The Definitive Ranking of West Virginia Football's 2019 Opponents

We're just over 45 days from the start of West Virginia's 2019 Football season, so DVN has the definitive rank of enemy teams in Neal Brown's inaugural season.

Schuyler Callihan | Jul 9, 2019

The Definitive Ranking of West Virginia Football's 2019 Opponents /

The 2019 college football season is just a little over a month away, and the start of a new era in Morgantown will officially begin. After the churn of the 2019 off-season, only one thing is certain -- Neal Brown and his staff will be tested early and often in their first year.

Many college football experts rank the Mountaineers' schedule as the toughest in the Big 12 Conference, and it's easy to see why. West Virginia will play two of its three non-con games against Power Five teams: on the road at Missouri and in Morgantown against NC State. That makes 11 of West Virginia's 12 games against P5 opponents. Only three other schools in Division I Football (Boston College, Purdue and Stanford) have 11 games scheduled versus P5 opponents.

The Mountaineers clearly have their work cut out for them this fall, but who will be the toughest opponents? Here, we give you the definitive ranking of West Virginia's 2019 opponents.

Let's get to it.

No. 12: @Kansas Jayhawks (9/21)

The Kansas Jayhawks will turn to their sixth head coach in ten years with the hiring of former LSU head coach Les Miles. Although Miles certainly appears to be an upgrade from David Beatty, I don't expect much change in Year 1 of the new regime.

To win games in the Big 12, teams typically need the ability to score early and often. This isn't something that's new for most of the conference, but it will be for Miles, who has historically been a pro-style guy. The quarterback competition will be between seasoned vet Carter Stanley and junior college transfer Thomas MacVittie, with no clear leader at the moment. We also found out this week that Pooka Williams will be back in the fold.

I'm sure some of you may be a bit surprised that I have Kansas here instead of nearby James Madison, but let's face it: if the two went head-to-head, the Jayhawks could very well fall to the nuclear FCS powerhouse that is the Dukes, who have two FBS upsets, one national championship, and two College GameDays in the last four years. Looking at the schedule for Kansas, it's just really hard to forecast where the wins could come. KU may struggle to win a league game yet again, and I don't think it will come against the Mountaineers in an empty David Booth Memorial Stadium.

Series History: WVU 7-1

Current Winning Streak: WVU (5)

No. 11: James Madison Dukes (8/31)

Aaaaand there is James Madison clocking in at No. 11. If you're a Dukes fan reading this, don't misunderstood us. West Virginia does not look at you as an easy win. This ranking has nothing to do with Madison and everything to do with the foreboding strength of schedule that the Mountaineers will face this fall.

Like the Jayhawks, JMU is replacing its most recent head coach. Mike Houston went 37-6 during a three-year span as the head coach before taking the job at East Carolina. The new guy roaming the sidelines will be Curt Cignetti, the son of former WVU head coach Frank Cignetti (1976-79).

Former Pitt quarterback Ben DiNucci is the expected starting quarterback for the Dukes and had an up-and-down 2018 with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. With DiNucci's inconsistencies, expect Madison to rely on a dynamic run game, and use the clock to its advantage, to keep the ball away from the Mountaineer offense.

James Madison is no pushover. The Dukes aren't coming to get paid; they're coming to win. They'll be ready to play and will compete for longer than just a half of football.

Series History: WVU leads 2-0

Current Win Streak: WVU (2)

No. 10: @Kansas State Wildcats (11/16)

It feels a little strange to peg Kansas State this low, but they have a lot to overcome in Year 1 under new head coach Chris Klieman. Klieman comes from North Dakota State, where he dominated the FCS, racking up a 67-6 record, a No. 2 NFL Draft Selection and three national titles during his tenure.

A glance at the Wildcats' depth chart reveals a ton of upperclassmen on the offensive side of the ball, including many seniors. The only thing that really stands out, though, is the experience and talent among the offensive line, which may be one of the better units in the Big 12.

Quarterback Skyler Thompson shouldn't have to battle it out to win the starting job; for the first time in his career, Thompson will likely be the full-time starting quarterback. During the last few years, the Wildcats used a two-quarterback system that did not generate much success.

The defense should improve from last year, but I'm not expecting a drastic difference. Safety Denzel Goolsby and defensive lineman Reggie Walker will be a couple of names to watch.

With the game in Manhattan, I would expect a tough battle that really either team could win.

Series History: Kansas State leads 5-4

Current Win Streak: WVU (3)

No. 9: Texas Tech Red Raiders (11/9)

Although the series has been pretty one-sided since the Mountaineers have joined the Big 12, West Virginia and Texas Tech have played some fun games throughout the years.

Texas Tech will continue our theme here of first-year head coaches after the hiring of Matt Wells from Utah State. Former head coach Kliff Kingsbury was fired in the off-season. (Somehow, he is now the head coach of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Go figure.)

