Against the Number is a community of licensed bookmakers and odds makers, professional sports handicappers, sports writers and sports enthusiasts. Their win total formula is derived by using their unique power rankings and then setting a line for each game. It is actually a very interesting concept. Even though these win totals will be used primarily for betting purposes the fact remains there is legitimacy to the formula used.
ATN released their preseason win totals for the 2015 college football season and many may be shocked to see the predictions for the Mountaineers, especially compared to the remainder of the Big 12. ATN has the Mountaineers predicted at 8 wins in 2015. There are only 3 Big 12 schools with more predicted wins, those are TCU and Baylor (10) and Oklahoma (9).
While I am not here to debate the formula or where the 8 wins will come from there is no doubt the Mountaineers will have their hands full this season. Road games at TCU, Baylor, and Oklahoma have afforded WVU the 29th toughest schedule in the nation according to NCAA Method.
This prediction of 8 wins could also have something to do with the fact that WVU will have the most experienced defense in the Big 12 this coming season based on starts, this according to Max Olson of ESPN.
Here is to hoping ATN knows what they are talking about.
WVU 2015 Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Conference | Location | WVU’s Record Against | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/5 | Georgia Southern Eagles | Sun Belt | Home | 0-0 | N/A |
| 9/12 | Liberty Flames | Big South (FCS) | Home | 1-0 | 9/5/2009 (WVU 33-20) |
| 9/26 | Maryland Terrapins | Big 10 | Home | 27-22-2 | WVU 40-37 |
| 10/3 | Oklahoma Sooners | Big 12 | Away | 2-5 | OU 45-33 |
| 10/10 | Oklahoma State Cowboys | Big 12 | Home | 4-2 | WVU 34-10 |
| 10/17 | Baylor Bears | Big 12 | Away | 2-1 | WVU 41-27 |
| 10/29 | TCU Horned Frogs | Big 12 | Away | 2-2 | TCU 31-30 |
| 11/7 | Texas Tech Red Raiders | Big 12 | Home | 2-2 | WVU 37-34 |
| 11/14 | Texas Longhorns | Big 12 | Home | 3-1 | UT 33-16 |
| 11/21 | Kansas Jayhawks | Big 12 | Away | 3-1 | WVU 33-14 |
| 11/28 | Iowa State Cyclones | Big 12 | Home | 2-1 | WVU 37-24 |
| 12/5 | Kansas State Wildcats | Big 12 | Away | 1-4 | KSU 26-20 |
