ESPN FPI Predicts Each Game on WVU's 2023 Schedule

It's hard to believe but we are officially under 100 days until the start of the 2023 college football season. At this time of year, predictions are being made for win totals, game-by-game odds, and so on. The ESPN FPI (Football Power Index) recently released its initial predictions for each team.

Below you will find what the ESPN FPI thinks of West Virginia and their chance to win each game. I also jotted some thoughts down explaining why the percentage is what it is or why it should be different.

Note: The percentage next to the game is WVU's chances to win the game.

9/2 at Penn State - 9%

The Mountaineers don't stand much of a chance in this one. The Nittany Lions return a lot of talent from a team that went 11-2 and won the Rose Bowl a year ago. Tough task for a young QB right out of the gate.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

9/9 vs. Duquesne - 98.5%

This one could get ugly, quick.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

9/16 vs. Pitt - 39.1%

I don't know that West Virginia should be expected to win this game but I don't see how Pitt is considered a clear favorite on the road. West Virginia lost this game in heartbreaking fashion a year ago and it's one they haven't forgotten about. This should be closer to a toss-up.

Agree with FPI? No.

9/23 vs. Texas Tech - 34.7%

Tech is going to catch a lot of people by surprise this year. Really ever since West Virginia entered the league the Red Raiders have been average to below average. Joey McGuire has that program heading in the right direction and will compete for a spot in the top four of the Big 12 in just his second year.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

9/30 at TCU - 14.2%

TCU lost some big-time names to the NFL but they will be just fine with Chandler Morris running the offense. I expect the Frogs to be in the mix once again, so WVU's chances of winning this one are slim.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

10/12 at Houston - 36.4%

Dana has a young squad and the move to the Big 12 will be quite the leap for them. This is one of the few road games I could see the Mountaineers winning.

Agree with FPI? No.

10/21 vs. Oklahoma State - 43.8%

It seems like I say this every year and then I'm proven wrong, but this has to be a down year for Oklahoma State. The talent/experience just isn't there. These are the types of games Neal Brown has to win, especially at home.

Agree with FPI? No.

10/28 at Central Florida - 19.8%

A notch under 20% may be a tad too low but the FPI is right by favoring UCF heavily here. The Bounce House is a difficult place to play and the Knights have one of the most potent offenses in the league.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

11/4 vs. BYU - 63.3%

West Virginia can certainly win this game but again, this should be much closer to 50/50. BYU is known for its performance in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Under this current regime, WVU has struggled with consistency in that area.

Agree with FPI? No.

11/11 at Oklahoma - 9.1%

Beating Oklahoma last fall was an anomaly. The Sooners couldn't figure out how to win close games, leading to their 6-7 record. Brent Venables will have answers this year.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

11/18 vs. Cincinnati - 49.7%

Much like Houston, Cincy has a chance to be extremely competitive in the Big 12 because of its recruiting hotbed. But not in 2022. This isn't the same team that made the College Football Playoff a couple of years ago. West Virginia should be favored here.

Agree with FPI? No.

11/25 at Baylor - 17.6%

Dave Aranda and the Bears are set to bounce back after a disappointing 6-7 season. Plus, the home team has won 10 of the 11 meetings between these two.

Agree with FPI? Yes.

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