Interview with the Enemy: West Virginia

The Cowboys will face of against West Virginia Saturday for a shot a bowl eligibility. We had a chat with our friends over at The Smoking Musket to talk about this team and what they expect in Stillwater on Saturday. Big thanks to Matt for talking with us.

Micah Allen: Do you think there’s a chance that the Mountaineers might be looking too far ahead to the game against the Sooners? Could the Pokes use that to pull off the upset?

Matt Kirchner: In past years I’d have said yes, but the way this team has responded to the Iowa State loss has really impressed me. Oklahoma State should never be a look ahead game, and there is a revenge factor as well. West Virginia seems to be clicking on all cylinders and definitely have their eyes on the prize.

They could definitely lose this game, but it won’t be because they looked ahead.

MA: How much are WVU fans going to miss Will Greir?

MK: I’ll be up front and say that I think Will Grier is either the best or second best quarterback to ever do it in Morgantown. Marc Bulger not getting to play in a modern offense makes the call hard. His absence next year will be huge, and it’ll likely be a transition year for West Virginia.

That said, the well isn’t dry. WVU will have a very interesting quarterback competition next spring and fall between Jack Allison and Redshirt Freshman Trey Lowe. Allison would give them the best chance to win, but I’m very intrigued about giving the keys to Lowe and seeing what a four year starter would look like for Holgo.

MA: Do you think Holgerson gets extra pumped for this game having coached with the Cowboys before?

MK: A little, but it’s internalized. His quote about it being nine years ago in a hotel room from earlier this week was peak Dana.

ICYMI here’s that quote:

MA:What’s this Mountaineer team’s biggest weakness? Biggest strength?

MK: West Virginia has struggled all year with larger wide receivers. Hakeem Butler, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Collin Johnson ate us alive.

The interior offensive line was a problem for a while but has seemed to correct itself a bit in recent weeks as we’ve committed to more off tackle run schemes.

The strength is definitely Will Grier and the depth of the receivers. Our top four are all very polished route runners that complement each other so well and make it nearly impossible to cover.

On defense, they attack and penetrate for tackles for losses more than any West Virginia defense in recent memory.

MA: Score prediction?

MK:I think it’s close early but OSU’s defense makes some key mistakes late and WVU takes home a 38-24 win.