Big 12
WVU to Log Most Overall Travel Miles in Big 12 in 2024
Despite the changes to the Big 12, there’s one aspect of the conference that remains the same for WVU – travel concerns. In fact, 2024 will be another season West Virginia has to log the most travel miles of any Big 12 team.
Based on data produced by Bookies.com, the Mountaineers will travel 11,137.58 miles in total throughout the 2024 season. This will be the most by far, with WVU one of only two programs over 10,000. Arizona State is expected to go 10,025.68.
West Virginia’s longest trip will be going 2,054.0 miles from Morgantown to Tucson, Ariz. to face the Wildcats. WVU’s trip average is clocked at 2,227.52.
But even though Neal Brown’s team will have to endure the longest travel, WVU will only experience 10 going through timezones compared to Arizona State’s 20, 16 by Arizona and 12 for Kansas State.
Regardless of the travel concerns, WVU fans are expecting big things this year. After a nine-win 2023, fans believe West Virginia can contend for a Big 12 title.
However, WVU’s place in the preseason Big 12 media poll suggests those predicting national contender status and a Big 12 title are in the minority.
Where Does WVU Football Fall on Big 12 Media Preseason Poll?
Despite the increased expectations from fans and the surprise success of 2023, the ESPN FPI is projecting WVU to struggle to even reach bowl eligibility. Major sportsbooks also have West Virginia’s over/under win total only set at 6.5 and view the Mountaineers as a heavy underdog in their season opening game to Penn State.
Fans may argue the Mountaineers are being disrespected by some while others may feel talk of winning a conference title is premature, but one thing is certain – Brown and the rest of the coaching staff prefer to be the underdog. However, any of the low projections are interesting, taking into account most of the key players are returning and the schedule is arguably similar to last year.
For a related story, WV Sports Now broke down each WVU football game for the 2024 season.
