5 Questions with BlueGoldSports.com

[Aaron Carrara]

Jerry McGhee is a recruiting writer at BlueGoldSports.com, a FoxSports/Yardbarker affiliate site.

McGhee was kind enough to answer several of our questions about an improved 2014 West Virginia team that rolls into Austin ranked 23rd in the recently released College Football Playoff Rankings.

Follow Jerry on Twitter - @TheDeuceWVU and be sure to check out BlueGoldSports.com for solid West Virginia football coverage.

West Virginia holds a 2-1 advantage all-time over the Longhorns.

***HornSports talks WVU with BlueGoldSports' Jerry McGhee***

Q: Dana Holgorsen said at Big 12 Media Days in July that Clint Trickett possessed zero knowledge of the WVU offense when he arrived on campus last season. How much has Trickett progressed since 2013?

A: Clint has come full circle since he arrived on campus. He was basically thrown in the fire last season and was playing well until he was injured, but most remember his performance against Oklahoma State at home.

Q: The Mountaineers rank 12th in the country in total offense. Which playmakers do the Longhorns need to stop in order to limit the ‘Eers offensive production?

A: Most teams are targeting WR Kevin White. They're trying to bracket White on the outside and many teams have had success with that. WVU is adjusting to that this week, but White has been the key. If defenses can stop him, it slows the offense, forcing WVU to rely on the run game. The Mountaineers have 5 backs who can produce, led by Rushel Shell and Wendell Smallwood.

Mario Alford is another guy to keep an eye on. Has the speed to burn on offense and on special teams.

Q: In WVU’s first two seasons in the Big 12, they went 6-12 in conference games. This year the team is 4-2 with 3 conference games left. Has WVU turned the corner in the Big 12?

A: Good question. Quarterback play and depth has been the key to the season, plus the coaching staff is doing some great things. I think WVU will be a better team next season, and they are bringing in another capable quarterback. We know how important quarterback play is, so I think that has been the big key.

But have they turned the corner? Ask me in three weeks

Q: What’s the biggest concern with Texas in this game if you are Dana Holgorsen?

A: Not allowing TCU to beat you twice. I think this is the biggest game of the season for the Mountaineers. This game will test the team and coaching staff as a whole. It's hard to get back up after the loss last weekend and subsequently travel to Austin and play the 'Horns in front of 100K....

Holgorsen says its been a great week of practice and it ranks up there with Baylor prep.... We'll see

Q: The one area that Texas should try to exploit on Saturday is....

A: If I was Texas.... I would work the run game. I would pound it with my backs and throw in some QB keeps and zone read. Get a good mix to keep the defense off balance. I haven't seen Texas effectively throw the ball deep, but they have a solid backfield.

I'm not sure they can throw the ball consistently on West Virgina, but teams have had some success running the football, especially on the edges.

If I'm Charlie Strong, I'd ride my horses. 

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Thanks, Jerry.

This shapes up as a big game for Haines & Hall.

 

[BevoBlake]

Many thanks Jerry. Good insight.

 

[Topstarr]

looks like we will have a good game against the "couch" team........Hook'em

 

[TheDeuceWVU]

No problem guys. Been fun chatting with y'all this week.

I really do think UT can find success running the ball.... we'll see. Folks here are calling a WVU TKO... I don't see it.

 

[Worster1]

Deuce - thanks for joining us this week and sharing info on the 'Neers.  My sense is WVU will have a little hangover from TCU and the Horns will start off strong with the game being decided by a late FG.  Game could go either way. 

 

[Sirhornsalot]

You guys are so gullible. Can't you see this is the enemy and this is all a big set up? Strong will read this, adjust his game plan, then WV has us right where they want us. Good grief people.