West Virginia’s recent slide has made confidence in the Mountaineers a tough sell, but Phil Steele isn’t backing away from the game itself.
The college football analyst, who has continued to stick with West Virginia despite three straight losses, joined the In the Gun Podcast on Monday to size up the Mountaineers’ matchup with Cincinnati. His read centered on one thing: points, and plenty of them.
Steele pointed to the weather as one reason he was leaning toward the over, but the real case came down to the way both teams can run the ball and stress a defense. He warned that long, grinding drives could be dangerous for either side, while also noting how quickly the game could open up if defenses start crowding the line.
“One of the things I was doing yesterday was checking the weather in West Virginia. And the reason I check the weather in games, I’m thinking of using the over.
And the weather looks good. The only concern I have here is you have two teams who can dominate on the ground, and if somebody goes on a 13-play, 8-minute drive and scores a touchdown, you’re in trouble.
But if you’re ripping off seven, eight yards a run, which I think can happen here on both sides of the football, then all of a sudden, you get that wide-open touchdown pass because you’re overplaying and stacking the box to stop the run, and then this game easily goes over the total. Watching this West Virginia defense over these last three weeks, I think it’s tough for them to hold anybody under 30 points in a game.
The total is just 62.5, and Cincinnati is vulnerable as well. I think Cincinnati’s offense will move the ball and move the ball consistently.
West Virginia…there’s nothing wrong with that offense. I mean, Cam Cook, he’s one of the nation’s top rushers.
Michael Hawkins has looked great at quarterback. These guys can put points up on anybody.
I like over in this game. You tell me who's going to win this game.
I've been picking West Virginia these last three weeks, and they've disappointed me. I still like the talent, and I still like the offense.
I just think there's going to be a lot of points in this game."
West Virginia’s defense has been the biggest problem during the skid, and Steele made it clear he does not expect that unit to suddenly clamp down now. He said he has a hard time seeing the Mountaineers holding anyone below 30 points based on what he’s seen over the last three weeks.
The current total for the game is 63.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook, a number that still might not be enough if the teams trade scoring chances the way Steele expects. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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