Basic Blues Nation Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. West Virginia

It’s finally here! For the first time during the 2023 college football season, it is game day for the Penn State football team. The No. 7 Nittany Lions will host the West Virginia Mountaineers at 7:30 PM tonight in Beaver Stadium. The game will air on NBC as part of the Big Ten Saturday Night premiere for the 2023 season. Penn State is currently listed as a 20.5-point favorite over West Virginia. But before kickoff, let’s see what the Basic Blues Nation staff believes the final score will be tonight. Here are our Week 1 game predictions:

Basic Blues Nation Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. West Virginia

Caroline Bixler (@_supcaroline) – Host, Penn State Roar Room: Penn State 42 – West Virginia 10.

Remember when Drew Allar took the field in primetime at Purdue and looked like a seasoned pro? He’ll be just fine. PSU jumps out to an early lead and doesn’t look back. WVU’s touchdown comes late in the fourth quarter without a starter to be seen.

Morgan Chapman (@BasicBluesPod) – Site Manager: Penn State 38 – West Virginia 6.

Electric is how I would describe the atmosphere for tonight. Penn State feeds off of that electricity and Drew Allar marches the Nittany Lions down the field on his first drive as a starter. The Nittany Lions defense is just too much for West Virginia and TE Theo Johnson goes off with a monster game 6 catches for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Colin Crissey (@ColinPat3) – Contributor: Penn State 38 – West Virginia 13.

I think this game will be more run-heavy than people think. Look for Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen to have big games. Both offensive lines will try to impose their will. But Penn State’s offensive and defensive lines are better. It should be a pretty easy PSU victory.

Mark Gobbie (@TheYinzerLion) – Contributor: Penn State 41 – West Virginia 17.

I think the first half is a bit slow for both teams, as Drew Allar settles in for his first start in front of a huge primetime crowd. The second half sees Penn State pull away and win in an eventual blowout.

Jaret Gold (@JaretGold) – Contributor: Penn State 45 – West Virginia 17.

The first game of the season at Beaver Stadium is always a little extra charged, even though it is usually against a lesser opponent. Reviving a dormant rivalry and kicking off the season at night should create an environment that rivals the White Out.

On paper, WVU isn’t great. The Mountaineers went 5-7 but did have wins over No. 23 Baylor and Oklahoma. They return a couple of important pieces, particularly on the offensive line. The talent, however, just isn’t there to compete with Penn State for more than a half. I think there will be some growing pains for both sides, as is typical in Week 1. That keeps things close for a quarter or maybe even the first half. After that, Penn State’s talent and depth advantage kicks in for a comfortable win in front of an electric environment.

Shane Lunnen (@SJLunnen) – Contributor: Penn State 38 – West Virginia 10.

It might take a bit to get going being the first game, but Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen will take over. The Nittany Lion defense takes care of business.

Surya Maddali (@maddali_surya) – Contributor: Penn State 42 – West Virginia 14.

With perhaps the most challenging environment in all of college football and a primetime matchup, the Nittany Lions should have no problem defeating the Mountaineers. Any Week 1 pain will be put to rest by the rowdy crowd and stellar defense.

Hannah Miller (@hannahhmillerr_) – Contributor: Penn State 42 – West Virginia 17.

I’m also going out on a limb with two other predictions for the night: Kaytron Allen will score the first offensive touchdown, and the Penn State defense will also add a score on the evening.

Pat Sweda (@PatrickSweda) – Social Media Director/Contributor: Penn State 42 – West Virginia 3.

Drew Allar will be able to lean on his running backs and strong defense as Penn State makes easy work of an overmatched West Virginia squad.

Tailgate Talk: Pick Your Plate Gambling Predictions

Tailgate Talk’s gambling segment, Pick Your Plate, is back for season 2! The entire gang feels confident in a Penn State football victory Saturday night, even with breaking in new quarterback Drew Allar. However, there may be a few bumps in the road and it could not be all smooth sailing for the Nittany Lions.

Matt: Penn State (-20.5); over 50 points scored.

Kyle: West Virginia (+20.5); under 50 points scored.

Trent: Penn State (-20.5); under 50 points scored.

The Tailgate Talk crew is also on these picks from around college football:

Matt: Florida State (-2.5); winner – Utah (-6.5).

Kyle: LSU (+2.5); winner – Utah (-6.5).

Trent: Florida State (-2.5); loser – Florida (+6.5).

You can watch the full Penn State-West Virginia pregame show episode here:

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