Iowa State head football coach Matt Campbell shared his thoughts on the upcoming matchup with West Virginia during his weekly press conference. He praised the Mountaineers and discussed the challenges of playing in Morgantown.
Playing at WVU on a Big Stage
Campbell acknowledged the excitement surrounding the game, noting that West Virginia has a great team and one of the most passionate fanbases in the country. He emphasized the significance of playing in such an environment, calling it a special stage for college football. Campbell stressed that his team needs to perform at its best to succeed in what he expects to be a challenging atmosphere on Saturday night.
West Virginia’s Offense
Campbell highlighted West Virginia’s quarterback, describing him as talented, tough, and gritty. He noted that the Mountaineers have been in a position to win every game since their current quarterback took over. Additionally, he praised their strong rushing attack, which has been highly successful throughout the season.
West Virginia’s Defense
Campbell described West Virginia’s defense as complex and difficult to face. He explained that they create problems for opposing offenses by disrupting their rules and have been effective in stopping the run while generating turnovers.
West Virginia’s Special Teams
He complimented the Mountaineers’ special teams, emphasizing their toughness and discipline. According to Campbell, West Virginia plays with a sense of pride and excels at team football, giving them a chance to win each game they’ve played this season.
Handling West Virginia’s Rushing Attack
Campbell admitted uncertainty about Iowa State’s ability to handle West Virginia’s rushing attack, acknowledging it will be a tough challenge. He noted that their offense has consistently posed problems for every team they’ve faced. He emphasized the need for all eleven defensive players to be engaged, especially with a quarterback who can run, which adds complexity to defending against them.
The Cyclones will face the Mountaineers at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.
