West Virginia relied heavily on their run game in the red zone against UCF, and it paid off in a big way.
In their 41-28 away victory over the Knights, WVU scored a touchdown nearly every time they passed the UCF 20. Of the three times the Mountaineers did not score in the red zone, one was due to an incomplete Garrett Greene pass, and the other was when a touchdown was waived off due to a 10-yard holding penalty.
In both instances, the Mountaineers scored a field goal instead. The only time WVU did not score after reaching the red zone was when kneeling in the last possessions of the game.
Other than those rare circumstances, West Virginia was lethal in the red zone throughout, as the team scored all five of its touchdowns by rushing from the red zone.
Garrett Greene threw just three passes all game while in the red zone. Instead of making short passes, the quarterback opted to hand the ball off to a running back- typically White or CJ Donaldson Jr.- or carry the ball himself.
This strategy resulted in one touchdown each from Donaldson Jr. and White alongside three touchdowns from Greene. The Mountaineers made just 14 total plays in the red zone in the game and reached it on all but three possessions.
If the Mountaineers continue to capitalize on these opportunities through their run game, their offense could prove to be much stronger than it was previously recognized. The Mountaineers will test their scoring capabilities in a home game on Saturday against BYU.
