Seeing the videos and pictures coming from North Carolina, it's easy to see why North Carolina State University made the decision to cancel today's game vs West Virginia. Frankly, I'm surprised at the number of fans that questioned this decision.

 

It was a no-brainer, in my opinion. 

 

There just simply wasn't any good reason to play a football game while so many people, homes and businesses were in the path of Hurricane Florence. From a purely football standpoint, many have asked if having one less game could hurt West Virginia should it be under playoff consideration later this season.

 

We won't know the answer to this for months, of course. But, I say no.

 

If West Virginia is able to navigate through the Big 12 season, beat Oklahoma in back-to-back weeks (last game of the regular season and the Big 12 championship game) to finish 11-0, they will be in the college football playoff. Going undefeated is a big 'if' though. Last year only four power five conference teams  even made it to 8-0 before suffering a loss. No Big 12 teams made it through eight games undefeated last season.

 

Even with a loss, West Virginia could still make a strong case for inclusion. 

 

According to Greg Hunter of the BlueGoldNews.com, West Virginia is one of only 13 college football programs this year who were scheduled to play two power five schools in their non-conference games. Of those 13, only three are currently ranked in the top 15. Clemson, Ohio State and West Virginia. 

 

No school in the SEC is playing two non-conference power fives. Additionally, SEC schools only play eight league games, thus giving each of those schools only nine games against power five schools.

 

Even with the cancellation of the NC State game, WVU will play 10 power five teams this season. And before you say it, Kansas still qualifies as a power five team even though they haven't played like it in years.

 

The old adage holds true ... win and everything else will take care of itself. 

 

High School Football

 

I was fortunate to be on the announcing crew for last night's telecast of Bridgeport versus Fairmont Senior. The game aired regionally on AT&T Sports Network and was streamed at WVMetronews.com.

 

It didn't turn out to be the back and forth affair we've seen from these two programs over the last couple of years, but we saw some really great individual performances in the Polar Bears 45-14 win. Fairmont Senior's quarterback, Connor Neal showed why he is one of the best in the state. Neal was 21-26 for 312 yards and four touchdowns. 

 

Playing without two of its best skill players didn't faze Fairmont Senior at all. Instead, Rhett Heston moved from tight end to running back and went for 96 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

 

Jake Pittman had a big game as well. The Polar Bear's leading receiver had five catches for 120 yards and three touchdowns.

 

If you watched the game, you also couldn't miss big number 54 for Fairmont Senior, Zach Frazier. He anchored both the offensive and defensive lines for Fairmont Senior. Frazier, just a junior, already holds an offer from WVU. There are surely more D1 offers to come in the next few months.

 

For Bridgeport, Jake Bowen lived up to the hype. The senior running back showed his impressive speed with a 73-yard touchdown run in the second half. Bowen finished with 136 yards on 20 carries and showed why he is one of the best backs in the state.

 

If you missed the game, and would like to see it, you can find a full replay by clicking HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: All photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.