Fresh off a tough 17-10 loss to Ohio, the West Virginia Mountaineers bounced back in dramatic fashion, taking down rival Pitt in overtime last weekend. In a game that saw head coach Rich Rodriguez rotate three quarterbacks, it was Nicco Marchiol who ultimately led the charge, securing the win and some much-needed momentum heading into Big 12 play. Meanwhile, Kansas came up short in its rivalry clash with Missouri, falling 42-31.
This weekend’s matchup between West Virginia and Kansas is set to kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Lawrence, airing on FS1. The Jayhawks enter the conference showdown as 13.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 55.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Tye Edwards (RB, WVU)
Before suffering a season-ending injury, Jahiem White was poised to be the focal point of West Virginia’s offense. In his absence, running back Tye Edwards stepped up in a big way, racking up 25 carries for 141 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Pitt. His performance helped steady an offense dealing with a quarterback carousel and came through in several key third-down moments. If WVU hopes to pull off the upset in Lawrence, Edwards will likely need to deliver another standout showing.
Jalon Daniels (QB, Kansas)
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is one of the most experienced playmakers in the Big 12, and he’s already off to a strong start. After battling injuries throughout his career, the dynamic dual-threat has thrown for nine touchdowns and added 90 rushing yards through three games, helping the Jayhawks to a 2-1 record. He’ll face a test against a West Virginia defense that held firm in key moments against Pitt, limiting the damage despite multiple turnovers. If Daniels can extend plays and connect on the deep ball, it could spell trouble for the WVU secondary.
Two Key Storylines
Has Nicco Marchiol Cemented Himself as QB1?
Despite a solid first half, Rich Rod decided to replace Nicco Marchiol with true freshman Scotty Fox Jr., who threw two interceptions and briefly gave way to Jaylen Henderson for a series. With the Mountaineers trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, Marchiol returned to the field and orchestrated a clutch scoring drive to force overtime. Battling adversity and delivering when it mattered most, Marchiol may have secured the starting job for the foreseeable future.
Can Kansas Contain West Virginia’s Rushing Attack?
The Jayhawks gave up two 100-yard rushers last week, and now face a West Virginia team that leaned heavily on the ground game in its win over Pitt. Rich Rod’s up-tempo, no-huddle offense keeps defenses off balance, so Kansas will need to adjust quickly. If the Jayhawks can generate early pressure on Marchiol, they may be able to force mistakes and shift momentum in their favor. If they don’t, West Virginia’s ground game could wear them down and take control of the tempo.
Prediction: Kansas 31, West Virginia 20
West Virginia’s offense has shown signs of complacency, and with ongoing uncertainty at quarterback, Kansas is well-positioned to take care of business at home. The Jayhawks have the more balanced attack and a clear edge in quarterback play with Daniels leading the charge. If KU can control the line of scrimmage and limit explosive runs from Edwards, the unit should be able to wear WVU down over four quarters. Coming off a heartbreaking loss and with a primetime home crowd behind them, this is a game Kansas should win, and one they must win to stay in the Big 12 title conversation.
