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How did the College GameDay crew pick Penn State-West Virginia?

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•09/02/23•

GregPickel

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ESPN broadcasters Desmond Howard, Chris Fowler, Mark Sanchez, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit on the College Gameday set at the 109th Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State hosts West Virginia tonight for the first time since 1991. The Nittany Lions and Mountaineers are meeting for the 60th time. Before kickoff, the ESPN ‘College GameDay’ crew offered their predictions on the matchup, which is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

All but Pat McAfee picked the Lions to beat the Mountaineers. That includes guest picker Darius Rucker.

“I think that Drew Allar is going to be a hell of a quarterback for Penn State, but they won’t cover,” Desmond Howard said.

“Neal Brown is coaching for his job, and Garrett Greene is going to run wild in Happy Valley,” Pat McAfee added.

“Penn State, preseason No. 7, wins on defense and covers,” Lee Corso said.

“This is potentially the coming out party for Drew Allar, but it’s really what’s around him,” Kirk Herbstreit said.

Addtionally, “Stanford Steve” Coughlin, who is new to the show this year, picked Penn State to make the College Football Playoff.

Head coach James Franklin’s team is a 20.5-point favorite for its Week 1 matchup with the Mountaineers.

“When you get into West Virginia, obviously [head coach] Neal Brown, I got a ton of respect for Neal, his background as an offensive coordinator and as a head coach,” Franklin said this week. “Got a lot of respect. Obviously this is a regional game which I think makes sense. I know college football has gotten away from the regional-type games and the regional conferences, but I think it makes sense for both schools from a travel perspective, as well.”

West Virginia coach Neal Brown enters year five in Morgantown. He starts on the hot seat, as many believe that, without a big turnaround, this could be his last season in charge of the Big 12 program.

“This is the best team they’ve had in a long time,” Brown said this week. “They’re extremely talented. As a team, this is a tough opener, not only because of the talent but you’re also going on the road.”

Game time, TV channel, how to watch: PSU vs. West Virginia

Venue: Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.

Kick time: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBC

Stream: Peacock

On the call: Noah Eagle(play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (color commentary), and Kathryn Tapper (sideline reporter).

Penn State radio: Steve Jones, Jack Ham, and Brian Tripp will call the Penn State Sports Network radio broadcast on Saturday. It airs on 99.5 & 103.7 FM/1450 AM locally and at GoPSUSports.com online.

Series facts: As noted above, this is the 60th meeting between the two schools. It is the first since 1992. The Lions are riding a four-game winning streak.

Penn State-West Virginia pregame reading

PSU projected depth charts: Offense | Defense

PSU-West Virginia matchups: Who will have the edge on Saturday?

Five PSU players to watch vs. West Virginia

The ‘S’ Zone – Prepping for Penn State’s big visit weekend

Printable PSU football roster: West Virginia week

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