Following the West Virginia Mountaineers’ recent loss to Ohio, it’s clear that there are significant concerns to address within the team. In this post-game analysis, we’ll look at the highlights and lowlights of the game, focusing on key players and areas that either excelled or fell short.
### Stock Down: Open Field Tackling
The game started strong for the Mountaineers’ linebackers, who showed promise, but that momentum quickly faded. Open field tackling became a critical issue as the game progressed. Players struggled with their angles, allowing Ohio quarterback CJ Navarro to extend plays and drives with his legs. Navarro ran for an impressive 87 yards on 18 carries, which highlights the impact of the missed tackles. Particularly demoralizing was a third-down conversion late in the fourth quarter, where poor angles by the edge rushers culminated in a pivotal moment for Ohio.
### Stock Down: Quarterbacks
Quarterback Nicco Marchiol had a day to forget. His performance, marked by an 8-for-15 pass completion rate for 115 yards and no touchdowns, led to his benching in the third quarter. His inability to connect on downfield throws and move the ball through the air was evident, and his struggles were mirrored by backup quarterback Henderson, who fared little better before also being sidelined. Marchiol made a couple of plays upon returning, but overall, it was not a performance that instilled confidence in the quarterback position.
### Stock Up: Fred Perry
In contrast to the struggles of the offensive units, linebacker Fred Perry stood out as a beacon of hope for the Mountaineers’ defense. His relentless energy and instinctive playmaking allowed him to dominate the field, contributing 10 tackles (two for loss), one sack, and two passes defended. Perry’s involvement in crucial defensive plays was arguably the highlight of West Virginia’s performance, demonstrating that there are individual players capable of stepping up in challenging situations.
### Stock Down: Defensive and Offensive Fronts
Despite a strong showing against Robert Morris in the previous game, both the defensive and offensive lines were outmatched against Ohio. The defensive line, which had been a strength, struggled to hold its ground, allowing Ohio to dominate time of possession—something that simply cannot happen against a team from the MAC, even a competent one like Ohio. On the offensive side, Jahiem White’s absence was painfully felt; the Mountaineers struggled to run the ball, averaging only 2.9 yards per carry as a team. This performance raises major concerns about the team’s ability to win battles in the trenches.
### Stock Up: Defensive Adjustments
There were signs of resilience within the Mountaineers’ defensive unit, particularly in the second half. The team made significant adjustments that allowed them to improve their coverage and overall effectiveness. Linebackers showed much better awareness, making plays on the ball and demonstrating improvement despite the abysmal first half they endured. While the game lacked much in the way of silver linings, this improvement is commendable and worth acknowledging.
### Stock Down: Team Health
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the game was the team’s health. Key players like Jaden Bray and Jahiem White being carted off the field is a substantial blow. With Chase Wilson also limping off late in the game, the potential for lingering injuries raises a major red flag. The depth and resilience of the team will now be put to the test as the season unfolds.
### Conclusion
The Mountaineers faced a harsh reality in their loss against Ohio. The performance revealed several critical areas needing improvement, notably in open field tackling, quarterback play, and dominance in the trenches. On the brighter side, players like Fred Perry showcased potential and resilience, particularly in a second half that displayed some improvement in defensive adjustments.
Moving forward, West Virginia needs to reevaluate its strategies, particularly regarding team health and tackling fundamentals. The season is still young, and while this defeat stings, it can also serve as a learning experience for both players and coaches alike. With more consistent performances and prudent adjustments, the Mountaineers can look to rebound and forge ahead in the coming weeks. As always in the world of college football, every game presents an opportunity to learn and grow, and West Virginia has no shortage of lessons to take away from this match against Ohio.
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