West Virginia vs. TCU: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

FORT WORTH, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: TCU Horned Frogs running back Darius Anderson (6) celebrates with offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom (68) and guard Austin Schlottmann (51) after a touchdown during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Southern Methodist Mustangs on September 16, 2017 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU defeats SMU 56-36. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2 of 5

LAWRENCE, KS – SEPTEMBER 23: Will Grier #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrates a teammates touchdown against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Keys for West Virginia

The Mountaineers have been absolutely rolling offensively over the past three games against the likes of East Carolina, Delaware State and Kansas, but TCU will obviously provide a much tougher challenge.

Dana Holgorsen’s offense quietly ranks second in the nation with 48.8 points per game on a healthy 7.2 yards per play, and features good balance between run and pass. Grier has been terrific with a 13:3 TD:INT ratio and 9.5 yards per pass attempt, Justin Crawford is one of the most explosive running backs in college football, and the Mountaineers have enjoyed some unexpected wide receiver depth with four players tallying over 200 yards.

With all of the speed on TCU’s defensive line, Grier might not have a lot of time to make decisions, so he’ll need every bit of that wide receiver depth on Saturday. Holgorsen would also do well to ensure Crawford tops his carry total of 13 from the Virginia Tech loss, as the senior is averaging 7.3 yards per carry in his career and can break off a touchdown run on any play.

The key for West Virginia’s defense will be to try to stack the box against TCU running back Darius Anderson and force Kenny Hill to throw. Hard-hitting versatile safety Kyzir White can pressure Hill into mistakes and is expected to play on Saturday after missing the Kansas game with a head injury.

Nine penalties for 81 yards were a big reason West Virginia only managed 24 points against Virginia Tech despite racking up 592 yards, something that needs to improve in order to beat the Horned Frogs.

Home/College Football