BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – After an almost perfect Week 1, I’m adding more games this week to see if I can increase my win total, or completely destroy my average. We shall see this week, because there are some really good games happening in high school and college.
Last week I missed one game, and for a first week I’ll take that. I appreciate all the kind comments on Facebook and emails I received after last week. As much as this is me rambling, it is supposed to be interactive and fun for all of us.
With that said, let’s get into it.
HIGH SCHOOL
Tazewell vs Riverheads: I said it last week that Riverheads is a powerhouse that has lost some key pieces, but they proved last week that their dynasty isn’t done yet. Riverheads defeated Tazewell the last time these two played, and I’m expecting a similar result. Tazewell does have some playmakers, and they’ll need to get going early if they want to upset the Gladiators of Riverheads. Pick: Riverheads.
Princeton vs Bluefield: This is the WVVA Game of the Week, and for good reason. This is the 97th all-time meeting for these two teams, and they both have strengths and weaknesses that their opponent can exploit. Will Bluefield be able to open up the passing game and shred Princeton’s secondary? Can Princeton get their running attack working early to open up the big-play passing game? It’s a toss-up, but one thing is certain. Both teams HAVE to win the battle up front. If one offensive line breaks, then they will have a tough time battling all game. Princeton had a major victory over Capital last week, and Bluefield lost a close one to Graham. I think Princeton’s experience at Quarterback will keep their offensive on the plus side of analytics, and Bluefield may be left in the dust. Pick: Princeton
River View vs East Ridge: River View impressed me with their Week 1 win over Mt. View, and now they’re going to have to do it again. Is this River View team a balanced offense that can run on a defense and then pass for big plays? Can their defense stop an opponent for an entire game? I think this week the answer is yes, and yes. East Ridge is currently 0-2 and are hungry for their first victory of the season. East Ridge might surprise the Raiders early, and we’ll see how they respond. Pick: River View
Liberty vs Pikeview: If I wasn’t going to be at Princeton-Bluefield, I would be here. You might be confused by that, but this could be a good game. Liberty lost to Poca High School last week, and Pikeview dropped their opener at home. Both teams have shaken the dust off, got over their nerves, and are ready to show what they are made of this year. Pikeview showed tough fight in their season opening loss, and I lied what I saw from their run game. If their offensive line can hold the entire game, they could run all over Liberty. Liberty is going to need to get their offense going early so they won’t have to rely on the defense that gave up touchdown after touchdown last week. If Liberty’s defense can hold Pikeview, then they will take this game and Pikeview will fall to 0-2. I think it’s a closer battle with the game being decided in the early 4th quarter. Pick: Pikeview
Mt. View vs Man: This will be a tale of which offense can limit their mistakes and be consistent throughout the game. Mt. View would like to forget about their loss last week, and Man is going to look to build upon what they hope to be a strong season. Both teams need to come out with physicality and an aggression that will wear down the other opponent. Sadly, for Mt. View fans, it sounds like I’m describing Man here. Pick: Man
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Bluefield State vs Concord: College Football in the region is back, and I am happy to see a regional battle this early. Having not lived in southern West Virginia for a decade, I had forgotten how far local colleges travel for sporting events. Bluefield State has a short trip to Concord on Saturday, and they’re going to try and come back with a win instead of an 0-2 record. Last Saturday they lost 34-3 to Winston-Salem State University, and they will have a tough battle against a Concord team kicking off its season in front of their fans. I think Concord can use a passing attack to open up their run game and wear down the BSU defense. Bluefield State has an advantage that they have had a chance to address their issues and work on them this week in practice, and I expect a better showing this week. Pick: Concord
Bluefield College vs University of the Cumberlands: Time for some honesty; I don’t know much about these two teams. I know Bluefield has a lot of experience, especially on offense, but I have not seen much footage or reports of them this offseason. This game could be a toss-up, but historically University of the Cumberlands has had Bluefields’ number. Without knowing much, I’m going to stick to history, and pray it doesn’t fail me this time. Pick: University of the Cumberlands.
Texas vs Michigan: Easily the biggest college football game this season, and the reason I will be glued to my couch starting with College GameDay. Michigan is ranked in the top 10, but I don’t expect them to be a top-15 team once the season winds down. I think Texas is going to go into this game with something to prove, and I think we are going to see why they are ranked third in the country. Watch how Michigan’s defense responds to the Texas passing attack, because that will determine what Texas team we see. If Michigan’s defense can keep them in the game long enough for their offense to figure things out, we could see an upset. I don’t expect that though, especially after halftime. Pick: Texas
UAlbany vs West Virginia: Last week didn’t go so well for West Virginia, let’s face it. I think they figured out most of their big problems in practice and will take this game easily. If West Virginia loses, I will apply for the head coaching position at WVU. Pick: West Virginia.
Marshall vs Virginia Tech: I have gone back and forth on this one, and that’s why I’m writing it last. I watched Marshall play James Madison University last year and how intricate their offense can be. Marshall put up 45 points on their opponent last week, while Virginia Tech only scored 27. Granted, that was against an SEC team, but still. Virginia Tech is favored to win says ESPN, but I think they could easily be beat this week. Virginia Tech has to stop Marshall’s offense and allow their offense time to get up to speed. I think Virginia Tech impresses in front of their fans, and Marshall has trouble diversifying their offensive attack. Pick: Virginia Tech, but wouldn’t be surprised if Marshall won.
I expect this to be an interesting week for picks, and I’m already nervous about a couple of them. What do you think about my picks this week? Do you agree, or disagree with any of them?
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