Sunday Morning Thoughts: WVU Might Have Stumbled Upon an Identity

Offensively, it starts with sticking with the same five they played yesterday, except for making a change at right guard. Donovan Haslam slid in at left guard for Walter Young Bear, and Malik Agbo stood in for Ty'Kieast Crawford at right tackle.

Agbo struggled mightily in the run game, but who didn't? TCU had its way in that aspect of the game and just pushed WVU's entire line around. The one thing Agbo has to do is fill out his frame and get stronger, which, of course, can't happen until the offseason. He did hold up in pass protection, however. Haslam started off the game okay, but had some bumps along the way as well. I guess the encouraging thing is neither played great, yet they didn't allow a single sack. Baby steps.

I've been saying for weeks that Haslam and Agbo need to be in the starting lineup because they've shown glimpses of being capable bodies, and they each have eligibility beyond this season. You have to find out what they can do and if there's any chance that they can be a part of the starting lineup next season. I'd give them both a C for this game, but that's much better than the production they've been getting from those two spots. Now, it's about improving each week as they log more reps.

An identity found?

I'm not going to be fooled by West Virginia's pass game yesterday and just automatically assume Scotty Fox is going to be the next Will Grier (with legs). TCU's pass defense entered the week ranked in the bottom 25 nationally, and yes, even behind the Mountaineers. If there were a game to get a good taste in the pass game, this was it. That said, you still have to tip your hat to the freshman for getting the job done, playing clean football, and looking under control.

The rushing attack is a work in progress, which was evident in the grand total of 40 yards they accumulated on the ground. Diore Hubbard ran hard and with a strong burst, but just met a brick wall every time he reached the line of scrimmage. This o-line hasn't created nearly enough creases for the running backs this year, and certainly didn't last night. I'd like to see the aerial attack have some success against a much better Houston defense next week before truly hopping on the Scotty Fox bandwagon, but I do think there's something there. For West Virginia to have a chance next week, and any week for that matter, they're probably going to have to sling it around a good bit.