WVU (2-4, 0-4 in Big 12) welcomes the TCU Horned Frogs (5-2, 2-2 in Big 12) to Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday night for their homecoming game. The Mountaineers are desperately searching for their first conference victory, but they have a tough test ahead of them this week. WVU is more than a two-touchdown underdog at home, and they must deal with injuries at quarterback. The game kicks off at 6 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+. Read more: WVU vs. TCU Preview: Mountaineers Welcome Horned Frogs for Homecoming Game.
WVU vs. TCU Preview: Mountaineers Welcome Horned Frogs for Homecoming Game
The injuries are piling up for the Mountaineers, especially at the quarterback position. Khalil Wilkins is questionable to play this week after suffering a lower-body injury last week. Jaylen Henderson is already listed as out, along with Nicco Marchiol, who is expected to enter the transfer portal when it opens. That leaves Scotty Fox Jr. and Max Brown, and Fox is expected to start the game.
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Running back Tye Edwards is still out as he deals with a nagging hip injury. Lineman Ty’Kieast Crawford and defensive lineman Hammond Russell IV are both questionable before the contest on Saturday. The Horned Frogs also have some injuries. Offensive lineman Cade Bennett, wide receiver Ed Small, and running back Jeremy Payne are doubtful to play this week. TCU’s leading rusher, Kevorian Barnes, is probable after rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns last week.
Matchups To Watch
The TCU passing attack is one of the best in the nation. They rank seventh in the country with 309.3 passing yards per game, average 13.04 yards per completion, and have scored 21 touchdowns through the air this season. They are led by redshirt junior quarterback Josh Hoover, who is fifth in the nation in passing yards per game. He has 21 touchdowns and only six interceptions. His favorite receiver is Eric McAlister, who is tied for 13th with 86.1 receiving yards per game. He has also scored seven touchdowns.
Stopping this duo is the biggest key to the game for the Mountaineers. They have let up big play after big play this season, and it cannot happen this week. McAlister is an explosive receiver and already has two 70+ yard touchdowns this season. If the WVU defense and secondary do not right the ship, he could have another this weekend.
Hoover has not played perfectly this season and can be thrown off his game. He was sacked six times against Arizona State and threw for only 242 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. WVU must disrupt his rhythm in the pocket and force him into uncomfortable positions. If they give him time to throw, he will make them pay.
The West Virginia offense must take care of the ball this week. TCU has nine interceptions this season, which is tied for the lead in the Big 12. They also have 18 sacks, but they have allowed 15 passing touchdowns and 251.7 passing yards per game. This defense is not impenetrable, but Fox must make sound decisions with the football. On the ground, they allow 131.4 rushing yards per game, which is above average in the conference. They may force WVU to beat them through the air.
Final Analysis
At some point, this Mountaineer offense has to start throwing the football. TCU can turn this game into a track meet, which means WVU has to chew up the clock or keep up with them. TCU is explosive, and WVU must keep McAlister in check. I do not see how they can check all those boxes, but that is why they play the game!
