(Football News - Photo Illustration/MetroCreative)

The West Virginia Mountaineers are 4-4 through the first two-thirds of the season, falling short of where fans thought they would be given preseason expectations. With no game being played this past weekend this is an opportunity to take a deep dive into rankings and statistics to focus on the quality of performance thus far.

With a number of key players returning, offense was to be the strength of this WVU squad. But the Mountaineers rank only 56th in total offense and 62nd in scoring points per game which, although middle of the pack among FBS teams, falls short of where fans hoped we would be. Quarterback Garrett Greene has engineered many late game drives over the past two years and clearly is a team leader, but still has not improved his passing efficiency. He has completed just over 50% against FBS opposition with as many interceptions as touchdown passes. His running ability is exceptional, but backup Nicco Marchiol may be the more effective passer, having completed 70% of his passes with just one interception. WVU ranks a solid No. 22 in rushing yardage per game, but note that they were fourth in the nation in 2023.

While offense has been a mixed bag, unfortunately that is the good news. A close look at defensive metrics clearly tell us why this 2024 version of West Virginia football has fallen short.

The Mountaineers have actually been effective stopping opponents running the ball, ranking 38th, but the pass defense has been nothing short of atrocious.

West Virginia ranks 114th in passing yardage per game given up, and are the worst of all FBS teams in opponents yards per pass attempt (9.28), and average yards per pass completion (15). With these glaring numbers defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley has been relieved of his duties.

And just to make your morning coffee taste a little more bitter, West Virginia also ranks No. 92 in turnover margin (minu-6)

The end result is that the Mountaineers have fallen short against quality opponents. And although they stand 3-2 in Big 12 play, their wins have come against teams at the bottom of the standings with a combined 2-15 conference record.

Four games remain, and with the competitive balance in the Big 12, each is winnable. Opportunities remain, but achieving a winning season will be an uphill climb.

THIS SATURDAY: The Mountaineers travel to play Cincinnati in a noon game. The Bearcats were picked near the bottom of the league preseason but have exceeded expectations with a 5-3 record and have played well at home. Speaking of bad stats, this column is just 3-5 in picking outcomes of WVU games this season, so maybe a jinx is in order. CINCINNATI 24 WEST VIRGINIA 23.