In a game that included everything but the kitchen sink, West Virginia (7-3) was able to end their slide and win a thriller in the Queen City over Cincinnati (7-2), 24-21. For much of the season, the Achilles Heel of the West Virginia team has been the play of their special teams. For instance, last week against Louisville, West Virginia had a missed field goal from close range and had a 82-yard attempt blocked and returned for a field goal. Today however, Eain Smith blocked Cincinnati’s game tying field goal attempt that would have sent the game into overtime. This was the first time that West Virginia has beaten a ranked team on the road since Cincinnati in 2007.
“It’s not about offense, it’s not about defense and it’s not about special teams, it’s about playing with a bunch of energy and wanting to win a football game,” said West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen.
For Cincinnati, a win would have them on their way to their third Big East title in the past four years. In the second quarter though, senior quarterback and Steubenville native Zach Collaros was taken down by defensive end Bruce Irvin and was in obvious pain. Irvin forced the fumble on Collaros which was recovered by Julian Miller for the Mountaineer’s second defensive touchdown of the game. Collaros had to be carted off the field where he later returned to the Bearcat’s sideline in his street clothes and crutches. Collaros ended up with a stat line of 7-of-11 for 70 yards before leaving the game.
Relieving Collaros was sophomore quarterback Munchie Legaux who instantly won fans over as he led the Bearcats to two scoring drives. Leading the way for the Bearcats offense was running back Isaiah Pead who took advantage 0f the vulnerable Mountaineers run defense. Pead finished with 19 rushes for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. Legaux finshed the game going 10-of-21 for 141 yards and an interception.
In what was destined to be the matchup of the two best quarterbacks of the Big East, Geno Smith once again lived up to the hype. Smith finished going 30-of-44 for 376 yards and a touchdown. For the 13th straight game, Smith threw at least one touchdown. Stedman Bailey once again led the receiving core pulling in five receptions for 102 yards. Bailey now has over 1,00o yards receiving this season and recorded his seventh 100-yard receiving game of the year. The electrifying Tavon Austin also contributed once again with 246 all-purpose yards including nine receptions for 125 yards. The running game struggled for the Mountaineers again, but overall Holgorsen was proud of his player’s excitement, something that has been questioned as of late.
“I was really proud how the team came together, played all four quarters, and were excited to play,” said Holgorsen.
With West Virginia winning their most important game of the season, they set up what should be another wild finish in the Big East. Cincinnati will have to check on the severity of Collaros’ injury going forward. West Virginia is tied with Rutgers, Pitt and Louisville for second place in the Big East.
With their second bye week upcoming, West Virginia will prepare to take on the Pitt Panthers in the annual “Backyard Brawl” game at Morgantown on November, 25. No time has yet been set for the game.
Photo Credits: Joanna Hanlon – OVATHLETICS.COM
Discussion about this post