Much of the college football media (including myself) really questioned the Wells hire, and it may not have the best of starts. The offense may be in flux for the first few weeks of conference play, and by the time the players and coaches work it all out it, the Red Raiders may have already missed their shot at a bowl game.

Wells, like Kingsbury, is known for his offense, but this offense may not be humming even in early November.

Series History: WVU leads 6-2

Current Win Streak: WVU (5)

No. 8: North Carolina State (9/14)

After a disappointing 2018 campaign, the Wolfpack look to rebuild after losing several key playmakers to the NFL. Quarterback Ryan Finley, running back C.J. Gallaspy and wide receiver Kelvin Harmon are all gone, leaving State's offense with several big-time replacement jobs.

If you checked out of the coaching carousel this offseason, you may not have seen former West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson land a job in Raleigh as Co-Defensive Coordinator. Gibson's relocation makes this matchup really interesting. The plays, signals and tendencies may be different, but the personnel for West Virginia is not. Even though the WVU Offense was pillaged by the NFL, Gibson still knows a lot about what's left on the roster.

Considering the Gibson connections, as well as the rebuilding nature of both teams, this should make for an interesting early-season staredown.

Series History: Tied 5-5

Current Win Streak: North Carolina State (3)

No. 7: @Missouri Tigers (9/7)

One of the most intriguing matchups of our 2019 slate is in Columbia, Missouri.

Fourth-year head coach Barry Odom was able to make one of the biggest splashes in college football's "free agency" with Missouri's addition of former Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant. Not only does Bryant have a unique skill set, but he is a proven winner as well. He may not have the same arm that Drew Lock had a year ago, but his athleticism is on par with the nation's best.

Replacing Lock won't be easy, even with a guy like Kelly Bryant. When the Mountaineers come storming into town, the Tigers could still be working through some early-season kinks. A guy that will likely be a big part of the offense is tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, who checks in at a solid 6'5" 255 lbs and is regarded as one of the top tight end prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Running the ball on Missouri will be a chore, so if the Mountaineers want to have any success moving the ball, they will need the battle in the trenches. Linebacker Cale Garrett is one of the country's best pure tacklers (264 career solo tackles) and former Texas defensive lineman Jordan Elliott could cause problems on the interior.

Series History: Tied 3-3

Current Win Streak: WVU (1)

No. 6: Oklahoma State Cowboys (11/23)

Last year was an abnormal season for the Pokes, finishing 6-6 in the regular season, which was good for their fewest wins in a regular season since they went 4-7 in Mike Gundy's first year. That was 2004!

The Cowboys are poised for a comeback season, but as always, it will rely on the stability at quarterback. Hawaii transfer Dru Brown, as well as the talented redshirt freshman Spencer Sanders, are both expected to compete for the starting gig, and whoever ends up winning that job will be stocked with weapons. Returning are receivers Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner, along with star running back Chubba Hubbard.

On the defensive side, the Cowboys should see a jump in production with the return of linebackers Amen Ogbongbemiga and Calvin Bundage. Veteran corner A.J. Green will be the head of a pretty talented secondary.

In a series that has been mainly dominated by Oklahoma State, expect a hard fought battle even with uncertainty at the quarterback position.

Series History: Oklahoma State leads 6-4

Current Win Streak: Oklahoma State (4)

No. 5: @Baylor Bears (10/31)

Some people around the nation aren't expecting big things from Baylor, but I am not one of those people. I see Matt Rhule's bunch taking a big stride forward in 2019 and contending for a spot in the top half of the Big 12.

Charlie Brewer will enter his third year as the starting quarterback and he's flown under the radar to this point. He could potentially be one of the best quarterbacks in this league and will have no shortage of receivers to spread the ball to. Receivers Denzel Mims and Chris Platt will be a problem to cover, and defenses will need to game-plan for JaMychal Hasty in the run game.

The Bears won't have a daunting defense -- duh -- but with the offensive firepower available, that may not be too big of an issue. In 2019, Baylor could return to form as that classic Big 12 team that wins by outrunning you.

Series History: WVU leads 5-2

Current Win Streak: WVU (3)

No. 4: Iowa State Cyclones (10/12)

Checking in at number four is Iowa State. The Cyclones have been rising since the day Matt Campbell stepped foot in Ames, and that trend will continue in 2019. Excluding last year's mid-October horror show, West Virginia has typically had Iowa State's number, but this series will get tighter the longer Campbell hangs around.

A lot of pressure will be put on the shoulders of young sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy, who will be without star running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Hakeem Butler. A lot of new faces will fill in the offense at the skill positions.

