East Stroudsburg @ Fairmont Statend in the MEC in Scoring, Total, Passing, Sacks and Turnover Margin.

The weather looks to be a non-factor in this game. Regardless of the weather, Fairmont State should begin the season on the right track with an easy win.

Fairmont State 42, East Stroudsburg 18



UVA-Wise @ Glenville StateWV Wesleyan @ Concord

7:00
Callaghan Stadium, Athens, WV
2016 Records: WV Wesleyan 4-7, Concord 2-9
Recent Meetings: 2016, Concord 20-17
2015, Concord 59-17
2014, Concord 61-12
2013, Concord 49-21

If history was giving us clues, WV Wesleyan is due for a win. The Bobcats travel to Concord University. The Mountain Lions won the previous four contests, but the margin of victory dropped considerably. WV Wesleyan has a tough job ahead of them though. Despite losing in several of these games, the Concord Mountain Lion defense proved to be a formidable foe, holding Notre Dame to 14 points, Shepherd 21, Glenville State 19 and UNC Pembroke 19 in four of their final five games.

The trouble for both teams is the turnover from last year to the current season. Perhaps the biggest loss is WV Wesleyan running back Michael Anderson. He rushed for over 1,400 yards with 14 all-purpose touchdowns. Anderson led the team in receptions as well. Aside from Anderson, QB Ryan Deal lost his top three receivers. UVA-Wise and Notre Dame proved that quick turnarounds in a positive direction can happen, both head coaches have their work cut out for them.

A low-scoring defensive battle as each team tries to find its offensive identity.

WV Wesleyan 16, Concord 13



Urbana @ West Libertyth in First Downs and 11th in Time of Possession.

West Liberty has a lot of question marks themselves. But they have the home crowd behind them (literally), and they squeak out a win to open the season.

West Liberty 25, Urbana 21


Saturday, September 2, 2017


Notre Dame @ ShepherdCharleston @ WV State

12:00
Lakin Field at Dickerson Stadium, Institute, WV
2016 Records: Charleston 3-8, WV State 3-8
Recent Meetings: 2016, Charleston 26-7
2015, Charleston 34-13
2014, Charleston 28-10
2013, Charleston 31-9

The Golden Eagles get their shortest trip out of the way in Week 1 as they travel 12 miles over to Institute, WV to battle West Virginia State. Awaiting Charleston is Yellow Jackets first-year head coach John Pennington; elevated from his previous position of Offensive Coordinator.

The Yellow Jackets went into the 2016 season optimistic following a 5-6 record during which sophomore quarterback Matt Kinnick averaged 280 yards per game with 20 touchdown passes. Injuries plagued Kinnick and WV State struggled to build on its ascension.

Charleston had an extremely disappointing 2016 season. Coming off of a banner year when they made playoffs, the Golden Eagles experienced quite the slide backwards finishing 3-8. Their offense ranked near the bottom in Scoring, Total, Passing, 1st Downs, 3rd