West Virginia's football team entered the regular season finale with a bit less stress after securing bowl eligibility last week. But they still have a lot to play for as they face Texas Tech in Lubbock. Senior offensive tackle Wyatt Milum emphasizes the one-play and one-game mentality, stating that each week they aim to win. If WVU can defeat the Red Raiders, it will mark a significant achievement, being only the second time in coach Neal Brown's tenure that the Mountaineers have reached at least seven wins and the first time they have finished back-to-back campaigns at 6-3 in the Big 12. However, it won't be an easy task as Texas Tech boasts one of the most prolific offenses in college football. The Red Raiders rank in the top 20 in scoring, total yards, and passing yards, and their all-time leading rusher Tahj Brooks is a force to be reckoned with. Texas Tech also has a high-tempo style that could pose problems for WVU's defense, which has struggled all season in pressuring quarterbacks and allowing third-down conversions.
Defense vs. Texas Tech's Offense
WVU's defense has had its issues this season, averaging less than two sacks per game and intercepting just four passes. Texas Tech's offense converts nearly 48% of its third downs, which could be a concern. Defensive coordinator Jeff Koonz explains that the high number of attempts by Texas Tech creates more possessions per game, making it challenging for the defense to reset. But WVU will have the opportunity today to play against a defense worse than theirs. Texas Tech has the second-worst pass defense in the nation, allowing 309 yards per game. This could help WVU's passing game, which normally doesn't put up big numbers. An effective passing game will be crucial if the game turns into a track meet. However, Texas Tech has been able to intercept quarterbacks, recording 12 interceptions this season. WVU quarterback Garrett Greene has led the offense with his athleticism but has thrown nine interceptions. Greene emphasizes that the offense can't squander scoring opportunities and needs to keep the ball in their hands.Offense's Challenges and Opportunities
The WVU offense faces challenges against Texas Tech's defense. With the Red Raiders' high-scoring offense and the need to keep the ball in their hands, the offense must be efficient. Garrett Greene's athleticism has been a strength, but he needs to be more careful with his throws to avoid interceptions. The offense also needs to find ways to move the ball down the field and score points. They can't rely solely on big plays but need to have a consistent offensive game plan. Against a tough defense like Texas Tech's, every play counts, and the offense needs to execute at a high level.Weather and Crowd Challenges
Playing at Jones AT&T Stadium won't be easy for WVU. The swirling winds and the historically loud crowd could add to the difficulty. The team will need to stay focused and not be distracted by the environment. Brown acknowledges the challenges but is excited about the opportunity. The players will need to rise to the occasion and play their best football in these tough conditions. A victory in this hostile environment would give WVU a significant boost heading into bowl season and help them move past the five-to-six-win plateau that they have been stuck on during most of Brown's tenure.READ MORE