1st game in new league

[Beyond the Bets]

Stats from 2004 (the year the ACC raided the Big East):

Teams playing in a new league are 6-15 ATS in their first conference game. Grey Matter Stats, I think, is looking up numbers for how teams perform overall in their first year in a new league. (Note: New teams playing first league game against each other - think USF vs. Louisville in Big East - weren't included.)

Among the teams joining new leagues in 2012: West Virginia, TCU, Texas A&M, Missouri and Temple.

[keb46]

What does anyone think of WVU in the Big 12 this year? Watched a lot of Big East last year and they weren't overly impressive. I usually think bowl games are overrated when it comes to figuring out the success of that team the following year. Their over/under is 8.5.

What are we supposed to look more to:
They scored 70 points in the Orange Bowl vs Clemson and return just about every offensive weapon with another year under Holgorson...or
They scored a total of 75 points in their last three big East games while winning those 3 games by a combined 7 points. Also loose their best corner, linebacker, and pass rusher.

Think of it like this. Last game of the season, BJ Daniels holds onto the ball towards the end of the game, USF kicks the game winning FG, WVU goes 4-3 in Big East, plays in obscure bowl game, and their 2012 over/under is now what? 7.5-8?

[Beyond the Bets]

Well, in terms of wins/losses, West Virginia is CLEARLY better than the following five teams on their schedule:

Marshall
James Madison
Maryland
Iowa State
Kansas

So, that should be five wins. They get Baylor at home, so that's six wins and bowl eligibility. To me, the three-week stretch in early November - vs. TCU, at Oklahoma St, vs. Oklahoma - will decide their season. Win two of three and they could reach 10 wins.

WVU has a fairly easy schedule for its first year in a new league. Only four road games.