![](https://www.soonerpolitics.org/uploads/1/6/2/2/16224166/205546979.jpg)
After starting off their Big 12 schedule against the top-two teams in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, the Cowboys will return home to host a sneaky contender in West Virginia.
The Mountaineers return a lot from a team that broke out for nine wins last year and, frankly, could have had a few more had things fallen the right way. Are people sleeping on the Mountaineers?
If you’re not caught up, check out the rest of our Summer Schedule Series: Noncon | Utah | K-State
Week 6: West Virginia | Oct. 5 | Stillwater
Series History: 10-5
Last Meeting: OSU 48, WVU 34
(It felt closer.)
Ollie Gordon stamped his footprint all over Milan Puskar last year, racking up what is still a career-high 282 yards and four TDs — over half the Cowboys’ points, which were all needed to pull off a fourth-quarter comeback win.
But the Mountaineers were able to keep pace with Ollie, at least on the ground, with 226 rushing yards and two scores. (More on that.)
West Virginia in 2023: The Mountaineers backed their way into a nine-win season, with three of their four losses coming to ranked opponents, and in a couple of those (including against OSU), they had an opportunity to win.
The Mountaineers owned the trenches. WVU led the Big 12 in rushing, time of possession, QB sacks inflicted and QB sacks allowed. If it weren’t for some defensive and mental lapses, who knows how good this team could be.
West Virginia in 2024: Neal Brown’s squad was picked No. 7 in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, but I think it’s more likely it takes a step forward in 2024.
Dynamic and efficient QB Garret Greene is back behind center, as well as most of his skill talent and his formidable offensive line. The defense should have been better after supplying so much pressure, but might not have to be great. WVU was 9-0 when holding teams under 38 last year.
Of Note: A familiar face on the outside.
Former OSU receiver Jaden Bray will return to BPS as a Mountaineer. He entered the transfer portal following the Cowboys’ regular-season finale as the team’s fourth-leading receiver with 382 yards and two touchdowns. Bray’s production during his three years in Stillwater was limited due to injury, but Cowboy defenders and coaches alike know just how quickly he can break off a big play. We’ll see if he gets an opportunity to do so on his old home field.
Ground and Pound
OSU’s running back took home the hardware, but WVU returns the trio that made it the best rushing offense in the league.
The Mountaineers led the Big 12 and came in No. 4 nationally, averaging 229 yards on the ground and almost 2.5 rushing scores per game last year.
Running backs Jaheim White (842 yards and four touchdowns) and CJ Donaldson Jr. (798 and 11) ranked ninth and 10th in the league in rushing, respectively. Eleventh was their quarterback. Greene added 772 yards and 13 rushing scores of his own. That added dynamic of a mobile QB makes the Mountaineers’ rush attack even harder to contain. They’re all back with what looks to be one of the better offensive lines in the league. WVU should be a tough out every week.
![](https://pistolsfiringblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/global-menu-nav-logo-e1581389041329.png)
Read this original article at Pistols Firing Blog.