The West Virginia University Mountaineers will be traveling to Ohio University on Saturday for their second game of the season. The Bobcats will be hosting the Mountaineers for their home opener on September 6th at 4 p.m. Read more Keys to the Game – Ohio University.
Matchup Preview
The Mountaineers had their first game of the season against Robert Morris on August 30th. Although WVU had a slow start, the Mountaineers and Rich Rodriguez came away with a 45-3 win over the Colonials.
The Bobcats and the Mountaineers have met 17 times since 1897, with their last challenge in 2001. The Mountaineers were successful in 13 of the games, with the 2001 match falling in WVU’s favor with a 20-3 finish.
RELATED: Major Takeaways From WVU’s Win Over Robert Morris
Parker Navarro Needs to Be on His A-Game
Even in their loss to Rutgers, Ohio football’s graduate student quarterback, Parker Navarro, managed to earn the first Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Week award of the 2025 season.
Navarro racked up 239 passing yards with 21 completions and three passing touchdowns. He also had 96 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
It is clear that Ohio’s biggest weapon is Parker Navarro. In 2024, he threw for over 2,400 yards and added more than 1,000 on the ground, guiding Ohio to its first conference title since 1968. His MAC Player of Week win last week will make the fourth consecutive win dating back to last season, proving his consistency is not a fluke.
For WVU to be successful, containing Navarro will be critical. His ability to find runs and punish defenses through the air makes him a tough matchup, but the Mountaineers must keep him from finding his rhythm. If WVU’s defense can pressure him early and force mistakes, it could tilt the game heavily in their favor. The Mountaineers defense was extremely consistent for the entire Robert Morris game, so hopefully they can bring that to Peden Stadium.
WVU Must Clean Up the Mistakes
Despite walking away with a 45-3 win over Robert Morris, WVU’s biggest concern was its inability to hold onto the football. The Mountaineers put the ball on the ground five times and lost four of them, with three fumbles coming in the second quarter alone. Against a team like Ohio, WVU’s offense won’t have the first half to find their rhythm. These mistakes could easily create the chance for Ohio to upset the Mountaineers. If WVU can protect the ball and sustain drives, their depth should give them the upper hand.
Conclusion
WVU enters the matchup as the clear favorite, but Ohio could pose a threat if the Mountaineers take them lightly. Having faced Robert Morris just a week prior, WVU has already had a chance to build game speed and strengthen team chemistry. The Bobcats, meanwhile, dropped their season opener to Rutgers in a close 31-34 battle. The Mountaineers must stay on their toes, as Ohio University will come in hungry and eager to make a statement on their home turf.
Keys to the Game – Ohio University
