The Mountaineers are underdogs at home against No. 17 Kansas State in a week eight and Big 12 matchup.
A Wildcat team starting to build back momentum after a deflating loss to BYU. They’ve won back-to-back games, but nobody needs a win more than West Virginia after the developments this week with head coach Neal Brown.
The following lists some keys to victory for WVU that, if executed, may help them emerge victorious from Saturday.
Stopping the Run
Kansas State is the top rushing team in the Big 12. It is the main premise of their offense. Wildcat running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 786 yards this season on 108 attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The junior has two rushing touchdowns, while fellow RB Dylan Edwards has three touchdowns and 221 yards on the ground. Quarterback Avery Johnson is also active in the rushing attack, which sets up the next key to victory.
Contain, Pressure Avery Johnson
Johnson has 306 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns so far this season. He is very mobile and can easily move around the pocket, escape it, and extend plays. That being said, the WVU front should make pressuring Johnson and making him uncomfortable a priority while keeping him contained at the same time. Johnson has the ability to take over a game and very much can if the Mountaineers are unable to apply pressure.
Get a Pass Game Going
Along with being a top team rushing the ball, K-State is also one of the best rushing defenses. This being said, West Virginia will need to be effective passing the ball on Saturday, if they want any chance of upsetting the No.17-ranked team in the nation. WVU quarterback Garrett Greene has looked to mostly the same receivers: Hudson Clement, Kole Taylor and Traylon Ray. Look for those three guys to be very involved if the Mountaineers are able to move it in the air.
Play Mistake-Free Football
There is little room for error for West Virginia in this matchup. Against Iowa State, the Mountaineers turned over the football twice on two interceptions. The Cyclones scored 14 points off of those two turnovers. WVU also committed six penalties against Iowa State, three on offense and three on defense for 42 yards.
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West Virginia needs to stay consistent throughout. They started hot against Iowa State, with an impressive opening drive, but were unable to find that same success down the stretch. It may have seemed as if they fell flat. Against a tough opponent like Kansas State, they will need to fight from the first whistle until the last.
