Rejuvenated WVU Welcomes Cowboys
Mountaineers are coming off big win at Kansas State
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WHEELING -- It's been a tough maiden voyage for Neal Brown at the WVU football helm.
However, after a 3-6 start, Brown got the signature win he was looking for to help build his program. The struggling Mountaineers traveled to Kansas State Saturday and shocked the nationally ranked Wildcats, 24-20.
The upset triumph keeps WVU's flickering bowl hopes alive, and just as importantly delivers a much-needed shot-in-the-arm for Brown's rebuilding efforts.
WVU hosts Oklahoma State this Saturday in a noon start at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Mountaineers close out their regular season on Friday, Nov. 29 at TCU. Two WVU wins make the team bowl eligible.
Bowling Green transfer Jarret Doege made his first start at quarterback for WVU against Kansas State after turning in solid relief duty against Texas Tech a week prior. Doege acquitted himself quite nicely against the Wildcats, completing 20 of 30 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns.
For his efforts, Doege was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week. He started 12 games last year for the Falcons, tossing for more than 2,600 yards to go with 27 TDs.
Hakeem Bailey, meanwhile, came up huge for the Mountaineers defense as he intercepted a Wildcats pass in the closing moments to seal a victory.
"This was a big win on the road. We've been close several times. It's been a difficult year," Brown said during his Tuesday press conference. "I am proud of our staff and our players. It was a much-needed win. All three phases had a hand in it.
"He (Doege) played well for the first time out, but he could have played better. He left some plays out there. Overall, he handled himself well."
Oklahoma State, meanwhile brings an overall 7-3 record to Morgantown and a 4-3 Big 12 mark. The Cowboys, ranked No. 22 in this week's AP poll, are favored by a touchdown.
West Virginia's defense will face an acid test in the form of Chuba Hubbard. The Cowboys sophomore leads the nation in rushing with 1,726 yards to go with 20 TDs.
Coach Mike Gundy's explosive charges can be equally potent through the air. Spencer Sanders has completed 155 of 242 passes for 2,065 yards and 16 TDs.
"Our defense will be facing a major challenge. Oklahoma State has a top 10 offense," Brown said. "Hubbard is the complete package. He deserves to be in the Heisman Trophy discussion.
"Sanders is really athletic with great speed. He can throw the deep ball. It is our final home game and Senior Day for 22 guys. Our senior class has been extremely resilient. We need to redeem ourself after how we played in our last home game. We won't play at home again until September."
Oklahoma State is averaging 36.5 points a game, 15 better than WVU. Improved quarterback play has been a big key for the Cowboys' point production.
"He's (Spencer) done well. He's been successful in what has hurt him and our team in the middle part of the year, which was putting the ball on the ground. We have worked hard on it from a drill standpoint and he's gotten better," Gundy said. "He's starting to settle in at his position and has a better feel. His ability to make decisions and make adjustments on the sideline is getting better each week."
Gundy, despite WVU's losing record, is not taking the Mountaineers lightly. Rather, he is singing their praises, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
"Last week was a good win for us. We obviously had a great day for the military, which was awesome. Moving forward to West Virginia, we've got an early kickoff. Obviously, they played really well last week. They went in and won in Manhattan, where we all know it's a difficult place to play," Gundy said during Monday's press conference. "Their defense has been good all year. They've had a game or two where maybe they felt like they didn't play as well as they wanted to. They've been very consistent. They get pressure with their down guys. They tackle really well. They are aggressive and they are playing well on defense.
"Offensively, they've found a quarterback that they are comfortable with. He is effective with the football and he takes care of the football. It's a good win for them and we are looking forward to the preparations this week and the early morning kickoff out there in Morgantown."
WVU's rushing attack continues to be a problem.
The Mountaineers gained 85 yards on the ground against Kansas State. For the season, the team is averaging 76.7 rushing yards per game. Leddie Brown leads the way with 323 yards while Kennedy McKoy has gained 314.
Freshman Sam James leads WVU with 59 receptions for 627 yards and two TDs. T.J. Simmons has grabbed 31 passes for 409 yards and four TDs.
BUBBA'S EER BITS
∫ Former WVU coach Dana Holgorsen is finding the going quite tough at the University of Houston. His Cougars are 3-7.
∫ The game will be televised on ESPN2.
∫ WVU's finale at TCU on Friday, Nov. 29 will kick off at 4:15 p.m. It will be televised by ESPN.
∫ George Campbell has made the most of his 14 catches this fall, as six have gone for touchdowns.
∫ Oklahoma State leads the all-time series against WVU, 6-4. The Cowboys won last year's shootout in Stillwater, 45-41.
∫ Sean Mahone leads the Mountaineers in tackles (66).
∫ WVU is ranked No. 1 in the Big 12 and sixth nationally in punt return defense (1.33).
∫ Gundy owns a 5-2 record against WVU.
∫ Union Local grad and four-year offensive tackle starter Colton McKivitz has been named to the Big 12 All-Academic team for the fourth straight year.
∫ WVU has 14 fifth-year seniors on its roster.