While West Virginia’s defense has been one of their downfalls in the 2024 season, in Week 11, it was the reason for an electric play that tied the game up vs. Cincinnati.
Down 7-0, West Virginia’s defense was struggling to get Cincinnati off the field until a wild change of pace occurred on 4th and 1.
The big play occurred with Cincinnati attempting to covert in the red zone, a play where sophomore quarterback Brendan Sorsby scrambled and made an errant throw to the West Virginia defender. Senior safety Anthony Wilson jumped the pass and returned the interception 80 yards to the house.
After trailing by seven points, the Mountaineers flipped the script thanks to the big play by Wilson. West Virginia regained momentum and led a scoring drive shortly after. With veteran quarterback Garrett Greene sidelined for the matchup with an injury, the team turned to Nicco Marchiol under center.
The defense stepped up in a big way in the first half after the firing of former defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley. Head coach Neal Brown made the decision to let Lesley go after four and a half years as the team’s defensive coordinator. Shortly after the decision, Lesley was arrested at North Central Regional Jail at 4:40 in the morning on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.
West Virginia leads Cincinnati 17-7 at the half.
