Carpenter’s Crunch Time Column: A WVU win and time for the Bucs to rest

Duane Carpenter
September 23, 2022

BUCKHANNON – Well, that was a lot of fun last night watching WVU crush Virginia Tech.

And yes, I know Virginia Tech isn’t a world beater this year, but I don’t care, going into Lane Stadium and getting a win like that is huge for West Virginia. It will certainly take a little heat off of Neal Brown, at least for a week.

No Buckhannon-Upshur football game tonight gives me a rare Friday night off I am going to enjoy. The Bucs deserve a break as they had a few players go down against John Marshall last Friday night. It still looks great to see the Bucs ranked in the top 20 and possibly eyeing a playoff berth this year. With six games left at 2-2, they certainly have some winnable games remaining on their schedule.

As far as our little contest goes, Brian Bergstrom is taking great pride in his lead, which got bigger last week.

I went 3-2 last week while he was a perfect 5-0. He has now opened up a three-game lead on me with a 17-3 record while I own a 14-6 mark. I hope he enjoys it because it won’t last.

Now onto our games this week.

As we picked the WVU-Va. Tech earlier in the week, Brian got it right going with the Mountaineers.

I said Virginia Tech, 34-31 as Brian picked up another game on me saying WVU, 24-10.

Robert C. Byrd (2-2) at Bridgeport (3-1)

The big game of the year in Harrison County. Bridgeport has dominated the series over the last 10 years or so. The Eagles are down a little this year from where they are use to being and I don’t think they can challenge the Indians tonight. My pick: Bridgeport, 41-14; Brian’s pick: Bridgeport, 35-17.

Philip Barbour (2-2) at Elkins (0-4)

In the competitive Class AA field, Philip Barbour is sitting at No. 17. A win over Elkins won’t get them any bonus points, but it would get them into that all important top 16 playoff spot with five games remaining. Considering the rebuild they have been going through the last few years, the Colts I am sure will take it. My pick: Philip Barbour 34-7; Brian’s pick: Philip Barbour, 16-6.

University (2-2) at Fairmont Senior (3-1)

Fairmont Senior will look to rebound from their disappointing loss to Bridgeport last Thursday. University has been a hard team to figure out this year. I think this will be a close game but I see the Polar Bears pulling it out. My pick: Fairmont Senior, 28-24; Brian’s pick: Fairmont Senior 28-14.

West Virginia Wesleyan (0-3) at West Liberty (2-1)

I said last week that coach Martin had the Bobcats trending in the right direction this season. Although they didn’t get the win against Concord last week, I think they have to be encouraged with their play. Wesleyan will get a win this year, count on it, just not sure it will be on the road against West Liberty. My pick: West Liberty, 34-24; Brian’s pick: West Liberty, 33-28.