WVU is a major underdog as they travel to Provo, Utah, to face 23rd-ranked BYU on Friday night. They have not played a competitive game yet in the Big 12, losing both conference games by 30+ points. They are underdogs of nearly three touchdowns, so many expect another blowout loss for the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers must overcome some significant injuries and get back on track on a short week against a difficult opponent. Read more: WVU at BYU Preview: Mountaineers Hunt for First Big 12 Win.
WVU at BYU Preview: Mountaineers Hunt for First Big 12 Win
Quarterback Nicco Marchiol is already ruled out for this week’s game against BYU. He is dealing with a foot injury and is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks. Jaylen Henderson, who started last week in place of Marchiol, was also on the first injury report for WVU. He is questionable with an undisclosed injury. Max Brown is also questionable after playing several snaps last week against Utah. Henderson and Brown are limited in practice, but head coach Rich Rodriguez said they will likely be available on Friday.
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Khalil Wilkins is the likely starter if Henderson or Brown are unable to play. He started the second half last week against Utah and impressed the coaching staff.
“Khalil can make all the throws and, obviously, he’s a dynamic runner,” Rodriguez said. “He’s got some explosive ability. I think his future, his upside looks really good.”
Running back Tye Edwards is also still questionable as he deals with a hip pointer sustained three weeks ago against Pittsburgh. He has missed the last two games, and the ground attack for WVU has struggled without him. He has a short week to get back into action to help the Mountaineers upset BYU. Wide receiver Oran Singleton and right guard Kimo Makane’ole are also questionable.
BYU has a couple of injuries to watch before Friday’s matchup. Right guard Austin Leausa is questionable, while linebacker Isaiah Glasker and nickel Tommy Prassas are probable.
Matchups To Watch
BYU’s defensive front offers another formidable matchup for WVU. They did not perform against Utah’s stellar front seven last week, and it may foreshadow struggles again this week. The Mountaineers get their starting center, Landen Livingston, back this week, which should help slightly, but they have an uphill battle. BYU allows 76.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. WVU may struggle to run the ball again this week, especially if Edwards is not able to play.
BYU also allowed 9.3 points per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. WVU has managed 24 total points in its first two conference games, which does not bode well for this week. The Mountaineers must sustain drives, and that relies on the efficiency of the ground game. Wilkins could provide a spark as a runner if he starts this week, but it is a tough spot for a redshirt freshman to make his first start of his career.
WVU’s defense also has its hands full against this high-powered BYU offense. They average 38.5 points per game, with 435.8 total yards, 184.5 passing yards, and 251.3 rushing yards per game. They have the ninth-most rushing yards per game in the nation and are led by junior running back LJ Martin. True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier is their second-leading rusher.
WVU must force them to throw the ball and make Bachmeier beat them with his arm. He has not thrown an interception this season, but he is young and likely prone to mistakes if defenders are in his face. He looks like a solid quarterback and earned the starting quarterback job over quarterbacks with previous Division I starting experience. Bachmeier may look the part, but we will see how he reacts when he faces a tough test.
Final Analysis
WVU must forget the past two weeks and focus on the team lined up across from them. BYU is a tough team on paper, but their most formidable challenge this year was Stanford. They have played a more manageable schedule than most through four games. Their opponents’ combined record is 7-13, and they beat 2-3 Colorado 24-21 last week. WVU can make this a closer game than most expect, but they must sustain drives and let their defense get a rest, or this could be another blowout.
