The Mountaineers are still seeking their first victory in the Big 12. They are 2-6 and 0-5 in the conference. This week, they travel to Houston to face the 22nd-ranked Houston Cougars. Houston is 7-1 this season, with a 4-1 record in the Big 12. WVU has a tough test ahead this week, but they can build on their progress last week in a challenging environment against a hard-nosed defense. The game starts at noon Eastern and is on FS1. Read more: Five keys for WVU in hostile territory at Houston.
Five keys for WVU in hostile territory at Houston
Head coach Rich Rodriguez is getting the most out of his team after a disappointing start to conference play. He said he is putting the first-team offense against the first-team defense on Thursday and Friday, and they had a better showing on the field. He should do that more this season to increase competitiveness on the field for game day.
Trust Scotty Fox Jr. to move the ball
WVU ranks 15th in the Big 12, averaging 176.5 passing yards per game. They totaled 301 passing yards last week versus TCU, which came into the game as a top-five passing offense. Scotty Fox Jr. opens the door to a well-balanced offense, something they have lacked all season. He threw the ball 41 times last week and completed 28 passes for a 68% completion percentage. He also did not throw an interception and had two passing touchdowns. They need more of that this week against a tough defense.
Related: EDITORIAL: Mountaineer mania is upon us
Win on third downs
The Mountaineers are awful on third downs. They have only converted 28% of them this season. Houston’s defense holds teams on third downs, allowing them to convert just 37.3%. WVU has to convert third downs, something they also struggled with last week. They went 3-for-14 last week, which does not bode well for this week. Converting a few third downs would provide a lot of momentum and tame the crowd.
Force turnovers
Forcing turnovers is an obvious key to the game, but it is a must. Houston has only lost one game this season, and turnovers were an issue in that game. Texas Tech beat them 35-11 and forced three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble). Their only loss and closest game of the season came when quarterback Conner Weigman threw an interception. They must force an interception and hurt the confidence of Houston’s quarterback.
Establish the run
WVU did not run the football well last week. They only managed 41 rushing yards against TCU, but they average 176.1 rushing yards per game. Houston only allows 120.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the Big 12. WVU must find success on the ground and chew the clock with long, sustained drives. They must limit Houston’s offensive opportunities and take the pressure off Fox Jr.’s arm.
Mental toughness on the road
Houston is a tough place to play, especially for opposing offenses. Penalties have not been an issue since the beginning of the season, but some offensive penalties are not in question this week. The defense also must rebound from any explosive plays they give up. The whole team must keep its composure and not let the crowd rattle it.
