West Virginia captured a crucial road win over Cincinnati, defeating the Bearcats 31-24. Both teams entered the game off a bye, essentially playing an “elimination game” with hopes of staying in contention for the Big 12 Championship.
The Mountaineers began with the ball after Cincinnati deferred the toss. The drive started strong, with running back Jaheim White and a 14-yard screen pass to Kole Taylor. However, on fourth-and-four, WVU was unable to convert, as a pass to Rodney Gallagher fell incomplete.
Cincinnati’s opening drive moved smoothly, covering 68 yards in 13 plays and ending with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Corey Kiner. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby contributed with both his arm and legs to keep the drive alive.
WVU’s second drive was a three-and-out, hampered by questionable play-calling on third-and-short.
Cincinnati’s next drive mirrored their first, but the momentum shifted on fourth down. Sorsby attempted to throw out of a sack, and WVU safety Anthony Wilson Jr. intercepted the pass, returning it 79 yards for a touchdown.
On their following possession, Cincinnati faced a third-and-short. Sorsby scrambled for the first down but lost the football, and WVU recovered at the Cincinnati 40-yard line.
A long screen pass to White set WVU up at first-and-goal from Cincinnati’s 9-yard line, but the Mountaineers settled for a 24-yard field goal from Michael Hayes II, giving them a 10-7 lead, their first of the game.
The next three drives included a WVU three-and-out and two from Cincinnati.
WVU punt returner Preston Fox had a long return, setting up the offense at Cincinnati’s 41-yard line. Two runs from White put WVU at first-and-goal on the Bearcats’ 10. Quarterback Nicco Marchiol then connected with wide receiver Justin Robinson for a touchdown. WVU scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter and entered halftime leading 17-7.
Much credit goes to interim defensive coordinator Jeff Koonz, who stepped in after the recent firing of Jordan Lesley. Despite a shaky first drive, WVU’s defense tightened, forcing two turnovers, allowing no points, and creating multiple three-and-outs.
Cincinnati opened the second half with the ball, but WVU forced a third-down sack by defensive lineman T.J. Jackson.
WVU’s first possession of the second half gained momentum on a 38-yard catch by Traylon Ray, converting a third-and-long. Marchiol capped the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run.
Another WVU defensive stop led to a Mountaineers drive where Robinson caught a 50-yard pass from Marchiol. However, a shot at the end zone to Gallagher was intercepted by Cincinnati’s Logan Wilson, giving the Bearcats a spark.
On the next play, Bearcats running back Evan Pryor went 80 yards on a catch-and-run for a touchdown, capitalizing on a lapse in WVU’s defense.
WVU’s offense stalled again, and Cincinnati quickly drove downfield with Sorsby’s mobility proving effective. Sorsby finished the drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing WVU’s lead to three.
WVU regained control with a scoop-and-score touchdown after a backwards pass by Cincinnati. This score provided the Mountaineers with a cushion, which ultimately secured their win.
Cincinnati answered with a field goal to make it a one-score game, but with time running out, the Bearcats were forced to attempt an onside kick. WVU recovered and closed out the game with kneel-downs.
Defense was the story of the game for WVU. The Mountaineers forced three turnovers and scored twice on defense, marking the first time since 2013 that they scored two defensive touchdowns in a single game. WVU also tallied three sacks and seven tackles for loss in Koonz’s first game as interim coordinator.
Special teams also played a significant role. Fox consistently provided good field position with long returns. Hayes went 1-for-1 on field goals, and punter Oliver Straw pinned Cincinnati inside the 20-yard line three times.
Offensively, WVU relied heavily on big plays but struggled to find consistent rhythm, totaling 248 yards. Marchiol completed nine passes for 156 yards, while White led the ground game with 13 carries for 64 yards.
With the victory, WVU remains in Big 12 contention and is now one win away from bowl eligibility, improving to 5-4 (4-2 in conference). The Mountaineers will return home to face the Baylor Bears next Saturday at 4 p.m.
