West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies Justin Fuente reacts to his ice bath following the victory against the Virginia Cavaliers at Lane Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 52-10. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

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Previewing Sunday’s key nonconference matchup between the No. 21 Virginia Tech Hokies and No. 22 West Virginia Mountaineers from FedExField.

A pair of former Big East rivals will clash when the No. 21 Virginia Tech Hokies take on the No. 22 West Virginia Mountaineers on Sunday evening in Landover, Maryland.

The two programs have met 51 times for the Black Diamond Trophy, including every season between 1973 and 2005, with West Virginia holding a 28-22-1 advantage. After more than a decade off, FedExField should be rocking for the opener between two rivals who both enter 2017 with high expectations.

Former Memphis head coach Justin Fuente already looks like a slam dunk hire after guiding the Hokies to a 10-4 campaign and ACC Coastal title in his debut season. Virginia Tech should be in contention for the division crown once again thanks to an experienced defense loaded with playmakers under one of college football’s best coordinators in Bud Foster, although record breaking quarterback Jerod Evans is a massive loss.

Following four straight years of eight wins or fewer, the Mountaineers enjoyed a strong 10-3 season and reached as high as No. 10 in the AP Poll. West Virginia has a lot to replace from that team, particularly on defense, but there’s plenty of optimism in Morgantown with star running back Justin Crawford leading a strong backfield alongside Florida transfer quarterback Will Grier.

Here’s a full preview of the intriguing Sunday matchup, which stands out as one of the best games of opening weekend.

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