By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
The West Virginia Mountaineers are entering the Backyard Brawl in which the offense could not muster any type of momentum against the Ohio Bobcats in the 17-10 loss.
I get it, West Virginia forced three turnovers against Ohio this past weekend. However, the Mountaineers offense was held to zero – yes zero – points of offense off of those turnovers.
That doesn’t cook up a winning recipe.
And it didn’t.
Pitt’s offense, which is led by veteran quarterback Eli Holstein will not make a lot of bad decisions on Saturday. In fact, I wouldn’t bet on him making horrible throws all game long. Therefore, if WVU plans on winning the Backyard Brawl, they’ll need to force fumbles or just simply bully the Panthers in the trenches.
Winning the trenches is not what the offensive line did last week, but it does appear, according to reports that WVU is going to lean more heavily on its running game rather than have whoever is under center feel constant pressure in their face.
WVU who is now without its top running back in Jahiem White will need to lean heavily on other running backs. Likely getting the load of carries will be Clay Ash, but don’t be shocked to see Cyncir Bowers, Tye Edwards, and Diore Hubbard.
Bowers, who has received praise from the coaching staff, has top-tier speed. That was evident in week one against RMU, but was limited to just one carry for a negative yard netted. Edward and Hubbard did not see the field.
Ash, who is listed as the top running back, just isn’t cutting it. He’s just not. In two games he’s rushed it nine times for 25 yards. Those are numbers from a bottom-tier running back, not the number one back. Granted he is a sophomore, he still needs to develop his running and vision game before being given the reins of the every day top running back for WVU.
With the Jaden Bray also missing the season for WVU, expect there to be a limitation on the passing game for the Mountaineers. Not saying that the other receivers aren’t good, but outside of Cam Vaughn, no other receiver has fully stepped up through two game.
Vaughn is solely responsible for 170 yards receiving of 410 yards through the air. That is 41% of the offense when it comes to the receiving group.
If WVU can somehow find a balance through the air and the rushing game, then the outcome could potentially be in favor of WVU. If not, then it will be a long day for the Mountaineers.
Photo: WVU Athletics