This game will be another tough challenge for the offensive line, which will need to put up with one of the better defensive lines in all of college football. Linebacker Marcel Spears will look to be one of the leaders on that side of the ball and sophomore linebacker Mike Rose is a star in the making. Points will certainly be tough to come by when the Clones come to Morgantown.

Series History: WVU leads 5-2

Current Win Streak: Iowa State (1)

No. 3: @TCU Horned Frogs (11/29)

The second toughest road game in 2019 for the Mountaineers will be their late-season trip to Forth Worth. After going 6-7 in 2016, the Horned Frogs followed that up with a 11-3 record in 2017. Could we be headed for deja vu? Last year, TCU struggled for much of the year, finishing 7-6, and it is highly unlikely a Gary Patterson-coached team stays down two years in a row.

Like Oklahoma State, TCU has a ton of serious weapons at receiver, but enters the season with a bit of quarterback controversy. Former Kansas State quarterback Alex Delton transferred in to add to a competition that already involves Justin Rogers and Michael Collins. If they can settle on one guy and get consistency from him, look out. Receivers Jalen Reagor and Taye Barber may be the toughest duo in the country with their blazing speed. The Frogs also return two of the top running backs in the league with the versatile Darius Anderson and the bruising Sewo Olonilua.

The defensive line will be extremely young, with the exception of senior Ross Blalock, and this battle in the trenches should favor West Virginia. WVU might keep a clean pocket for much of the day, but it will want to stay away from All-Big 12 corner Jeff Gladney.

Series History: Tied 4-4

Current Win Streak: WVU (1)

#2: Texas Longhorns (10/5)

TEXAS IS BACK! Well, they're coming back to Morgantown in early October, anyway. However, the Longhorns may actually be back after returning a ton of pieces from last year's team that reached the Big 12 championship and beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

The Horns' offense is going to be one of the most difficult to stop, and a lot of that has to do with their size at the receiver position. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger will be on a mission to avenge last year's heartbreaking loss to West Virginia. (Y'all know exactly what we're talking about.)

Ehlinger, in my opinion, will be the top quarterback in the league in 2019, and I believe he could eventually find himself in the thick of the Heisman race if all plays out right.

Head Coach Tom Herman returns a very strong secondary with Caden Sterns, Anthony Cook and Brandon Jones hovering over the top, with a couple guys like DeMarvion Overshown and B.J. Foster waiting in the wings.

If the Longhorns want to make a return to the Big 12 championship, the defense will need to make major improvements from a year ago. Having a guy like Ehlinger will make things more comfortable, but championship Big 12 teams make big defensive plays in key moments. That seemed to be the missing piece for the Longhorns in Year 1 of Herman's Horns.

Even with the game on Mountaineer Field, I still see the Texas rematch as the second toughest game on the schedule. Frankly, Texas should be a top-two team in the league. If West Virginia finds a way to pull this one off at home, it would be a huge statement for the future of the Neal Brown era.

Series History: WVU leads 5-3

Current Win Streak: WVU (1)

No. 1: @Oklahoma Sooners (10/19)

Was there any question as to who was going to top this list? I gave Texas some serious thought here, but in the words of D'Angelo Barksdale, "The King Stay the King."

Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley is nearly batting 1.000 at this point in his young head coaching career. In two years, he's won two Big 12 championships, coached two Heisman winners and led the Sooners to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. The crazy thing is that it could all happen again.

Starting on the offensive side of the ball, the Sooners were able to land Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, who announced his intentions of transferring shortly after the national championship loss to Clemson. Hurts is not Baker Mayfield, nor is he Kyler Murray, but he is a winner. He's been in the spotlight before, won big games and led a team to the national championship. It will be interesting to see how he fits into an "Air Raid" style of offense, but he will have plenty of help. Speedy receiver CeeDee Lamb and the reliable Grant Calcaterra headline the recipients of the passing game, but be on the lookout for true freshman Jadon Haselwood. The Sooners always seem to have a stable of backs and they will again this year with Kennedy Brooks, Trey Sermon and T.J. Pledger all returning. Every one of them could start almost anywhere in the country.

The one thing Oklahoma is not known for is a superior defense, but that may change under the new leadership of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, who is coming over from Ohio State. The secondary has a ton of talent that has yet to have been developed, like Tre Norwood, Delarrin Turner-Yell, Jordan Parker and Brendan Radley-Hiles. Defensive lineman Neville Gallimore and Kenneth Mann, along with linebacker Kenneth Murray, are the veterans that will make this thing go... assuming it ever does.

The Mountaineers are looking for their first win against the Sooners since joining the conference. With a new staff, a new quarterback and new playmakers, a win in Norman will be the most difficult task for Neal Brown and his staff to achieve.

Series History: Oklahoma leads 9-2

Current Win Streak: Oklahoma (7)

Published Jul 9, 2019

SCHUYLER CALLIHAN