Neal Brown Quick Hits: Offensive Successes, Defensive Mishaps and Looking Toward Backyard Brawl

West Virginia defeated UAlbany 49-14 Saturday to claim their first win of 2024.

The Mountaineers’ offense scored seven touchdowns, while the defense left some fans questioning. Head coach Neal Brown addressed those topics as well as gave his thoughts looking towards the Backyard Brawl against Pitt.

“Offensively, we really had three bad plays in the game. The rest of them, we kind of showed beginnings of what
we’re capable of being, which is a team that’s balanced, that can run and can throw it. We got multiple weapons,” Brown said. “We were five-for-five in the red zone, and that was a huge flip from what we did a week ago. We had two 100-yard rushers. (I) thought we threw and caught the ball quite a bit better.”

Overall, West Virginia had 553 yards of total offense. Quarterback Garrett Greene completed 17 passes on 23 attempts (74%) for 236 yards and three touchdowns, he also added a touchdown on the ground. Runningback duo CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White were both 100-yard rushers with a touchdown apiece. On top of them, Nicco Marchiol had a rushing touchdown, while Hudson Clement, Justin Robinson and Kole Taylor all had a receiving touchdown, meaning all seven touchdowns came from different players.

“Defensively, I thought our rush defense was really good. Our end-of-possession downs were good. We got
off the field on fourth down, which was a positive,” Brown said. “You know, we didn’t get any takeaways. We have to
play the ball down the field better. I think that’s evident.”

Against an FCS opponent in UAlbany, WVU allowed over 300 passing yards, leaving questions about the secondary. The Great Danes had eight passes of 19 or more yards, including a 33-yard touchdown. Before playing the Backyard Brawl, followed by conference play, the secondary and playing the ball downfield will be major areas the Mountaineers will need to improve upon.

“All in all, (it was a) good win, and we’re going to enjoy it,” Brown said. “Then we’ll get ready for the Backyard Brawl.”

West Virginia will play in the 107th edition of the Backyard Brawl against Pitt away at Acrisure Stadium next Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.