Penn State football week one opponent labeled as ‘criminally underrated’ by national analyst

The Penn State football team is now just a short few weeks away from opening the 2024 season. The Nittany Lions will make the trip to Morgantown, WV to take on West Virginia. A team that Penn State took care of last season. But after the rapid turnaround in 2023, the Mountaineers are a team with plenty of momentum heading into this season. PFF College has described them as an ‘underrated’ team.

We are just three weeks away from the opening kickoff between West Virginia and Penn State football. But this isn’t the same Mountaineer team that the Nittany Lions faced during the 2023 season. Entering last season, there was speculation in regards to Neal Bown’s future. But after a 9-4 record that was capped off by Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over North Carolina Brown has plenty of job security.

On Wednesday, Max Chadwick of PFF College provided his take on West Virginia entering the 2024 season.

“I think West Virginia is criminally, criminally underrated right now.”

Don’t sleep on West Virginia👀 pic.twitter.com/Xgjy0uV9oq

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 7, 2024

Led by a veteran quarterback

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Truly, the difference maker for West Virginia last season was that they found their quarterback. Garrett Greene stepped into Happy Valley and played well considering the outcome. He opened the 2023 on the road in Happy Valley where he completed 16 of 27 passes for 167 yards. He also rushed for 71 yards and ran in a score on the ground.

Greene finished the 2023 season accounting for 2406 passing yards and threw for 16 touchdowns against four interceptions. He also rushed for 772 yards and 13 touchdowns.

When the Nittany Lions faced Greene last season he was growing into his starting role. Now, he has confidence and poise and gets a chance of revenge against the Nittany Lions in his home stadium. Kickoff is set for August 31 and will be featured on Big Noon Kickoff on FOX.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation! Please follow us on all of our social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media.