Rich Rodriguez was never going to flip things overnight in Morgantown, but expectations for the West Virginia offense were still higher than what we’ve seen so far.
The Mountaineers will look to find some rhythm tonight, but it won’t come easily as 18.5-point underdogs against an unbeaten BYU squad.
Here are my West Virginia vs. BYU predictions and college football picks for this Big 12 showdown on Friday, October 3.
Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET from LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, with the game airing on ESPN.
West Virginia vs BYU prediction
West Virginia vs BYU best bet: Bear Bachmeier Over 195.5 passing yards (-114)
Rich Rodriguez’s patented high-tempo offense has been nowhere to be seen in his return to the West Virginia Mountaineers.
And while I’m not sure this Mountaineers offense gets going in a hostile environment under the lights on Friday night in Provo, that might not be the only problem for West Virginia in this matchup.
Kalani Sitake has the BYU Cougars off to another great start, sitting at 4-0 heading into this game, something many thought unlikely after quarterback Jake Retzlaff was suspended from the team before transferring to Tulane.
However, freshman Bear Bachmeier has stepped in and been everything the Cougars have needed this season. He's thrown for 697 yards while completing 68% & of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions, which is just as important. In three games against FBS opponents, he's averaging 200 passing yards per game.
This week, he’ll face a West Virginia team that ranks 78th in defensive success rate on dropbacks and 97th in opponent yards per attempt.
Back to that struggling Mountaineers offense: West Virginia ranks 105th in offensive success rate and 129th in quality drive rate. That means the Mountaineers are not extending drives and giving opponents more possessions and opportunities to rack up passing yards. That's what Bachmeier will do Friday night.
West Virginia vs BYU same-game parlay
Bachmeier has also been a threat on the ground for the Cougars, rushing for 163 yards through four games.
He's been BYU’s preferred option once they get into the red zone and has found the end zone four times already this season. Let’s take Bachmeier to score once again, this time against a West Virginia team that ranks 70th in EPA/rush.
Still, I like Bachmeier to toss a couple of scores through the air. One of his favorite targets has become tight end Carson Ryan, who's caught 12 balls for 192 yards and two scores this season. Let’s back Ryan to get No. 3 in this matchup.
West Virginia vs BYU 3-leg SGP (+542)
- Bear Bachmeier Over 195.5 passing yards
- Bear Bachmeier anytime touchdown
- Carsen Ryan anytime touchdown
Our deep-ball SGP: Go big with BYU
BYU started using LJ Martin more out of the backfield in the passing game last week, catching four balls for 36 yards, and has gone Over this number twice this season.
West Virginia vs BYU 4-leg SGP (+1006)
- Bear Bachmeier Over 195.5 passing yards
- Bear Bachmeier anytime touchdown
- Carsen Ryan anytime touchdown
- LJ Martin Over 9.5 receiving yards
West Virginia vs BYU game predictions
West Virginia vs BYU moneyline prediction
BYU is winning this football game.
West Virginia's offense is a mess, ranking 105th in offensive success rate, and a rowdy crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium won't make things any easier.
West Virginia vs BYU spread prediction
While I'm confident in the Cougars coming away with the win, the number of 18.5 is enough to keep me away from the spread.
BYU is the better team and at home, but this game screams backdoor cover. I think BYU wins by 14-17 points.
West Virginia vs BYU Over/Under prediction
I like the Under. Just to let you know again, the Mountaineers have had trouble scoring.
In their three losses, they've scored a combined 34 points, and I don't think they can muster enough offense to send this game Over the total.
West Virginia vs BYU odds
- Spread: West Virginia +18.5 (-110) | BYU -18.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: West Virginia +860 | BYU -1600
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
West Virginia vs BYU trend to know
The Under is 4-1 in West Virginia's five games this season. Find more college football betting trends for West Virginia vs BYU.
How to watch West Virginia vs BYU
| Location | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT |
| Date | Friday, October 3, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
West Virginia vs BYU latest injuries
West Virginia vs BYU weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
