The West Virginia Mountaineers are looking to improve their performance as they prepare to face the TCU Horned Frogs this Saturday. The game will begin at 6 p.m. at Milan Puskar Stadium, marking West Virginia’s first home game since September 27. This matchup, known as the Coal Rush contest, will feature the Mountaineers in black uniforms to celebrate the state’s mining history.
Recent Challenges for the Mountaineers
West Virginia has struggled in its first four games of the Big 12 Conference, managing only a disheartening average of 15.3 points, making them the lowest-scoring team among the conference’s 16 teams. Last week, the team suffered a heavy 45-13 defeat against Central Florida, which raised concerns due to the team’s extended break leading into the game.
In that match, true freshman quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. made his debut as a starter but faced difficulties. He is expected to start again against TCU, as the Mountaineers’ roster is limited due to injuries. Fellow quarterbacks Nicco Marchiol and Jaylen Henderson are both unavailable, leaving Fox and Max Brown as the only scholarship quarterbacks.
Quarterback Situation
- Scotty Fox Jr.: True freshman set to make his second start.
- Max Brown: Redshirt freshman who could see action after an injury-plagued season.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez expressed confidence in Fox, stating that he is skilled and eager to improve despite the pressure of a struggling season. Rodriguez emphasized the need for a balanced game plan to avoid overwhelming the young quarterback.
The Challenge Against TCU
TCU, currently sporting a 5-2 record and 2-2 in conference play, poses a significant challenge for West Virginia. The Horned Frogs are led by head coach Sonny Dykes and junior quarterback Josh Hoover, who has thrown 21 touchdown passes this season. Hoover was also the seventh-leading passer in college football last year, amassing 3,949 yards.
- TCU Running Game
- TCU’s average rushing yards in total: 128 yards.
In their losses, TCU has struggled to establish a running game, with a mere 10 rushing yards against Arizona State and 72 yards against Kansas State. However, the Horned Frogs have consistently scored at least 24 points in every game this season.
Defensive Stats and Improvements Needed
West Virginia’s defense has faced its own challenges, allowing an average of 43 points over four conference matchups. They have yet to register a sack against Big 12 opponents. The Mountaineers have also struggled to stop opponents on fourth down, giving up four touchdowns on 13 attempts this season.
Coach Rodriguez acknowledged the need for adjustments and emphasized the importance of taking an optimistic approach. He aims to instill a sense of enjoyment in the game among his players as they prepare to face a formidable TCU team.
As the Mountaineers aim for a turnaround in their season, the upcoming game against TCU is crucial for building momentum and confidence moving forward.
