West Virginia running back Kennedy McKoy did not appear in Saturday’s big win over Delaware State. It wasn’t until after the game that it was clarified why McKoy was not in the game.
In his postgame press conference, WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen made a short statement that Kennedy McKoy, the sophomore running back, was suspended for a violation of team rules.
“He will be ready to go for the next game,” Holgorsen told reporters after the game.
That’s all fine and dandy and the Mountaineers are in a better position with him running the football. What is concerning is the future. McKoy and the WVU football team will not be able to afford another mishap, whatever the case may be.
The Mountaineers seem to be in a good position in the running game with starter Justin Crawford running the ball. Against Delware State, Crawford looked unstoppable at times as he finished with three touchdowns and 102 yards.
Even backups Tevin Bush and Martell Pettaway saw some solid game action and made their case for extended playing time. If McKoy doesn’t get back into the good graces of the coaching staff, Bush or Pettaway may pass him in the depth chart.
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McKoy played in every game as a freshman last season, so he proved to the coaches back then that he was the real deal. McKoy finished with more than 46 rushing yards per game last season. In the first two games this season, McKoy is averaging 49.5 yards per game. For a back up, that’s a solid statistic.
McKoy found the end zone against East Carolina for the first time this season and if he does get back into the rotation this coming week against Kansas, he should be on the fast track for a few more touchdowns before the meat of the conference schedule.
McKoy is built well at 6-foot, 201 pounds. He hits the hole hard and always fights for extra yardage. It would be a shame for his skill and talent to go to waste after some ill-timed decisions.
McKoy is the second WVU football player to receive a one-game suspension so far this season. Marcus Simms was suspended for the Week 1 contest against Virginia Tech and his absence proved costly for the Mountaineers as the Hokies were victorious.
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McKoy’s transgressions did not come in a very important week. But a further mistake could cost himself and the Mountaineers another chance at a win in the future.