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Big 12 Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 2 edition

By Phil Poling

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 17 : Head Coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers September 17, 2016 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Pitt 45-38. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 17 : Head Coach Mike Gundy of the Oklahoma State Cowboys takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers September 17, 2016 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Pitt 45-38. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Will Grier #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers scrambles in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 3, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 03: Quarterback Will Grier #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers scrambles in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 3, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

As the only Big 12 team to hit the road opening weekend, the Mountaineers couldn’t take care of business against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedEx Field. The Sunday night showdown might’ve been the most exciting football game of the weekend for those with no rooting interest.

After a defensive battle for much of the 1st half, things turned in the 3rd quarter when the two teams combined for 24 points. David Sills caught his second touchdown from Will Grier for WVU, while Cam Phillips caught one for the Hokies and took it to the house. For all the great possessions defensively in this one, there were stretches of overpowering offenses for both sides.

Related Story: West Virginia Football: 5 overreactions to Virginia Tech loss

It was frustrating to watch new offensive coordinator Jake Spavital call a bevy of pass plays early in the game, even if the defense was loading the box. Players like Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy need touches, regardless of the defenses look. Crawford finished with over 100 yards, while McKoy added 50 yards on only eight carries. A balanced attack will open things up for the passing game, making life a whole lot easier on the team and Mountaineer fans everywhere.

More: Does WVU have the nation’s best wide receiving corps?

Tony Gibson’s defense played well in spurts and made just enough stops to give the offense a shot to tie things at the end. Thanks to a missed Virginia Tech field goal that could’ve iced the game, of course. Tackling was an issue for the Mountaineers on a few possessions, but we can chalk that up to the offense going three-and-out a few times.

The Mountaineers return to Morgantown to host the East Carolina Pirates this weekend. Expect the ‘Eers offense to produce more efficiently, but the defense and special teams need the most work.

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