WVU got off to a good start to their 2025 season with a win at home against Robert Morris. Head coach Rich Rodriguez started back on the right foot, despite taking a 10-3 lead into the locker room at halftime. They now travel to Athens, Ohio, to take on the Ohio Bobcats in their first road game of the season. The Mountaineers must stay focused and not look ahead to a big game next week against Pittsburgh in The Backyard Brawl. Read more: Five Keys to Beating Ohio for the Mountaineers.
Five Keys to the Game for the Mountaineers
The offense for WVU got off to a bumpy start in the first half against Robert Morris, turning the ball over three times after scoring on their first drive. It could lead to problems against more formidable opponents, but they have another week to clean things up on offense in practice.
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Rodriguez was happy with his defense’s effort throughout the entire game. They only allowed 123 total yards against Robert Morris and held them to three points, which they got after a fumble set them up in field goal range. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley had his guys ready to play against the FCS opponent and built a lot of confidence heading into game two.
Win the Turnover Battle
WVU lost the turnover battle against Robert Morris, 4-2. Those mistakes were not as costly against Robert Morris, but they could lead to big problems against more formidable opponents. The Mountaineers face stiffer competition this week and must protect the football. They cannot cough it up four times against Ohio.
The Bobcats lost to Rutgers 34-31 in their opening game, but did not commit any turnovers. They took care of the football and played hard the entire game against the Scarlet Knights. Turnovers could cost WVU a win if they do not clean it up in practice this week.
Pressure Parker Navarro
Parker Navarro is a much better quarterback than Zach Tanner of Robert Morris. He is entering his second season as a full-time starter for the Bobcats and rushed for 1,000 yards last season. He makes plays with his arms and his legs, so the Mountaineers must stay in his face all four quarters.
WVU tallied four sacks against Robert Morris and needs more of the same this week. Navarro did not get sacked against Rutgers and went 21/31 passing, with 239 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 93 yards and a touchdown on the ground on nine carries. He is their best player, and WVU must commit to containing him in the pocket and limiting his play-making ability.
Limit Penalties
Penalties were a problem for WVU against Robert Morris. They had nine penalties for 69 yards in the game, while Robert Morris only had four for 24 yards. Negative plays and pre-snap mistakes can end drives in an instant, especially against opponents capable of scoring. Ohio had six penalties for 37 yards against Rutgers. WVU must limit penalties and make fewer mistakes against the Bobcats.
“The penalties are really frustrating. I was more frustrated with the because of that lack of discipline,” Rodriguez said after the game. “We’re going to get that fixed right away. We have to correct the penalties.”
Build Offensive Momentum Early
The offense got off to a hot start on the first drive of the game. Quarterback Nicco Marchiol ran it in from 10 yards out, but they did not score again until early in the second quarter. They finished the first half with 10 points, but scored 35 in the second half after some adjustments in the locker room.
Ohio is not a team they want to start slowly against. They can move the ball efficiently and did a great job on third downs against Rutgers. They converted five of 10 third-down attempts and scored 17 points in the first half. They allowed 31 points in the first half, so Ohio allows points early. WVU must start hot and build momentum throughout the game.
Stay Focused and Do Not Look Ahead
One of the key factors for the Mountaineers is staying focused on the task at hand. They have a massive game at home next week against the Pittsburgh Panthers, but they must focus on Ohio and not look ahead. Ohio showed a lot against Rutgers, which should give the coaching staff the ability to game plan, especially the defense. Despite Navarro’s good game last week, he is prone to turnovers, and WVU should show some new blitz packages.
Peden Stadium is a small stadium, but its crowd can significantly impact the games. It has been a hostile environment in the past, but WVU should travel well. Morgantown is less than three hours away, and WVU fans always travel well. That should negate some of the road aspects of the game.
