Albany Great Danes vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Following a disappointing defeat to Penn State, West Virginia will attempt to gain momentum as they welcome FCS opponent Albany to Morgantown, W.Va. on Saturday evening.

The Mountaineers (0-1) surrendered 457 yards of offense to No. 8 Penn State last week, converted only one of four red-zone opportunities, and committed three turnovers in a 34-12 loss.

"Our season is still ahead of us," stated West Virginia coach Neal Brown on Monday. "There have been many successful West Virginia teams that have been defeated by Penn State in the past and have bounced back to have exceptional seasons. There is no reason why this team cannot do the same."

West Virginia has a perfect 24-0 record against FCS opponents since 1978. Albany has a 1-8 record against FBS foes, with their sole victory coming against Buffalo in 2016.

The Great Danes (1-0) triumphed over Long Island University 27-21 in their season opener after trailing in the second half. Sophomore quarterback Myles Burkett connected with Seven McGee for a 75-yard touchdown pass, and defensive lineman Jack Iuliano returned a Sharks fumble 20 yards for a score.

"I don't believe we played our best tonight, but the important thing is that we fought through and won the game," said Albany coach Greg Gattuso after the game. "I thought we stepped up in crucial moments and made big plays when we needed them."

Albany shared the CAA title last year and made it to the FCS playoff semifinals, but lost many key players to the transfer portal or graduation. The Great Danes' offense relies on running back Griffin Woodell and a talented offensive line.

Woodell rushed for 85 yards against the Sharks and was named the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 after scoring 12 touchdowns.

Albany is currently ranked No. 16 in the FCS Top 25 and was predicted to finish third in the CAA this season.

"They are a formidable football team," acknowledged Brown. "This is the strongest FCS program we have faced since our first game in 2019 against James Madison."

West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene threw for 161 yards against Penn State, connecting with eight different receivers, but the Mountaineers were held to under 100 yards rushing.

Mountaineers redshirt freshman linebacker Josiah Trotter, son of NFL All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, recorded 10 tackles in the loss and broke up a pass.

The Albany game falls between two major rivalry games for West Virginia. Next week, the Mountaineers will travel to Pitt for the "Backyard Brawl".

PREDICTION

Albany Great Danes

West Virginia Mountaineers