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West Virginia vs. Youngstown State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the game between the Mountaineers and Penguins at Milan Puskar Stadium.

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West Virginia vs. Youngstown State Game Preview

Bo Pelini’s Penguins opened up their season with a 45-10 victory over Duquesne behind the arm of Ricky Davis, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Youngstown moved to 3-0 all-time against the Dukes. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers opened with a 26-11 win over Missouri in Morgantown behind a gritty effort from Skyler Howard, who played through a rib injury. The ‘Neers also played most of the second half without running back Rushel Shell, who missed most of the second half with cramps. Dana Holgorsen’s squad broke its five-game losing streak to SEC foes in the process. This will be the first-ever meeting between these teams, but Youngstown did give WVU rival Pitt a scare last season.

What To Know About Youngstown State

The Penguins were very strong defensively last season, which pleased Pelini. End Derek Rivers is an elite pass rusher, while the secondary has a lot of experience. The defense allowed a mere 116.7 passing yards per game and a 41.1-percent completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks. The problem is that Youngstown needs a lot of work on offense. In the opener, Tevin McCaster finished with 107 yards on just seven carries with a touchdown, and Martin Ruiz added 89 yards on the ground with a score. But it’s an offense that is thirsting for playmakers to emerge.

What to Know About West Virginia

Howard’s playing through injury is the type of toughness that West Virginia will need all season if it wants to compete in the upper-echelon of the Big 12. He finished 23 of 35 through the air for 235 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in the opener. And his health is of the utmost importance: in the brief time he missed against Mizzou, William Crest lost a fumble and Chris Chugunov threw an interception. A healthy Howard along with the combo of Shell and Justin Crawford give WVU a chance to get up and down the field each week.

Advantages

Offense: West Virginia. Pelini may have a fit or two on the sideline watching his offense.

Defense: Youngstown State. This is one of the few aspects of the team that will make Pelini happy.

Special Teams: West Virginia. The Mountaineers had trouble reaching the end zone after putting together long drives, so kicker Mike Molina was a busy man last week.

Coaching: Even. Pelini arguably should never have been let go at Nebraska.

Intangibles: West Virginia. A win would give the ‘Neers a 2-0 start before a bye week.

Matchup To Watch

Rivers vs. Health of Howard

The Youngstown State end is a legitimate NFL prospect that can make things difficult for the WVU O-Line. And with Howard banged-up a bit, protecting their QB is the Mountaineers’ primary concern when they have the football.

Betting Odds

Spread: No line

Over/Under: No line

West Virginia vs. Youngstown Prediction

The Penguins gave Pitt fits last year and almost stunned the Panthers for the second time in four seasons. However, WVU has a game under its belt against Mizzou, so the ‘Neers have already logged a quality FBS win. The health of Howard bears watching, because WVU needs him on the field. Youngstown State’s defense will keep the Penguins in the game for three quarters, but WVU breaks out offensively in the final frame.

West Virginia vs. Youngstown Score Prediction: WVU 33, Youngstown State 17

MORE: Week 2 College Football Bowl Projections