Score Predictions for West Virginia at TCU

Our staff picks this week's game between the Mountaineers and Horned Frogs.

Schuyler Callihan: TCU 26, West Virginia 16

Yes, TCU's pass defense hasn't looked great on paper, but much of that damage occurred in the season-opening loss to Colorado. I haven't seen enough from the passing game (more so the receivers) to believe WVU can go on the road and win against a top-four team in the league, regardless of who is at quarterback.

The defense plays well once again, but they get no help from the offense. West Virginia rides into the bye week 3-2 (1-1) and still feels pretty good about where they're at nearly midway through the season.

Christopher Hall: TCU 27, West Virginia 16 

TCU has one of the top offenses in the country, sitting just outside the top 10 at number 11 in total offense, averaging 501 yards per game, including a strong rushing attack behind the Big 12 rushing leader in Emani Bailey. 

By the numbers, the Horned Frogs have one of the better rush defenses in the conference, ranking second, allowing 85 yards per game, and may have resulted in one of the worst pass defenses in the league, allowing a league-worst 295.5 ypg through the air but lead the conference in sacks with 16. 

West Virginia has not found a rhythm in the passing game and the rushing attack has not lived up to its expectations, despite averaging 189.5 ypg. 

Defensively, the Mountaineers have played solidly and allowed an average of 12 points per game over their three-game winning streak. 

If West Virginia can find a complimentary passing game to help open up the running game or if the Mountaineers can get explosive plays out of the backfield, WVU can go and get a conference road win. However, they have yet to show they can be consistently competent through the air and I suspect some quick three-and-outs in the latter stages of the third quarter will drain the defense and TCU will begin to separate from West Virginia. Tough game throughout but TCU gets the edge 27-16.

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