The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and West Virginia Mountaineers meet Saturday in college football action at Milan Puskar Stadium. Here’s a West Virginia vs Coastal Carolina Prediction. This article will include a West Virginia vs Coastal Carolina Pick.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Betting Preview
Coastal Carolina has made a bowl appearance in six straight years and now begins the Ryan Beard era. Coastal Carolina has won five or more games in each of its last eight years.
Missouri State transfer Deuce Bailey will have his chances to get the nod at quarterback, while Nick Petrino takes over as offensive coordinator. The offensive line has question marks, but running back Dominic Knicely and wide receiver Robby Washington are productive returning skill position players. L.D. Scott takes over as defensive coordinator and brings his 4-3 scheme. Coastal Carolina should be strong at linebacker, and Marcellius Pulliam comes in from Michigan State. New coaching staff and a lot of new faces, but Coastal Carolina has had success since transferring to the FBS, so I wouldn’t doubt this program just yet.
West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Preview
West Virginia won four games last season and enters the second season under Rich Rodriguez. West Virginia hasn’t missed a bowl appearance in two straight seasons since 1992.
Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr. gets the nod at quarterback and brings 6 career touchdown passes with him. Running back Cam Cook comes over from Jacksonville State after rushing for 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. With just those two players, this WVU offense has legit explosive potential. Defensively, West Virginia lost a lot of production, but WKU transfer Harper Holloman and Coastal Carolina transfer Zeke Durham-Campbell are difference makers. West Virginia has a lot of new players, and there’s going to be an adjustment period. However, it’s fair to say West Virginia is more talented than it was a season ago, so I expect a push for a bowl trip.
Why the West Virginia Mountaineers will win
- West Virginia has won 25 of its last 26 games against non-conference opponents at Milan Puskar Stadium.
- Coastal Carolina has lost each of its last four games.
- Coastal Carolina has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents.
- West Virginia has covered the spread in six of its last seven season openers as a favorite.
- West Virginia has won the first quarter in 22 of its last 26 September games at Milan Puskar Stadium.
- West Virginia has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 home games in September.
Why the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers will win
- West Virginia has lost five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Coastal Carolina has won 16 of its last 21 games in September.
- Coastal Carolina has covered the spread in five of its last six season openers.
- West Virginia has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four home openers.
- The road team has won the first quarter in four of West Virginia’s last five games.
- West Virginia has lost the first half five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of West Virginia’s last eight season openers as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of Coastal Carolina’s last seven games have gone OVER the total points line.
West Virginia Mountaineers Player Prop Facts
- Cam Cook ranked 1st amongst FBS players for rushing yards (1659) last season.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Player Prop Facts
- Tristian Gardner ranked T5th in Conference USA for receiving touchdowns (6) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- West Virginia ranked 134th among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage last season (29.8).
- West Virginia ranked 133rd among FBS teams for time of possession per game last season (26:34).
- Coastal Carolina suffered the most road losses by a margin of 40+ points of any FBS team last season (3).
- Coastal Carolina ranked 132nd among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game last season (9.5).
West Virginia vs Coastal Carolina Prediction
West Virginia has the skill advantage, but these are two teams breaking in a lot of new players, and it should take time to adjust. Coastal Carolina is a well-coached team that should be ready to compete and has had all offseason to put together a solid game plan. West Virginia should win off of talent alone, but Coastal Carolina should hang around and put up a fight. I’ll grab the free touchdowns with the Chanticleers.