I'm always surprised this time of year by the number of people that complain that there too many bowl games. 

 

Do some mediocre teams end up playing this time of year? Of course. 

 

But I don't care.  Here's why:

 

I like college football. And I like watching WVU play football. 

 

We only get 13 of these days each year (well, maybe 14 next year if WVU is good as it looks it may be). Of the 365 days in a year, we only get to watch a WVU football game on 3.5 percent of them. I look forward to each of those days. 

 

Philosophically, count me in. It's another (and last) chance to watch a WVU football game in 2017. That's my macro view.

 

Now from a micro view ...that becomes a little more complicated. 

 

Yes, West Virginia would like to cap off its season on a high note. Of course a win is preferable to a loss, especially when it’s the last game for nine months. But if I’m being honest, I’m not sure a win or a loss changes much about this season. 

 

This year’s narrative is set. 

 

An offense with some real star power had its up and downs. Loads of highlights, but sprinkled with maddening inconsistency. 

 

A defense that played through injuries and youth at critical positions. Primarily because of those two things, it wasn’t able to live up to the high expectations Tony Gibson has established. 

 

With Will Grier most likely out due to injury and two-time 1,000 yard rusher, Justin Crawford, opting to skip the game, what can you really expect from this offense?

 

Here’s three things I’ll be watching when WVU has the ball:

 

1. How do Kennedy McKoy and Martell Petteway look with an increased workload?

2. Can David Sills pick up 20 yards receiving to pass 1,000 for the season? 

3. Will Ka’Raun White get at least 22 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the season?

 

If Sills and White each get to 1,000 yards receiving, it will be the first time in school history West Virginia will have three receivers with at least 1,000 yards in the same season (Gary Jennings sits at 1,030 yards receiving entering the bowl game). 

 

When Utah has the ball:

 

1. Does the young WVU defensive line continue to show improvement? Which of those guys will make plays against the Utes?

2. Kenny Robinson - the freshman has been a real bright spot for this unit. His future isn’t just bright, its potentially blinding. 

3. David Long - how much different would this unit have been had he played an entire year? He was fantastic after returning from injury. Along with Robinson, Long gives WVU a star to build around for next year. 

 

I know many of you have to work on Tuesday, so make sure you slip on some headphones and turn on your favorite local Metronews radio affiliate or head over to wvmetronews.com. Our award-winning pregame coverage starts at 10 a.m. and will continue with the game broadcast at 1:30 p.m. We’ll wrap everything up with our three hours of postgame coverage beginning at 4:30 p.m. 

 

Whether you’re working or enjoying a day off after Christmas, let’s enjoy one more Mountaineer football game to finish off the 2017 season on Tuesday. I know it will be difficult to stay in the present. To take the game for what it is. 

 

With the announcement of Will Grier and David Sills returns, many of you have turned your attention to next year when West Virginia will open the season against Tennessee. Truth be told ...I'm not far behind. Next year has the chance to be special. But, for Tuesday, I'll watch and enjoy this game without the burden of expectations. 

 

I’ll wait until Wednesday (December 27) to start talking about a Big 12 title (and college football playoff berth) for 2018. Maybe. 

 

Merry  Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Kennedy McKoy who is expected to see an increased work load with Justin Crawford not playing to prepare for the NFL draft, while bottom photo shows Lamont McDougle (49) and Ezekiel Rose (91) celebrating against Iowa State. Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.