WVU football is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses in Big 12 play – but the test in front of them this week doesn't get any easier, as the Mountaineers travel to Provo, Utah for a clash with the No. 23 BYU Cougars. The game is set to kickoff at 10:30 PM EST on Friday night. Let's take one last look ahead at the impending showdown between the BYU Cougars and the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Final Odds
Vegas odds makers currently have BYU as a massive 19.5-point favorite against West Virginia, with the over/under for points total currently sitting at 46.5 – it is the third consecutive game WVU has entered as double-digit underdogs.
Injuries
In addition to wideout Jaden Bray and running back Jahiem White being knocked out for the year against Ohio, former starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol is also out of action once again, with news breaking this week he will take a medical redshirt and likely enter the transfer portal at the end of the season.
The Mountaineers will also be down defensive lineman Devin Grant, quarterback Jaylen Henderson, and wideout Oran Singleton Jr. this week, in addition to reserve safety Julien Horton and reserve offensive lineman Cooper Young.
Running back Tye Edwards is listed as probable after missing the past two games, and quarterback Max Brown is listed as questionable. Tight end Jacob Barrick, running back Cyncir Bowers, and center Landen Livingston are all set to be back this week after missing the Utah game with injuries.
WVU Keys To Victory
1. New faces in new places need to throw off BYU. The Mountaineers have struggled mightily offensively, and BYU has a top-ten defense nationally in multiple statistical categories. But WVU also has a new starting quarterback, and running back Diore Hubbard and wide receiver Jarod Bowie played well last week after seeing very limited action in the first weeks of the season. Rodriguez has indicated backup offensive linemen Malik Agbo and Donovan Haslam will play more moving forward.
If these new faces can come together and find a spark that hasn't been found yet, and BYU hasn't properly game planned for these offensive weapons with less film to study, the Mountaineers could upset the Cougars as they look forward to a bye week followed by their biggest rivalry game of the season.
2. Get Bear Bachmeier under pressure. BYU's starting quarterback has looked composed and made few mistakes early in the season, but there are suspicions that he hasn't truly been put under pressure defensively. He's also a freshman, and it's not uncommon for young signal callers to make crucial mistakes when they're put under pressure when the lights are bright in a big-game atmosphere.
The Mountaineers are among the top 35 teams in FBS in sacks per game, and that's after a lackluster performance by the defensive front seven the past two weeks, which saw the team record zero sacks in either game. WVU has also tallied five interceptions this season. If defensive coordinator Zac Alley can scheme up an attack that gets the WVU defense back to what it looked like earlier this year and puts the pressure on Bachmeier, the young quarterback can be forced into mistakes.
Prediction
The Mountaineers finally see their offense click a bit more than it has through the beginning of the season with new faces earning more time, but BYU's excellent defense is able to keep them mostly in check. Meanwhile, LJ Martin continues his campaign for a 1,000-yard season, Bachmeier makes a few nice plays, and the Cougars can get to a place where they might not fully cover the spread, but earn a comfortable win. Final result? BYU 38, WVU 21.