fourth quarter. Although the offensive line generally performed well, they allowed three sacks and committed several holding penalties that were costly.

On the defensive side, it is essential that the defensive line applies consistent pressure on Penn State’s quarterback, while also shutting down their run game. A major shortcoming in last year’s game was the inability to put significant pressure on Penn State’s QB. Dominating the trenches will be critical for WVU's overall performance. If they can establish a strong running game offensively and mix up defensive looks to make Allar hold the ball just a second longer, it could create opportunities for the line to exert pressure and impact the game. Sean Martin, Josiah Trotter, and Ben Cutter need to have big games or draw attention away from the other defenders.

Executing a balanced offensive game plan is essential for success. WVU must effectively blend the run and pass to keep Penn State’s defense off-balance while minimizing turnovers. Last year, one of West Virginia's major shortcomings was their inability to win through the air when the running game wasn't dominant. The wide receivers struggled to create space, which hindered offensive production. However, with another year of experience, Kole Taylor, Hudson Clement, Jaden Bray, Traylon Ray, and their teammates must not only create consistent separation but also capitalize on opportunities. They need to make big plays through broken coverages, win one-on-one matchups by breaking tackles, and gain extra yards after the catch. By doing so, WVU can build a potent offense that keeps defenses guessing and enhances their chances of victory. Passing yard needs to be 250+ (unless the ground game is dominating) for the upset to happen.

Special teams could play a pivotal role in this matchup. WVU must win the field position battle and ensure their kicking game is dependable, converting every scoring opportunity. Additionally, the Mountaineers should leverage their home-field advantage, using the crowd's energy to disrupt Penn State’s rhythm and communication.

Scoring in the red zone and finishing drives will be crucial for West Virginia's success. While field goals are valuable, they alone will not secure a victory. The offense must find the end zone and consistently complete drives to maximize their scoring potential. By doing so, they can put pressure on Penn State and greatly enhance their chances of winning the game.

The coaching staff will play a vital role in this game by crafting a strategic game plan and making timely in-game adjustments. WVU must stay focused, disciplined, and mentally tough throughout the game, especially in high-pressure moments. If they can execute these key areas, the Mountaineers have a strong chance to upset Penn State and start their season with a statement win.