This Saturday, WVU football will play host to the Pitt Panthers in the 108th installment of the ultimate rivalry known only as The Backyard Brawl. Pitt heads into the game undefeated after winning their first two contests against Duquesne and Central Michigan at home. Meanwhile, the Mountaineers will be looking to get back on the right track after going into Athens, Ohio, and dropping a game to the Bobcats, marking their record at 1-1.
Let's look at three keys to the game that will allow WVU to send Pitt back up I-79 with their heads hung low, and leave the bragging rights to the old-gold-and-blue right where they belong in Morgantown.
1. Develop better chemistry and timing on crucial throws
Nicco Marchiol must figure out what and when Cam Vaughn is going to be doing on the football field better than we have seen so far. Several throws to receivers have been underthrown, and the timing on routes has not been there. WVU will need to rely more heavily on Cam Vaughn and Preston Fox now that Jaheim White is done for the year. Just put the ball in their hands and let them go to work, and good things will happen.
2. Find ways to convert third downs
Against Ohio, WVU would have three straight three-and-outs after their only touchdown in the loss to Ohio. Only converting on one third down the entire first half. The play calling could use an upgrade in order to get the football down the field. Back to the drawing board this week, fellas!
3. Capitalize on takeaways and improve tackling
Okay, okay, number three is technically two keys, but to my credit, they both have to do with the defensive side of the ball. Failing to capitalize on a single takeaway can be overlooked. Two takeaways without capitalization with points? Now we're getting in the red. Three takeaways and still no points? That's an issue, especially with a school like Ohio, which is what WVU failed to do Saturday in Athens.
Several missed tackles on Saturday could have resulted in more punts for Ohio, in turn, giving WVU more chances to score. But, they must score a lot to be able to keep themselves in the game with the opponents going forward. It sounds cliché, but a week's worth of fundamentals in Morgantown may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to forcing turnovers for this team to have a successful first year back under Rich Rod.