The Mountaineers will be faced with an extremely difficult test this weekend when the Red Raiders (10-1, 7-1) of Texas Tech come to Morgantown. Texas Tech has been the best team in the Big 12 this season and will look to prove that once again in the Big 12 Championship game in the first weekend of December. However, standing between them and the Big 12 title game is a matchup with West Virginia in their season finale. The Mountaineers have just a 4-7 record but have won two out of their last three games and are coming off just a two-point loss on the road against Arizona State. Let’s get to our weekly “Over/Unders” for the match-up between the Mountaineers and the Red Raiders.
95.5 Total Rushing Yards for West Virginia
At first glance, that seems like a rather low bar for West Virginia to reach. After all, the Mountaineers are averaging 171.8 yards per game on the ground. However, Texas Tech’s defense has been sensational this season. Texas Tech’s defensive front leads the country in fewest yards allowed per game on the ground, with just an average of 71.8. Kansas State and Utah are the only teams to reach the 100-yard mark this season.
It’s no secret, Rich Rodriguez-led offenses seek to run the football early and often. Obviously, that will be easier said than done against the Red Raiders. In Big 12 play, Rodriguez has not been particularly pleased with his team’s offensive output in the running game in losses to TCU and Arizona State, where they managed just 41 and 68 yards, respectively. Against an impressive Houston team, WVU racked up 246 yards and 4 touchdowns on 53 carries. Texas Tech is a different breed, though, take the under here.
33.5 Pass Attempts for Scotty Fox Jr.
If the Mountaineers are unable to run the football, they will be forced to rely heavily on what true freshman Scotty Fox Jr. and the passing attack can accomplish. In the games in which WVU struggled mightily running the football (TCU, Arizona State), Fox Jr. threw the ball a combined 72 times.
If Texas Tech’s stout run defense is any indication of what is to come in Morgantown, Fox Jr. will be forced to throw the ball a lot. Take the over here. Another worrisome note in that regard is that the Red Raiders lead the Big 12 with 33 sacks, led by David Bailey’s 12.5 sacks on the season. So if you’re a Mountaineer fan, also hope that Fox Jr. has enough time in the pocket to find receivers downfield.
200 All-Purpose Yards for Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams
The Texas Tech offense has featured a rather impressive running back duo this season in Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams. The two have combined for 21 touchdowns this season and an impressive 193.8 yards per game. It goes without saying, but these two backs will be a focal point of the offensive game plan for Texas Tech in Morgantown. If West Virginia wants any chance to make the game competitive, they will need a strong showing defensively. Take the under here, hoping that the Mountaineers can cause some issues for the Red Raiders' offense.