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WVU football gets the job done against Delaware State

By Matthew Peaslee

MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on during the third quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Mountaineer Field on September 9, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. West Virginia won the game 56-20. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on during the third quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Mountaineer Field on September 9, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. West Virginia won the game 56-20. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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The game was never in doubt, though the WVU football team may have left some doubt in the minds of fans following Saturday’s game.

The Mountaineers ended up with a 59-16 rout of visiting Delaware State on Saturday, but a sluggish start and a woeful defensive performance left the WVU football team a little shaky.

In the end, the Mountaineers did what was needed to earn their second victory of the season. With the win, the WVU football team improved to 2-1, while the Hornets fell to 0-3.

The win was pioneered again by talented quarterback Will Grier. The transfer from Florida was sharp throughout the day and was awarded with an extended break in the second half. Grier completed 19 of 27 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns.

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On the receiving end of Grier’s touchdown passes were Marcus Simms on a 62-yard reception, Ka’Raun White on a 28-yard reception and Simms again on a 16-yard reception. West Virginia got on the board early after Simms started off with an 80-yard kickoff return. A little later, Justin Crawford pounded his way into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.

The game was tied on Delaware State’s ensuing possession, but the Mountaineers were able to run away with it after that.

"“I know there was some sloppy stuff here and there, but you’re looking at splitting hairs when you do that,” West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen told WVUsports.com after the game. “We got a lot of people in the game and we got the victory and that’s what counts.”"

Basically, the WVU football team did what was expected. Even though it wasn’t a prize-winning performance, there were many good things that the head coach saw to build off of for next week’s game against Kansas.

The running game was solid, led by Crawford who finished with 103 yards and three touchdowns. Tevin Bush and Martell Pettaway each saw some good playing time and finished with a combined 80 yards.

Al-Rasheed Benton led the defensive effort eight tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack. Kenny Robinson, who earned the respect of coaches in the past week, and Kyzir White each had six tackles.

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It’s now time for the real action to begin when the Mountaineers enter Big 12 Conference play. The WVU football team may have likely taken Delaware State lightly to start the game and it’s a good possibility they could fall into that same trap next week.

The Mountaineers will head to Kansas for the first conference game. The lowly Jayhawks lost to their second-consecutive Mid-American Conference opponent this season as they recently fell to Ohio University. Last week, Kansas lost to Central Michigan.

Next: 30 best WVU football games

For the WVU football team to begin a successful run to the inaugural Big 12 title game, it must start with a win at Kansas.

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