West Virginia fans may not have a game to recap this week, but there’s still plenty to be excited about as the Mountaineers move forward in this unpredictable season.
Let’s be clear: West Virginia has *a lot* of work to do before anyone can seriously consider them Big 12 championship contenders. But, to be fair, the same can be said for every other team in the conference. The league has proven to be a wild ride so far, and if you don’t bring your A-game, anyone can knock you down.
Take this past weekend, for example. Arizona, a team that hadn’t looked particularly impressive, went on the road and upset preseason favorite Utah by two scores. Oklahoma State, which many had pegged as the second-best team in the Big 12, dropped its second consecutive game, falling to 0-2 in conference play for the first time since 2005. The Cowboys were dismantled by Kansas State, losing 42-20, with their passing game struggling and star running back Ollie Gordon II unable to replicate last year’s success.
Then there’s UCF and Kansas—two preseason dark horses. UCF fumbled opportunities early, letting their game slip away. And if you’ve followed any of my shows, you know I’ve been skeptical of the UCF hype for months. As for Kansas, it’s shocking to see them at 1-4. The biggest surprise, though, has to be BYU, a team many expected to finish in the bottom five of the Big 12. Yet here they are, undefeated and ranked in the top 25.
What Does This Mean for West Virginia?
The Big 12 is chaotic, and though West Virginia’s win over Kansas wasn’t pretty, they found a way to get it done. In this league, it’s all about surviving and advancing week by week. The Mountaineers are in the midst of a challenging stretch of games, but they can’t afford to look past Oklahoma State. Sure, the Cowboys are struggling, but do you know the last time they lost three straight? 2014. Nearly a decade ago. This can’t be their “get-right” game. WVU needs to show growth as a program and pull off a tough win on the road.
If they manage to beat Oklahoma State, they’ll position themselves as a team worth talking about in the Big 12. But then, Iowa State and Kansas State await—both home games, which works in West Virginia’s favor. If WVU can go 2-1 or better in the next three games, they’ll be in the mix. And in a league as wild and unpredictable as the Big 12, that’s all you can ask for.
Reasons for Optimism
On the offensive side, WVU hasn’t played its best ball yet, especially quarterback Garrett Greene. The first month of the season was packed with pressure-filled moments—from trying to shock Penn State to the high-stakes Backyard Brawl. Greene and the offense needed some time to catch their breath, and now, after the break, they have a chance to regroup. If Greene can return to his 2023 form, look out. The running back duo of Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson has been solid but hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season. There’s more potential there. As for the receivers, there have been flashes, but WVU needs two reliable pass-catchers to emerge. Hudson Clement may be halfway there if his recent performances are a sign of things to come.
Defensively, it’s been rough at times—*really* rough. But there’s hope. A recent adjustment, with defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley moving up to the box, could lead to improved results. The players still need to tackle better, take smarter angles, and play the ball better in the air, but Lesley’s new vantage point could help get them in position to make more plays. Last week against Kansas, WVU’s pass defense showed some improvement. While Kansas isn’t known for its passing attack, any progress is welcome.
The Mountaineers also have a strong pass rush working in their favor. Coming into the weekend, only four teams in college football had generated more quarterback pressures than West Virginia. If the secondary can provide even average production, that level of pressure could make a huge difference.
The next four weeks will be crucial in shaping West Virginia’s 2024 season. Buckle up—things are about to get interesting.
