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West Virginia University's upcoming football season is one of unknowns. And fans are curious.
Season ticket sales are at 31,400 - 2,500 ahead of last year's pace. The home games against East Carolina University, Virginia Tech and the University of Louisville are sold out, and Associate Athletic Director Mike Parsons said he expects the Thanksgiving matchup against the University of Pittsburgh to sell out, as well.
Unlike last year, when WVU was a preseason favorite to win the Big East Conference, the Mountaineers are not in the spotlight. That could be an advantage.
"I think our coaches would certainly say that," Parsons said. "And I think that's why tickets are selling so well - because the fans are curious."
The Big East Conference as a whole also faces questions. After the University of Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College left for the Atlantic Coast Conference and Louisville, the University of Cincinnati and the University of South Florida came in, media analysts are waiting to cast judgment about the new alignment.
Wins within and outside the conference are important, Parsons said, and WVU is working to strengthen its non-conference schedule. A two-game series with Mississippi State begins next year. This...