West Virginia head coach Neil Brown is fired up on the sideline during a game earlier this season. (Photo by Frank Salucci/BlueGoldNews.com)
MORGANTOWN — Under normal circumstances, a late November college football game against a team with a 5-5 record such as West Virginia would be played Saturday at 3:30 p.m. It will be home to UCF, a team with an even less interesting 4-6 record. , which isn’t very interesting for fans of either team.
We’re in a new era, even if it’s Senior Day, like this game that will be broadcast on ESPNU. Seniors often haven’t been around long enough to create that much emotional attachment with fans, and that’s the only thing. At stake was a spot in a minor bowl game, and WVU would earn a bowl berth with a win in this matchup, leaving UCF without a postseason berth.
However, this match has some advantages. First, the ticket stub could have historical value, as Neil Brown may be playing in his final home game as the Mountaineers’ head coach, and many believe he I doubt they need to win their remaining two games. have a chance of being retained.
However, that is a perspective that should be pursued after the game. This Big 12 game will feature some interesting game plan strategies for both sides, as this matchup coincides with the shadow of UCF’s strong running game against a West Virginia defense that has proven to be more than capable of stopping runs. Brown is also involved. However, there was a fatal flaw in the defense of the passing game.
Looking at that, is UCF’s Gus Malzahn going to rely on the run game and talented running back RJ Harvey, a 5-foot-9, 208-pound running machine who will enter the game as the No. 3 rusher? The question arises. The nation has allowed 1,328 yards and 19 rushing touchdowns against a run defense that allows just 131.2 yards per game, just half of its 262 yards. UCF’s average as a team.
Or does he take a more sane path and fly high against a team whose FBS team’s pass efficiency defense ranks 129th out of 133 teams, let alone ranks 127th by allowing 269.7 passing yards per game? Will they decide to fill the air with football?
It’s not that Knights UCF can’t throw the ball. Freshman Dylan Riske took over the starting role after a slow start in the loss to BYU, but had a big performance against Arizona with 25 attempts for 294 yards and 20 completions with three touchdowns, leading to a 24-34 loss against Arizona. He recorded 229 yards. Lost to Arizona State University. His completion percentage is 72.9, a number that will only increase against WVU.
But Malzahn is known for his run game, and with an arsenal like Harvey, it’s hard to imagine telling him to look away from the run game in favor of throwing the football.
“Wherever Gus Malzahn was, they were able to run the ball effectively. For us, the defense starts with their ability to contain the run.” Mr. Brown said.
That’s what he’s been preaching in his defense. Defensive tackle TJ Jackson, who emerged as a disruptive force with 4:0 and 13.5 TFL, said it best when asked what the key to victory was.
“RJ Harvey has to be stopped.” he answered.
Harvey, a transfer from Virginia, gained over 100 yards in seven of 10 games, gaining 196 yards in a loss to Iowa State, 184 yards against Arizona and 180 yards against TCU.
“I think he’s one of the players who has improved.” Mr. Brown said. “He was really good last year. I think he’s elite this year. He’s a really tough tackler and can make people miss. He has a great feel for their zone scheme.”
This is bad news on two counts. First, he gained 1,416 rushing yards last season, and Brown says he’s better now, and Brown calls him ” “Really tough tackle” After two games, the Mountaineers’ coach declared that his team’s tackling was poor.
So Brown has to focus on slowing down Harvey, while also finding ways to improve his pass defense.
And the only thing at risk is his job.
NOTES: WVU will be without receiver Treylon Ray for the rest of the season as he recovers from surgery on a broken foot in last Saturday’s loss to Baylor… regained starting quarterback job last week and exploded After a tough game, Garrett Green is starting his senior day…Senior offensive tackle Wyatt Milam is an Outland Trophy semifinalist.
