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WVU Football: 3 takeaways from WVU turning the lights out in Blacksburg

By Tony Rosati

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the West Virginia Mountaineers football team raise the Black Diamond Trophy following a win against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the West Virginia Mountaineers football team raise the Black Diamond Trophy following a win against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Justin Johnson Jr. #26 of the West Virginia Mountaineers is wrapped up for a tackle by Shayne Simon #32 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second quarter during the game at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 01: Justin Johnson Jr. #26 of the West Virginia Mountaineers is wrapped up for a tackle by Shayne Simon #32 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second quarter during the game at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

1. Justin Johnson Jr. completes the three-headed monster

Or, is it still a two-headed monster, with a replacement? Justin Johnson has arrived. The WVU depth chart had JJ slotted as the third running back behind Tony Mathis Jr. and C.J. Donaldson.

After four games, it’s safe to say that Donaldson has taken the reins as the lead ball carrier. He has proven that despite his huge frame, he can run, catch, and transition north and south with the best of them. He secured another game reaching the century mark, totaling 106 yards on 23 carries.

Mathis and Johnson offered up a change of pace, showing more of a quicker, agile running back.

While all three can contribute greatly, keeping opponents guessing, like they did against Virginia Tech, a costly fumble by Mathis, resulted in more opportunities for Johnson.

Justin took advantage of it, carrying the ball 11 times for 83 yards, scoring a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, sealing the win for the Mountaineers.

Going forward, this is one scary running back unit, sure to put defenses in check.

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