West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept, 27, 2025, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/ William Wotring)

Here are some insider looks at the BYU-Colorado matchups, provided by Daily Herald BYU football beat reporter Brandon Gurney and Spencer Ripchik, who covers West Virginia football for the Dominion Post. Both reporters include their predictions for the final score for Friday’s game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah:

BYU offense vs. West Virginia defense

Gurney: BYU hasn’t exactly set the field on fire with its offense this season, but did show significant strides in the passing game last week versus Colorado. West Virginia’s defense showed significant holes during last week’s blowout loss to Utah, and could be ripe for the picking come Friday night.

Ripchik: West Virginia’s defense didn’t look hot last week, allowing over 500 yards and 48 points on offense to Utah, but that’s been an outlier because WVU’s defense had looked solid in the first four weeks. The defensive line could get to the quarterback, and the secondary held receivers in check. BYU’s offense hasn’t been anything special, so the defense could build some confidence. If the defense looks anything like what it showed against Utah, it doesn’t matter how good the offense is on the other side. BYU takes a slight edge based on how WVU looked against Utah. In a short week, you can only improve so much. Those improvements will make it closer.

Gurney’s Edge: BYU

Ripchik’s Edge: BYU

BYU defense vs. West Virginia offense

Gurney: BYU has been very stout defensively this season, except for a somewhat shocking showing during the first quarter of last week’s 24-21 win over Colorado. The defense managed to settle down from there and gave up just seven points for the final three quarters. West Virginia has proved effective in rushing the football this season and should test BYU’s front as much as any prior opponents so far this season.

Ripchik: BYU’s defense is the best in the Big 12, and West Virginia’s offense has struggled all season. Even with two wins, WVU’s offense hasn’t put together a complete game. WVU’s offense couldn’t even move the ball against Kansas, which is not known for its defense. So, it’ll be a long day against BYU’s defense, especially if starting running back Tye Edwards doesn’t play.

Gurney’s Edge: BYU

Ripchik’s Edge: BYU

Coaching

Gurney: I feel that Cougar offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is coming off one of his finest play-calling games of his career in last week’s win over the Buffaloes.

The adjustments made, along with the timely play-calling, were largely on point throughout, and BYU’s defensive staff remains effective in applying whatever changes are necessary. BYU coaches have expressed a lot of admiration for West Virginia Coach Rich Rodriguez, and it’s entirely reasonable that he’ll implement the necessary changes after last week’s implosion versus the Utes.

Ripchik: Rich Rodriguez is WVU’s offensive coordinator. He’s an offensive pioneer dating back to his time at Salem. Rodriguez’s expertise is the weakest part of the team. The offense can’t score points. There are some drives where the offense clicks, but most of the time, the offense can’t pick up a first down. Rodriguez should adjust after a lackluster performance against Utah and with players returning from injury. WVU defensive coordinator Zac Alley is young and smart. Tackling was a major issue for WVU and something that’s easily fixable. With the offensive inconsistencies, BYU takes the edge for being steadier this season.

Gurney’s Edge: BYU

Ripchik’s Edge: BYU

Intangibles

Gurney: The short week, on top of the ready advantages of the game being played at night at LaVell Edwards Stadium, should prove a significant advantage for the Cougars. Also, West Virginia isn’t exactly just a few miles away from Provo, compounding the two advantages above.

Ripchik: West Virginia is banged up at quarterback and running back. We could see WVU’s third-string QB play on Friday. BYU is without its running back, but WVU is without its starting and potentially backup RB. Then, there’s the distance. It’s a short week and a long flight for WVU. The Mountaineers also have to adjust to the time zone, too.

Gurney’s Edge: BYU

Ripchik’s Edge: BYU

Key Matchup

Gurney: BYU’s front seven versus West Virginia’s formidable and multi-faceted rushing attack is the key matchup in my mind. Again, Colorado exposed the Cougar front last week with coaches scrambling to make adjustments. Those adjustments were made, by and large, but the group will have to show better from the outset this week in order to disrupt what the Mountaineers generally prefer in attacking opposing defenses.

Ripchik: The key matchup will be BYU’s defensive front against a new and banged-up WVU offensive line. Utah’s defensive front prevented the Mountaineers from getting any push up front and made it harder for WVU’s quarterback. BYU’s defensive front is on the same level, and might be even better than Utah’s. It’ll be another long day for WVU’s offensive line.

Gurney’s Edge: BYU

Ripchik’s Edge: BYU

Prediction

Gurney: West Virginia will show better than it did last week versus Utah, but I also believe BYU will make strides from last week’s win versus the Buffaloes. Given last week’s challenges, I feel the Cougars will be better prepared this week, and the advantages lean in their direction across the board. Yes, the Mountaineers should show improvements, but it won’t be enough to provide a close contest.

Ripchik: As you can see, BYU is better in pretty much every area. Add on top of the short week and the long trip for WVU, it’s a steep mountain to overcome. Over the past two weeks, WVU’s offense couldn’t score, which is the essential part of football. There should be some strides toward success, but not enough to get a big-ranked road win.

Gurney: BYU 31 West Virginia 13

Ripchik’s: BYU 31, West Virginia 14