WVU needs a win in the worst way, and they'll have a chance to try and get their season back on the right path tonight as they host TCU in a Homecoming showdown that will also serve as the second-annual Coal Rush game. With kickoff at 6 PM EST tonight, Let's take one last look ahead at the clash between the TCU Horned Frogs and the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Final Odds
Vegas odds makers currently have TCU as 17-point against West Virginia, with the over/under for points total currently sitting at 55.5 – it is the fifth consecutive game WVU has entered as double-digit underdogs.
Injuries
The Mountaineers will seemingly be down to two scholarship quarterbacks in the game – with Nicco Marchiol done for the season, Jaylen Henderson still listed as out, and Khalil Wilkins ruled out after an injury against UCF, it will be the Scotty Fox Jr. and Max Brown show today. Starting defensive lineman Hammond Russell IV will miss his second straight game due to inury as well., and wideout Jordan McCants is listed as out as well.
The Mountaineers are also missing several more players in addition to Marchiol for the rest of the season, with the most notable contributors including running backs Jahiem White and Tye Edwards, wideout Jaden Bray, and linebacker Ashton Woods.
Wide receiver Christian Hamilton, meanwhile, is listed as doubtful, and starting right tackle Ty'Kieast Crawford is listed as probable.
WVU Keys To Victory
1. Utilize the run game and slow down the pace. This one might be tough for Rodriguez to manage the patience for, especially given his offensive scheme often relies on an up-tempo approach. But in TCU's two losses this season, their opponents (Arizona State and Kansas State) rushed for a combined 350-plus yards and in both games the Horned Frogs lost the time of possession battle by over ten minutes. If WVU can slow things down, chew the clock, and manage 3-4 yards per carry consistently for the whole game, it is a proven recipe for a win against TCU.
2. Rattle Josh Hoover. WVU's defensive coordinator Zac Alley said earlier this week that Josh Hoover looks like a first-round draft pick, and at times, he certainly does. He has three games this season a completeion percentage of 71 percent or higher, and has thrown for 2,124 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions ths season. But in the team's losses, he combined for just three touchdowns, but four interceptions. He also had a completion percentage of 62 percentor less in both games. Hoover has alent, but is also wildly inconsistent. If the Mountaineers manage a strong pass rush and Alley's schemes up the secondary right, they could make it a long night for Hoover.
Prediction
The Mountaineers find themselves more injury-riddled by the week. They're down their three of teirchoarship quarterbacks and their top two running backs, and the offensive line has continued to look rough. Don't expect a happy Homecoming in Morgantown. Final result? TCU 45 WVU 14.