By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
With starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol officially out for today’s game against Utah, and starting running back Tye Edwards still questionable, it can be expected that backup quarterback Jaylen Henderson will carry the majority of the load for the WVU offense.
This will be Henderson’s first of the season for WVU. The news of Henderson starting for WVU against Utah was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Henderson, a senior, showed flashes in the last three games of the 2023 season for the Aggies, completing 67.9% of his passes for 715 yards, six touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Henderson’s last full start came in a 30-42 loss against #14 LSU in Death Valley where he completed 25 of his 35 attempts for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Not only will WVU be without Marchiol, a questionable Edwards, WVU will also be without another running back in Cyncir Bowers.
Bowers, per head coach Rich Rodriguez suffered a concussion in the 41-10 loss to Kansas.
Henderson, who has only competed 11 of his four passing attempts, will likely rely on his running game against Utah.
Henderson has rushed it 16 times for a total of 118 yards with one touchdown. His best game running the ball came against Kansas in which he ran for 79 yards on seven attempts with a touchdown.
Here’s my prediction for Henderson. Passing the ball won’t be overly proficient, but he will tack on some great yardage running the ball.
And … with that, I see Henderson completing right at 42% of his passes with 90 yards. As for running the ball, he will carry it over 15 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. His longest carry will be 39 yards.
Photo: William Wotring/WVSN
