The West Virginia Mountaineers saw their scorching hot start hit a sudden wall last night, stumbling into a 41-24 defeat against Oklahoma State. While the loss is certainly disappointing and prevents any premature coronation, it is far from a total collapse. However, the game exposed several glaring vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball that coaching staff will need to address quickly before the season begins to slide in the wrong direction.
On the positive side, running back Cam Cook continues to emerge as one of the most formidable weapons in college football. Even when facing a stacked box and knowing exactly what was coming, Cook fought his way forward, forcing five missed tackles and consistently gaining yards after contact. His ability to plow through physical defenses suggests that he could reach truly gaudy statistics if the offensive scheme evolves to better utilize its assets.
That evolution seems necessary given the current state of the offense. Despite having talent at quarterback, WVU has leaned heavily on the run, with nearly eighty percent of their plays resulting in rushes over the first four games. Against Oklahoma State, this predictability became a liability. By ignoring the passing game—highlighted by Mike Hawkins Jr. attempting only six passes in the first half—the Mountaineers essentially played into the opponent’s hands. To unlock Hawkins as a true dual threat, the team must move past this stubborn reliance on the ground game and trust their playmakers downfield.
Defensive struggles were equally prominent, particularly regarding coordinator Zac Alley’s strategy. The decision to stick with a dime look for much of the evening proved ineffective, failing to generate consistent pressure while still allowing big plays over the top. Simultaneously, the offensive line struggled significantly in pass protection. Freshmen Kevin Brown and veteran Carsten Casady combined to allow multiple sacks and numerous pressures, leaving Coach Rick Trickett with plenty to ponder heading into next week’s trip to Ames where playing time may no longer be guaranteed for everyone currently in the starting lineup.