West Virginia gave a proper send off to seniors in their last home game, defeating UCF 31-21 on Saturday.
It was WVU’s senior day and true blue game. The win marked West Virginia’s 200th win in Milan Puskar Stadium and first home win since Sept. 21.
A strong rushing attack allowed the Mountaineers to stay in control for most of the game. They rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns.
The defense also held their own, forcing a turnover that led to a touchdown and allowing UCF to be just three-for-nine on third down.
The Knights won the toss and elected to receive. They went three and out and the Mountaineers were on offense in less than a minute into the game.
West Virginia gradually drove down the field and ended up striking first on their opening offensive drive. They converted two third downs, one of which was a 31-yard run by CJ Donaldson just before he punched it in the endzone.
UCF’s second drive was going better than their first drive, as they were threatening in Mountaineer territory. However, a bad exchange on a handoff led to a fumble recovered by West Virginia.
West Virginia was more methodical on their second drive. They drove down 68 yards on 14 plays in six minutes and 21 seconds. The drive was capped off by a Jahiem White rushing touchdown.
After the two teams exchanged punts, UCF put together their first scoring drive. It was a seven-play 59-yard drive capped off by a RJ Harvey keeper in the wildcat formation.
With the first half winding down, West Virginia looked to capitalize and take a two-score lead into the locker room. They did just that, with a 12-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off with a Rodney Gallagher receiving touchdown. The Mountaineers were also set to receive the second-half kick.
West Virginia picked up right where they left off offensively with another touchdown. Donaldson punched in his second touchdown of the game as the Mountaineers went up by three scores.
After not scoring since early in the second quarter, UCF got on the board again in the third and cut the deficit. It was a 45-yard Kobe Hudson reception as a part of a five-play, 85-yard drive.
Heading into the fourth quarter, WVU led 28-14 and went for it on fourth and eight. They converted and were nearing the red zone.
They stalled on their next set of downs and attempted a 36-yard field goal. Michael Hayes’ kick was good and WVU slightly extended their lead.
UCF needed anything on their next drive if they wanted any shot of coming back. They were around midfield when they went for it on fourth and long. They did not convert, turning it over on downs.
The Knights did however, claim a late score, which made the game 31-21. It was Harvey’s second rushing touchdown of the game, with 5:20 left to go.
On the final drive of the game, the Mountaineers successfully converted two fourth-down attempts and ran down the clock. They were in victory formation and successfully closed out the win.
West Virginia improves to 6-5 on the season (5-3 in conference play) and becomes bowl eligible. They’ll take on Texas Tech on the road in the final game of the regular season next Saturday.
