The Matchup
The Frogs look to keep rolling this weekend at home against West Virginia as both teams will be fighting for their fourth win on the season
The Mountaineers will be the biggest test for this Horned Frog team since the loss in week one to Colorado, as West Virginia has also won three straight with their only loss being to No. 6 Penn State in week one.
WVU leads the all-time series 7-5 dating back to 1984. The Frogs will look to close the gap further while sporting their all-black uniforms.
Behind Enemy Lines
Luke Blain, the executive sports editor of The Daily Athenaeum, the student media publication at West Virginia, gave his thoughts on the game this weekend.
“I think WVU has a chance to win the game, but it’s hard to tell,” he said.
He highlighted the many different targets at quarterback Garrett Greene’s disposal, including wide receiver Devin Carter, Tight end Kole Taylor and others. But, his one player to watch will be on the defensive side of the ball.
“I think that a player to watch is Lee Kpogba on defense. He has become the true leader of the defense and is very active in coverage and tackling,” he said.
Blain predicts the contest could go either way.
“The Mountaineers have definitely improved since last year and TCU has declined, so I could see it going either way,” he said.
Game Diagnosis
Last week, the Frogs looked more cohesive on offense than they have all year and, most importantly, had no turnovers.
Tight end Jared Wiley had a monster game, catching two touchdowns against SMU for his first career multi-touchdown game.
“The little things have been cut down every week,” he said.
Quarterback Chandler Morris also had his best game, throwing for 261 yards and three touchdown passes, and was praised by head coach Sonny Dykes.
“He makes such smart decisions… we’re very comfortable putting the ball in his hands to make those decisions,” he said.
The defense shined for the Frogs. It held SMU’s offense to 17 points and forced two interceptions from quarterback Preston Stone.
Cornerback Josh Newton, who had one of the interceptions, credited the unit’s mindset.
“We’re staying loyal to each other,” he said. “We don’t flinch, don’t blink, just foot on the gas.”
Even with a complete performance from the offense, defense and special teams, the team is still hungry and confident to be even better as they head into this week.
“The top is gonna blow off, it’s only a matter of time,” Morris said.
The Frogs open up as 12.5-point favorites and will look to take this confidence into Saturday and walk away 4-1 on the season.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Amon G. Carter Stadium. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN2.
