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MYERS: Can WVU bounce back?

After seeing West Virginia play its best game in soundly defeating TCU three weeks ago, WVU football faithful were somewhat encouraged that the Mountaineers appeared to be an improving team that had been competitive all season. Thus even though they were clear underdogs against Iowa State most fans, and even independent observers, believed that it would be a competitive battle.

It was anything but. Instead what we saw was an embarrassing dominance by the Cyclones in a 42-6 thrashing. West Virginia could not run, could not pass, could not score, and the highly touted defense was shredded.

The Mountaineers had not played the last two weekends, an unprecedented layoff from what would occur during a normal season, and indeed it appeared that they were not sharp early in the game. But that was hardly an excuse or explanation for what occurred. The Iowa State team which won the regular season conference championship completely controlled West Virginia in every phase of the game. The result was an unsettling reality check for WVU coaches, players, fans and supporters. Is this reflective of how far on the climb we have yet to go? In the last three seasons Iowa State has defeated the Mountaineers by an average of 25 points, doing so with an unquestioned physical dominance. West Virginia has not scored a touchdown against the Cyclones in six quarters, being outscored 66-6 during that span.

As has been noted here before, we are all admonished not to make too much of one game. That is a bit difficult to do right after such a disappointing loss, but there remains a final regular season game and a bowl outing later in the month. There is still much to play for, so hopefully the coaching staff and players can quickly put this one behind us.

THIS SATURDAY: Two weeks ago WVU was scheduled to play Oklahoma in an important game feeling confident and one the Sooners badly needed to win. But it was postponed for two weeks and things have changed. Oklahoma has now clinched a berth in the Big 12 Championship against Iowa State on December 19th and the Mountaineers’ confidence is no doubt shaken.

With Iowa State having a week off before that title game, Oklahoma has little to gain with flying across the country to play in Morgantown where they will be heavily favored. A win over West Virginia would be virtually meaningless, and it would be a disadvantage to have to play while their next opponent was resting. So frankly I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the Sooners’ongoing Covid issues prevent the game from being played. But if all goes as scheduled I will stick with my prediction two weeks ago of OKLAHOMA 34 WEST VIRGINIA 23.

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