GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: West Virginia’ passing attack versus Kansas State’s defense. The Mountaineers would prefer to be a run-first team, but K-State excels at stopping its opposition’s ground game. That sets the table for Grier and his stable of receivers to do what they do best, which is control the game with passing, and they will have opportunities for big plays.
DRAFT SLANT
–WR David Sills V was in his first full season as a wideout last year and produced some prodigious offensive stats (60 catches, 980 yards and 18 touchdowns). He’s one of two West Virginia players (Grier is the other) named to the AP preseason All-American team and is off to a flying start this year with nine catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns against over the first two games. He’s a prototype slot receiver who can make the big catches over the middle and handle one-on-one hand-play with defensive backs.
ROSTER REPORT:
–In Will Grier’s 13 starts at WVU, the Mountaineers are averaging 38.2 points per game, fourth best in the nation among starting quarterbacks.
–LB David Long Jr. is averaging 11.5 tackles per game, 6.5 solo tackles per game and 1.25 tackles for loss per game.
–WR Gary Jennings Jr. finished with a career-best three touchdowns against Youngstown State, and WR Marcus Simms had 100-yards receiving for the first time in his career.
–West Virginia is converting 60 percent (12-of-20) of its third-down attempts, ranking No. 1 in the Big 12 and No. 5 nationally.
