#12 West Virginia vs. #25 Texas Tech: Stream, keys, and predictions

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: David Sills V #13 of the West Virginia Mountaineers lines up against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

West Virginia Keys To Victory

The Deep Ball: When playing the West Virginia offense, you already know exactly what is coming. Quarterback Will Grier has been one of the top quarterbacks in all of college football so far this season with 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns in just three games and also is fifth in the country with 10 passes connected for 30 yards or more. His trio of receivers in David Sills V, Gary Jennings Jr., and Marcus Simms combine for 49 catches and 10 touchdowns.

As an offense, the Mountaineers average 11.3 yards per pass attempt, which is second in the country. Both Jennings and Simms average 16.1 and 19.7 yards per catch respectively. The deep ball has been lethal for West Virginia this season.

Embrace The Tempo: Tempo, tempo, tempo. That is what the Texas Tech offense is predicated off of. Texas Tech is, after all, second in all of college football in total plays run per game at 92.5 (the half play is confusing, I know). It will be critical to win on early downs for West Virginia’s defense because this can not only gash a gassed defense but with Texas Tech ranking fifth in the country in time of possession, the presence of Will Grier could be on the sidelines more than desired.

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