After consecutive fourth quarter collapses in the two previous games, this time it was WVU which dominated in the final stanza to defeat Central Florida, 41-28.

The Mountaineers were leading by only a narrow 24-21 margin after three quarters but took control by scoring on three consecutive possessions in the fourth, primarily with a successful running game. Expected to be a strength of the offense in 2023, the WVU rushing attack had struggled at times this season, being unable to generate explosive plays on the ground. But on Saturday, the Mountaineers gained 286 yards rushing, including seven plays of 10 yards or more. Garrett Greene scored three touchdowns along with one each by Jaheem White and CJ Donaldson.

As we all know, the West Virginia defense had taken backward steps in losses to Houston and Oklahoma State, and the statistics from Saturday on the surface appeared to be more of the same. UCF gained 463 yards, had 27 first downs, was 9-of-12 on third down conversions, and only punted one time. But the difference was that WVU was able to generate four turnovers which were responsible for the winning margin. It was the only the second time in the past 14 games dating back to mid-season in 2022 that the Mountaineers have had a positive turnover differential.

There were no special teams errors such as we had seen in the previous game with Oklahoma State. Kicker Michael Hayes was able to achieve touchbacks on six of his eight kickoffs, and on the other two coverage was excellent. Field position on special teams plays are sometimes hidden yardage that don’t show up in game statistics.

One significant factor in the win was that in 10 possessions UCF never had better starting field position better than its own 27-yard line. Even with a good offense it is a challenge to have to go 75 yards on each possession to get to paydirt.

THIS SATURDAY: The four new entrants into the Big 12 this season have struggled to an aggregate 2-15 record against original conference foes, and one of those came on a last play miracle. But among the four newcomers BYU has been the best of the group and will come to Morgantown Saturday night with a 5-3 record. The two signature wins by the Cougars were a road win at Arkansas and a convincing win at home over Texas Tech two weeks ago. On the flip side they have not played well in three conference road games and must make a long trip for a second consecutive week after getting thumped at Texas last Saturday.

The Mountaineers will be a slight favorite, but that is not a comforting position. In all five conference games thus far in 2023, the underdog has been victorious each time. BYU is not a team which will beat itself, so WVU will need to duplicate another solid outing to prevail.

WEST VIRGINIA 30 BYU 21.