West Virginia defeated Arizona 31-26 on the road Saturday.
The Mountaineers jumped out to an early lead and never gave it up, leaving Tuscon with a victory. There are a few things to be learned for West Virginia after handing Arizona their fourth-straight loss.
Nicco can sling it
The big headline entering the game was Garrett Greene, out due to injury and Nicco Marchiol, starting. In his second career start, Marchiol ultimately got the job done. He was accurate throwing the football, completing 82% of his 22 pass attempts for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He also extended drives and plays with his legs, rushing 39 yards. He also helped manufacture WVU’s longest passing play of the season, a 54-yard touchdown to Traylon Ray. Marchiol looked poised in the pocket and got the job done for his team.
Rushing attack still there
While West Virginia found success in the passing game, the run game was still very prevalent. The Mountaineers rushed for more than 200 yards and had four rush plays of 10 or more yards. Jahiem White ended as their leading rusher in the game with 92 yards on 12 carries and had a long run of 55 yards. CJ Donaldson added 41 yards on eight carries and had a 20-yard touchdown. Overall, WVU out-rushed Arizona 203-78.
Secondary struggles
Defending the pass continues to be West Virginia’s biggest struggle. Arizona’s quarterback, Noah Fifita, threw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns, completing 66% of his passes. They had eight passes of 16 or more yards, two of those were touchdowns. Through their passing game, Arizona made the contest close in the second half, outscoring WVU. With four games remaining in the regular season, West Virginia can only look to improve in their pass defense, a concern throughout the majority of the season.
Future’s bright
With senior difference makers like Greene and Wyatt Milum out, West Virginia was still able to come out with a win. Barring any moves in the transfer portal, most of the players who made big plays on Saturday will be back next season. Marchiol put together an encouraging performance and led the Mountaineers to a victory. Saturday’s win could be a preview of what is to come next season for West Virginia.
