After struggling to cover receivers downfield all season long, it might have seemed like the WVU secondary was going to get a little bit of a break with Arizona State missing its starting quarterback and potential first-round pick wide receiver. That break did not come for the back end of the WVU defense.
Led by first-year defensive coordinator Zac Alley, the WVU defense has struggled to contain opposing wide receivers, similar to the program's defense in previous years. In the latest loss to Arizona State on Saturday, WVU gave up three passing touchdowns to backup quarterback Jeff Sims. Getting a start for the injured Sam Leavitt, who will miss the rest of the season, Sims threw for 207 passing yards in the win, and also had a big game on the ground.
5-foot-9 second-string wide receiver Derek Eusebio was the leading receiver for catches in the game on Saturday. Eusebio hauled in six catches for 74 yards in the 25-23 win over WVU. Only WVU’s Jeff Weimer recorded more receiving yards with his three catches for 90 yards and a touchdown on Saturday. Before going up against WVU, Eusebio only had nine catches total on the season, taking advantage of the star receiver Jordyn Tyson missing the game.
Wide receiver Jalen Moss reeled in three catches of his own for 41 receiving yards on Saturday, and Malik McClain added 2 catches for 37 yards and a touchdown.
This should have been a game where the secondary could have used a confidence boost against a depleted Sun Devils wide receiver room, but that unfortunately was not the case. The cornerback and safety rooms will need to be addressed in the offseason, just like almost any recent offseason. Hopefully, the Mountaineers can pick up some pieces in the transfer portal.