Penn State Football Needs to Capitalize on West Virginia’s Uncertainty
By Andrew Adair
Penn State Football is rarely directly impacted by the uncertainty of another coach. West Virginia is keeping Neal Brown, a decision that has real implications for the future.
Penn State Football is exceeding expectations and poised to reach a New Years’ Six Bowl for the first time since 2019. While the Nittany Lions are experiencing success, a geographical neighbor is uncertain if they have the right coach.
West Virginia has hired a new Athletic Director in Wren Baker. Baker has decided that Head Coach Neal Brown will still be a part of the Mountaineer program. Neal Brown just finished his fourth season coaching West Virginia. He has yet to record more than six wins in a season after leading Troy University to three straight ten or more-win seasons. All of this comes on the heels of former Head Coach Dan Holgorsen leaving the power five program for Houston after the 2018 season.
In short, the West Virginia Football program has seen better days. In the nature of today’s college football, West Virginia’s turmoil could be Penn State Football’s gain.
Here is how the uncertainty of Neal Brown impacts Penn State Football.
Rivalry Renewed
Just like the firing of Paul Chryst, the decision to keep Neal Brown will have an impact on the field. Penn State Football is scheduled to open the 2023 season with West Virginia visiting Happy Valley. The following year, Penn State Football will travel to Morgantown. This will be the 60th and 61st meeting between the two schools.
As with any coach facing adversity, West Virginia will have a ton of unknowns heading into Happy Valley. There will be a ton of roster movement with recruits and the transfer portal. It will also be difficult for Penn State to scout and prepare for West Virginia with a possible new scheme and personnel.
Penn State Football should have the advantage across the board in talent, experience, and coaching. If West Virginia hits an absolute home run this offseason, the transfer portal could make up for some of the shortcomings. Even if they are able to build their roster up, I would still expect Penn State to have the advantage in Beaver Stadium.