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“Last Chance U” makes its way to West Virginia football

By Phil Poling

FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 07: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts to a play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the fourth quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 07: Head coach Dana Holgorsen of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts to a play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the fourth quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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After heading into halftime trailing Texas Tech by 11, West Virginia football needed a defensive stop to start the second half or else homecoming weekend in Morgantown could have gotten ugly.

Thankfully, the Mountaineers are getting timely contributions out of an unknown commodity — junior college transfer Ezekiel Rose.

Following a holding penalty and a pass that went for 10 yards on the first two plays of the drive, WVU was in great shape to stop the Red Raiders on third-and-10. But after surrendering 28 points in the first half, everyone was waiting for somebody — anybody — to step up and make a play for Tony Gibson’s defense.

Rushing only three and dropping eight into coverage, the Mountaineers still managed to get pressure on quarterback Nic Shimonek and flushed him out of the pocket to his right. Rose, who started the play lined up to Shimonek’s left, came all the way across the formation after beating a double-team and chased Shimonek down for a four-yard loss.

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Rose’s sack forced a fourth down punt from Texas Tech, giving West Virginia possession and momentum early in the second half.

Rose arrived in Morgantown this past January, but you might recognize him from the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U.” Playing under head coach Buddy Stephens at EMCC in 2016, Rose tallied 6.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.

Rose is finally starting to carve out a role on the Mountaineers’ defense, though. Through five games, he leads West Virginia in sacks and continues to improve week-by-week. His first career sack came in a blowout victory against a non-conference opponent, but his latest came against a Big 12 foe in an incredibly large situation.

If Texas Tech gets a first down and scores on that drive, does WVU still complete the comeback? Thanks to Rose it didn’t come to that.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 7

The Mountaineers visit Baylor on Saturday, Oct. 21, in their first night game of the season. Kickoff in Waco is set for 8 p.m. with FOX Sports 1 televising the contest.

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