West Virginia vs. TCU: Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about our upcoming Big 12 match up in our West Virginia vs. TCU preview and prediction!
Broadcast Info
When: Saturday November 10th @ 11 A.M. CT
Where: Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia
TV: FS1
Radio: TCU/WVU IMG Radio Network
Key Players
TCU
QB Michael Collins- Since taking over the starting job, Michael Collins has averaged 237 passing yards per game and has had a total of 6 touchdowns and 2 picks. While he may not be lighting up the stat sheet, he has taken care of the football which was an issue before Michael took over. He will need to play the game of his life on Saturday if TCU is going to win.
RB Darius Anderson- Behind a struggling offensive line, it’s obvious why the production in the running game is lacking. Darius Anderson is a good running back but if he doesn’t get help from his guys up front, he will continue to only average 58 yards rushing per game.
DE Ben Banogu- While 5.5 sacks doesn’t sound like a lot, it is good enough to be second in the Big 12 in sacks. The production may be a drop off from last season, but Ben Banogu still may be the best pure pass rusher in the conference.
West Virginia
QB Will Grier- What can I really say about Will Grier besides that he has been excellent at quarterback this season of course except for the Iowa State game. Grier is averaging 327.2 passing yards per game and has thrown 28 touchdowns to just 7 picks. He can pick any defense apart on any given day.
WR David Sills- Another year, another season of catching a ton of touchdown passes. David is averaging 78.25 receiving yards per game and through 8 games has caught 11 touchdown passes. Say what you want about David Sills but he a hell of a wide out and fits nicely in this offense.
LB David Long Jr.- Very quietly, David Long Jr. has been awesome so far this season. He leads his team in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. There is no doubt that he is the leader of this defense that has improved from a season ago.
Key Storyline
Can the TCU Offense Step Up?
Right now, TCU has the third worst scoring offense in the Big 12 averaging 26.6 points per contest. But after looking up the numbers since Michael Collins took over at quarterback, they are averaging 22.7 points per game and in case you’re not a math wizard, that’s well below their season average. If you look at the passing and rushing numbers, they average around eighth once again. In a shell, this offense isn’t very good to say the least. Outside of Jalen Reagor at receiver, they lack playmakers and their below average offensive line struggles opening holes for the run game. Whether they score 26 or 22 points per game, that won’t be near enough to beat the Mountaineers even though the Horned Frog defense has played well so far this season. If TCU can’t score at least 30 points, I have a hard time believing they will win no matter how good their defense is.
Prediction
West Virginia 38 TCU 23
I respect the hell of Gary Patterson especially on the defensive side of the football, but that TCU offense is bad. West Virginia on the other hand is coming off a huge road win last weekend down in Austin and this time they are back home in Morgantown. Will Grier and the Mountaineer offense are putting up outstanding numbers and with all those weapons at wide out, I have a hard time seeing TCU keep up this fast pace with West Virginia. If the Mountaineer offensive line can keep Grier upright, I have no reason to think that TCU will able to out duel West Virginia on the road. Give me the Mountaineers by at least two touchdowns at home.
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