The West Virginia Mountaineers are looking to rebound after a 7-6 season as they host the Georgia Southern Eagles for the start of the 2015 season.
How to watch Georgia Southern vs. West Virginia on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
The Eagles are hoping to prove a point despite missing their starting QB.
The Sun Belt champs have back their biggest rushing threat in Matt Breida, who helped lead the team to claiming the most rushing yards per game in the entire FBS last season. The Mountaineers strength is similarly their run game, with the return of Rushel Shell and Wendell Smallwood, who combined for 1,510 rushing yards in 2014.
Both teams will try to avoid the trap of focusing on the rush attack only to be burned down field. The Eagles have a very stable receiving corp, with leader B.J. Johnson who caught 23 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns last season. The big question is whether backup quarterback Favian Upshaw can utilize the deep threat.
The Mountaineers have a very seasoned secondary ready to stop the Eagles passing game with safety Karl Joseph and cornerback Daryl Worley. Combined with the All-Conference talent on the defensive line, including Nick Kwiatkoski, WVU's favored by as many as 19.5 points.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net (Root Sports locally)
Radio: Georgia Southern, West Virginia
Online streaming: FOX Sports GO
Three big things to know
1. Georgia Southern is missing a QB
The Eagles lost their starting quarterback Kevin Ellison due to academic reasons for the first two games of the season. Fortunately, the team ran a two-quarterback system last year giving backup Favian Upshaw game situation experience, in which he excelled.
2. WVU needs momentum
The Mountaineers fell to TCU in 2014, leading to system collapse that resulted in missing a chance at the Big 12 title and a 7-6 season. They need to start strong in order to repair their strong reputation.
3. Home-field advantage
West Virginia is one of the most tested away venues in college football. Two of the three games Georgia Southern lost last season were on the road, and this environment might prove too much for them to overcome.
Further reading
You can read more about West Virginia at The Smoking Musket and Georgia Southern at Underdog Dynasty.
See More:
