A pair of winless teams in conference play will square off when the West Virginia Mountaineers (2-4, 0-3) visit UCF (3-3, 0-3) in Orlando on Saturday afternoon.
Needless to say, this season has not been without its challenges for WVU football head coach Rich Rodriguez, who is back at the helm in Morgantown after abruptly leaving the program in 2007. Aside from a comeback victory over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl, this season has been painful for several reasons, including significant injuries and blowout losses. Through three games to open Big 12 play, West Virginia has been outscored by a total of 127-48. As they look to get on track against UCF, here are three storylines to watch for this Saturday in Orlando.
1. Khalil Wilkins or Scotty Fox Jr.
Whether you believe that it is in the best interest of Rich Rodriguez and this football program to finish the season with the young quarterbacks or not, things certainly seem to be heading in that direction. This is due in part to staggering offensive woes this season as well as injuries to the veteran quarterbacks.
“Unfortunately, the experienced guys, Nicco is out, Jaylen’s been out, still doubtful, Max, he’s the other experienced guy, he’s been banged up,” Rodriguez said earlier this week “So the two young guys have been taking more reps, which is good for them. Every rep they can take is going to help with their growth.”
You may be of the camp that believes Khalil Wilkins and/or Scotty Fox Jr. should be the quarterbacks getting the reps for the remainder of the season, regardless of the other quarterbacks on the roster. Should it play out that way over the course of WVU’s six remaining regular season games, West Virginia will be better equipped to know just what they are working with at quarterback for the 2026 season. Keep an eye on both Wilkins and Fox – who start the game, who plays more, and who plays the best.
2. What West Virginia team will we see coming off the bye week
West Virginia was certainly reeling (losing three straight) heading into a much-needed bye week. Now, what product they put forth on the field in the second half of the season remains to be seen.
Simply put, West Virginia has been outplayed, outmanned, out-physicalled, and outmatched through three Big 12 games against better opponents in Kansas, Utah, and BYU. Now, coming off the bye week, they have an opportunity to play against a UCF team that is winless in conference play as well. If you get embarrassed by the Knights, you have bigger problems on your hands. T
his is certainly a game that West Virginia should be expected to compete in, regardless of who is at quarterback. Keep an eye on the toughness, physicality, and effort brought on by the Mountaineers on both sides of the ball. Rodriguez is viewing the second half of the season as a “fresh start” for his team. We’ll find out how his team responds.
3. Myles Montgomery vs West Virginia’s Defense
UCF running back Myles Montgomery has proven to be a bit of a workhorse through the first half of the season. Montgomery has picked up 434 yards on 86 carries. The Senior back had just 51 carries in 2024. His 86 carries have him ranked 7th in the Big 12 in that department.
Despite the 0-3 start in Big 12 play, Montgomery has eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice. Against Kansas State, Montgomery had 119 yards on 10 carries. He had 110 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries against Kansas. Last week, on the road in Cincinnati, Montgomery collected 56 yards on 13 carries, while quarterback Cam Fancher had 108 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
With there being uncertainty surround the quarterback position for UCF heading into the matchup with West Virginia, keep an eye on Myles Montgomery being a focal point of the offensive game plan for the Knights.