(Graphic Illustration - Monday Morning Quarterback - WVU Football - Image rendered through the use of ChatGPT)

The West Virginia football team emerged from six weeks of futility by playing its best game since the overtime win over Pittsburgh back in mid September. The effort wasn’t enough for the win, but at least the Mountaineers were competitive and kept fans in the stands until the end.

On the positive side were the play of freshman quarterback Scotty Fox and a solid effort by the defense. In the first four Big 12 Conference games West Virginia was unable to mount any resemblance of a successful passing offense, but Saturday night Fox threw for 301 yards on 28 completions out of 41 attempts. Once he found his rhythm in the second half the offense began to click, and it appeared that if the Mountaineers were able to gain one last possession there was a good chance of converting a game winning score. Unfortunately TCU was able to run out the clock over the last 3:15 of the game,

The WVU defense had been shredded over the last four games but gave a solid effort against a Horned Frog offense that was averaging 36 points. Aided by an inept first quarter offense, poor special teams play and in ill advised failed fourth down attempt by the Mountaineers on their own 35, every snap until two minutes remained in the first quarter was in West Virginia territory. The Horned Frogs could have taken complete control at that point but were able to score only 10 points to keep the outcome in doubt.

TCU had nine total possessions inside Mountaineer territory but was able to tally only 23 points. Most games in college football that would lead to a winning effort but the West Virginia offense, despite the emergence of solid play at quarterback, could not score enough points to garner the win.

The Mountaineers were unable to run the football, and as head coach Rich Rodriguez said after the game you aren’t going to win with 41 total rushing yards. WVU let a number of scoring opportunities slip away, turning the ball over on downs five times in all, four in TCU territory, as well as having to settle for a field goal after having a first and goal inside the 10. Gaining 1 or 2 yards when needed became a struggle, as the Mountaineers were 5 for 21 on third and fourth down attempts. Rodriguez expressed frustration coming off the field at halftime that their inability to gain a yard was embarrassing. But at some point when the offensive line clearly is unable to control the line of scrimmage trying to gain yardage up the middle begs for an alternative.

THIS SATURDAY: The Mountaineers now travel to Houston. WVU fans recall that Dana Holgersen left Morgantown for the head job there but was let go after five years. The Cougars are now led by Willie Fritz, who has proven to be successful at every level he has coached. They are a surprising 7-1 and coming off an impressive road win at Arizona State.

HOUSTON 24, WEST VIRGINIA 14.