The TCU Horned Frogs could be the toughest matchup that West Virginia football has faced so far. Is quarterback Will Grier up for the challenge?
The No. 23 West Virginia Mountaineers could firmly plant themselves at the top of the Big 12 if they take down the No. 8 TCU Horned Frogs in Week 6. Last year, beating TCU was no problem for West Virginia as they cruised to a 34-10 victory.
That victory for the Mountaineers over the Frogs in 2016 came behind a four touchdown performance from former WVU quarterback Skyler Howard. While Howard was not the most consistent quarterback the Mountaineers ever had, he did lead them to 10-wins last year.
With star quarterback Will Grier behind center, West Virginia’s offense is even more potent than it was a season ago. Head coach Dana Holgorsen has a set of weapons unmatched by almost every team in the country.
The running back duo of Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy could be the best in the Big 12. Ka’Raun White, Gary Jennings, and David Sills V lead one of the most underrated receiving corps in the nation as well. That entire group is spearheaded by Grier.
The leading rusher for the Mountaineers last year against TCU is former running back Rushel Shell. Crawford was hurt in that game as he only got one carry for negative yardage. McKoy was a bit more reliable, but not by much.
TCU head coach Gary Patterson has a lot to prepare his defense for. Patterson did a great job preparing the Frogs in the victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Many touted the Pokes as the best offense in the country. The Frogs beat them by 13-points on the road.
If West Virginia is to win this weekend, it will be behind another huge effort from Grier. He’s less than 150 passing yards shy of 1,500 on the year. Grier also has racked up 15 total touchdowns on the season.
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TCU was able to hold Oklahoma State senior quarterback Mason Rudolph to less than 400 passing yards (which is actually a huge feat). They also forced four turnovers from Rudolph. If Grier can take care of the football and have the same type of performance that Howard had last year, West Virginia has a real shot to upset the Frogs.