Score Predictions for West Virginia vs. Texas Tech

Our staff makes their picks for this week's game.

The West Virginia Mountaineers (2-1) host the Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-2) in the Big 12 Conference opener Saturday afternoon at 3:30 and streaming on ESPN+. 

Schuyler Callihan: Texas Tech 30, West Virginia 20

It looks like redshirt freshman Nicco Marchiol will be the starting quarterback for this week's game against Texas Tech. He did a good job of managing the game, helping the Mountaineers to a win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl but it's a big ask for a young quarterback making his first collegiate start to keep up with Tech. Even if Greene plays, I don't think it makes a difference. 

Texas Tech is still a really good football team that will be a factor in the Big 12 picture. The loss to Wyoming on the road doesn't look good, but that's a tough place to play your season opener. And there's no shame in losing a hard-fought game to Oregon at home. Tech keeps their streak alive, making it five straight over Neal Brown and WVU.

Christopher Hall: West Virginia 30, Texas Tech 28

The biggest question coming into this game is, can West Virginia's pass rush cause enough disruption to neutralize Big 12 conference's leading passer Tyler Shough?

Texas Tech has allowed a Big 12 worst seven sacks this season, and even though the Mountaineer defense amped up its pressure last week against Pitt, the Red Raiders can offset it with quick passes. 

West Virginia can apply pressure to the Texas Tech offense by winning the time of possession behind a physical rushing attack but will have to capitalize with touchdowns. 

Nicco Marchiol will likely be the starting quarterback for an injured Garrett Greene and showed his accuracy in limited passing opportunities in the win over Pitt last week. I suspect Marchiol will have a bigger play call sheet than head coach Neal Brown is letting on.

This game has become a toss-up after I picked the Red Raiders to win the game in the preseason. However, I think the Mountaineers can win the time of possession and take advantage of an offensive line still trying to gel and pull out a 30-28 victory. 

and the pass rush probably won't get home

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on X:

Facebook - @MountaineersNow

X - @MountaineersNow and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_ and Christopher Hall @WVHallBilly