Impressive Win Propels WVU to Best ESPN FPI Ranking All Season

A week after suffering a drop while off, WVU experiences a major spike on the ESPN FPI following a dominating performance in a win on the road against Oklahoma State. The Mountaineers have climbed all the way to the No. 33 spot, which is their best placement of the season.

After opening the year at No. 35, West Virginia has endured a roller coaster ride that included falling all the way to No. 51 last week despite being on a bye. While the ESPN’s Football Power Index doesn’t actually matter, it’s still note worthy and shows how much the perception of the 2024 Mountaineers has changed each week.

But what does matter is West Virginia’s record and standing in the conference. WVU is 3-2 overall, but currently unbeaten in Big 12 play at 2-0.

West Virginia is one of only five remaining unbeaten teams in Big 12 play.

They also play one of the others next and don’t play two of the others at all during the regular season. https://t.co/hv30bvhLOY

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 6, 2024

In an interesting development, WVU is slotted right behind their Backyard Brawl rival. Despite now being ranked by via the Associated Press and Coaches Poll, Pitt is only at No. 32 on the ESPN FPI. West Virginia squandered a 10-point lead to Pitt in the final minutes of their matchup this season.

WVU will now return home for a showdown with Iowa State. The Mountaineers and Cyclones are set to kickoff at 8 pm ET on Oct. 12. WVU will debut their new Coal Rush uniform under the Milan Puskar Stadium lights.

The Saturday night atmosphere will also serve as the backdrop to Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht’s father Anthony being honored. Former Mountaineer Anthony Becht was unable to attend his induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame and will be honored when his son is in town.

For a related story, WVU head coach Neal Brown creates visual to make sure team never forgets their approach to the schedule.