On Monday, West Virginia head football coach Neal Brown talked about his teams performance against Towson, how his team is preparing for Virginia Tech, as well as how playing on a short week changes things before they play again on Thursday.
Towson Wrap-Up
On Saturday, West Virginia picked up their first win of the year against Towson. The Mountaineers handled the Tigers easily, winning 65-7. Brown said he was pleased with the team’s performance despite the kickoff return for a touchdown and that he was happy with how many guys got in the game.
“Talking offensively, Tomas Rimac did a really good job on the offensive line, played a bunch of snaps versus Towson. I was pleased with Jalen Anderson. All three of the backup quarterbacks… I was pleased with how they performed,” Brown said.
As for defense, “Mid Lockhart, we played him a lot. He’s played every game, but we played him extensively in the second half. he continues to grow and he’s getting in shape,” Brown said. “Jacolby (Spells) and Andrew Wilson-Lamp, I think they continue to progress and we’ll continue to use those guys moving forward.”
As far as the kickoff, Brown said it was frustrating as his players did not do what they were supposed to do.
“The kickoff is the most frustrating thing for me because we did not do what we’re coached to do as far as being on our landmarks — so that’s an issue. Then we missed multiple tackles on the return which is an issue,” Brown said. “So that’s really kind of infuriating for me.”
The players of the game for West Virginia on Saturday were Hershey McLaurin (Special Teams), Jordan Jefferson (Defense), Tony Mathis (Offense), Zach Frazier (Offensive Line), Brian Polendey (Blue Collar Award), Jake Robbins, Raleigh Collins, Keaton Thomas (Scout Team), and CJ Cole (Juice Award).
Virginia Tech
Brown and his team will play in the battle for the Black Diamond Trophy for the second year in a row. Last year, West Virginia won 27-21, but this year the Hokies have a new coaching staff and are very different from a schematic standpoint.
Brent Pry is the new head coach for Virginia Tech. Pry comes from Penn State where he was the defensive coordinator and Brown says he tries to always be physical on both sides of the ball.
“They play hard. I think the thing that really jumps out to you when you turn on their film in their first three games is even in the loss to ODU, and the last two games they’ve won is they play really, really, hard. They’re physical, Coach Pry has a defensive background. You can see the team is buying into his mentality.”
Brown said the atmosphere will also be a factor, but having played Pitt in the Backyard Brawl in week one, he expects his players to be able to handle the atmosphere.
“The rivalry is defiantly that is one that is very important to our fanbase,” Brown said. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere down in Blacksburg without a doubt. One of the best places to play in college football. I’ve never been there, but I’m looking forward to going down there and experiencing that for the first time.”
Brown said the game is even more important because they are playing for a trophy.
“It’s the only game on our schedule in the regular season where we play for a trophy. The Black Diamond Trophy, I think that makes it even more special,” Brown said. “At Pitt, they did an absolutely incredible job from a game management standpoint. It was loud. It was super loud. I haven’t been to Blacksburg, my assumption is it will be every bit as loud, if not louder.”
Short Week
Brown and his team will have a quick turnaround from their win over Towson to Thursday.
“It’s on a short week so everything is hurried. Probably for coaches as much as anything you want to get in a routine. I don’t think it’s as much of a factor this week because they’re doing the same thing. They played an FCS opponent on Saturday, we played FCS opponent, we both played earlier in the day. I think it’s pretty equal,” Brown said.
As far as player preparation, Brown said he urged recovery to his players and they have made scheduled mandatory recovery this week.
“We talked about the hydration piece and making sure you’re eating and making sure you’re resting to prepare for Monday, today, because we knew that would be our work day,” Brown said. “We had a mandatory recovery yesterday. They had a lift and recovery today and then we’ll do the same thing on Wednesday before we leave on the flight.”
Photo by Aaron Parker, Blue Gold Sports
