West Virginia vs. TCU preview, odds, prediction, TV channel, live stream
By Cephas Evans
West Virginia is on top of top of the Big 12 and look to stay in control with a victory over TCU on Saturday. Here is everything you need to know about the game.
If you’re a Mountaineer fan, you’re most likely still feeling the effects from last weekends instant classic.
With time winding down, West Virginia gave up a touchdown and trailed 41-34 on the road against Texas. Although quarterback Will Grier is one of the best in the country, no one could have predicted what was about to unfold. After driving down the field, Grier went deep to Gary Jennings and dropped a dime in the back of the end zone to give West Virginia a shot at overtime. However, head coach Dana Holgorsen played for the win and signaled for his star quarterback to go for two. After a successful attempt was negated by a Texas timeout, Grier took the field again and trotted into the end zone untouched to secure a 42-41 victory.
It was a career-defining moment for Holgorsen.
This weekend, West Virginia will take on TCU at home, but it doesn’t get any easier. The Mountaineers finish the season by traveling to Oklahoma State and hosting Oklahoma in what could be the first of back-to-back games against the Sooners.
For West Virginia to get a shot at the Big 12 title, they must proceed one week at a time. This weekend, they will look to take care of business against TCU, in a game that has produced some memorable outcomes since each team joined the Big 12.
Here is everything you need to know about the game.
How to watch and bet on West Virginia vs. TCU
Date: Saturday, Nov. 10
Start Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Morgantown, WV
Stadium: Milan Puskar Stadium
TV Info: FS1
Live Stream: FuboTV
Betting Odds
Points Spread: WVU -13.5
Money Line: WVU -500, TCU +350
O/U: 56
Keys to Victory
West Virginia – Last week, I highlighted the fact that West Virginia was struggling to run the football and that improving on the ground would be the key to victory. The Mountaineers did more than improve, they looked like an entirely different team. On the day, West Virginia averaged 7 yards per carry, while racking up 232 yards and two touchdowns. The key to victory will be the same this week. When this offense is running the ball, it opens up the field and allows Grier to expose opposing secondaries. If the Mountaineers jump on the Horned Frogs early and force them to play from behind, TCU’s depleted offense will have no chance of keeping up with this high-powered West Virginia team.
TCU – The Horned Frogs have scored 20 points or more only twice over the last six games, with neither 20-point effort resulting in a victory. So getting things going offensively will be critical, but not necessarily the key. As uncharacteristic as it might sound, this Gary Patterson team has been unable to win the turnover battle all season. On the year, TCU is tied for 125th in turnover differential and have come out on top in that area only twice this season. If TCU plans to upset the Mountaineers, taking care of the ball offensively, along with securing a few extra possession will be the critical. Furthermore, TCU enters the game ahead of only five Power-5 schools in red zone scoring, so converting in those situations will be critical if the Horned Frogs plan to keep up.
Prediction
Expect another Heisman worthy performance from Will Grier this weekend. West Virginia will build off their emotional Week 10 victory and control this game from start to finish.
Final Score – WVU 41, TCU 23