WVU Football (5-3, 2-3) has an opportunity to reach bowl eligibility this weekend, but getting there will require one of its best performances of the season.
The Mountaineers are preparing for a difficult matchup against No. 15 Texas Tech (7-1, 4-1), which brings one of the Big 12’s most talented offenses into Morgantown. With a sixth win within reach, head coach Rich Rodriguez knows his team will have to improve in several areas to come away with a victory. Read more: WVU faces Texas Tech rushing challenge with bowl eligibility possible.
A major focus for West Virginia’s defense will be stopping the Red Raiders’ rushing attack, particularly with the different challenges presented by their quarterback situation.
Texas Tech brings multiple threats on the ground
Rodriguez discussed the challenges Texas Tech presents offensively, pointing to the team’s ability to create problems with both its running backs and quarterback.
The Red Raiders have multiple talented options in the backfield, including J’Koby Williams, and Cameron Dickey. Rodriguez described Williams as one of the fastest players West Virginia has faced this season while noting Dickey’s size as a running back.
“Jacoby’s one of the fastest guys we’ve seen all year,” Rodriguez said. “And Cameron’s one of the biggest tailbacks in the country.”
Texas Tech also presents a different challenge at quarterback. The Red Raiders have incorporated more quarterback runs into their offense, giving opposing defenses another dimension to account for.
Defensive coordinator Zac Alley acknowledged that the overall structure of Texas Tech’s offense remains similar to what it has shown throughout the season, but the quarterback’s running ability has become a bigger part of the game plan.
“They definitely do a lot more quarterback run game with Thomas Castellanos in there,” Alley said. “But, you know, overall, the structure of the offense is similar, what they’re trying to do, how they’re trying to attack you.”
Alley explained that West Virginia has spent time preparing for the added quarterback running threat, which can put defenses in difficult situations when deciding whether to account for the quarterback keeping the ball or dropping back to pass.
The running backs will present another major challenge.
Alley praised Williams’ patience, speed and ability to break tackles, describing him as an NFL-caliber running back.
“He’s an NFL tailback, and that’s what they do,” Alley said. “And so just the challenge of getting him down is certainly something that we’re aware of.”
With multiple threats in the backfield, tackling will be especially important for the Mountaineers.
Rodriguez also emphasized that eye discipline and fundamentals will be necessary when defending a mobile quarterback.
“Can we tackle well? Can we get there and get them on the ground?” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez looks for defensive improvement with bowl eligibility at stake
West Virginia’s defense showed some progress in its most recent outing against TCU, but both Rodriguez and Alley believe there is still plenty of room for improvement.
The Mountaineers managed to make the Horned Frogs work for their scoring opportunities, forcing longer drives rather than allowing quick touchdowns.
Alley pointed to TCU’s 16- and 17-play scoring drives as examples of the defensive approach West Virginia wants to establish. While the Horned Frogs were able to finish those possessions, the Mountaineers did a better job of keeping the ball in front of them and making the offense work down the field.
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The open week allowed West Virginia to return to fundamentals, something both coaches believe will be important against Texas Tech.
“We’re not going to be able to trick anybody,” Rodriguez said. “You don’t trick people at this level. You know, you got to just be able to out-execute them and do the fundamentals really well.”
Alley also discussed the importance of getting more comfortable within the defensive system and allowing players to execute without overthinking.
West Virginia will need that improvement against a Texas Tech offense capable of creating explosive plays.
Saturday’s matchup also carries additional importance with West Virginia sitting one win away from bowl eligibility.
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Rodriguez acknowledged that reaching six wins is an important goal for the program, even if it is not the highest expectation the Mountaineers set for themselves entering the season.
“I still think the bowls itself are great for the fans,” Rodriguez said. “It’s great for players, and maybe it’s been diminished a little bit with the playoffs and stuff like that, but still, it’s out there.”
A good experience in the balance
A bowl appearance would give West Virginia’s players another opportunity to experience postseason football, something Rodriguez noted some members of the roster have never experienced.
“It would be great for us to be able to go to the bowl game in our second year back,” Rodriguez said. “More than anything else, for our fans and our players to enjoy that experience.”
West Virginia will have its opportunity to reach that milestone Saturday night against Texas Tech. To get there, the Mountaineers will need to tackle better, execute defensively and find a way to slow down one of the Big 12’s toughest opponents.
