By Bill Nestor
West Virginia put together the most impressive effort of the season, handing Oklahoma State a royal beatdown in Stillwater this past Saturday. It was arguably the most dominant road conference win over a quality Big 12 Conference opponent in the Neal Brown era.
Brown was down with the ground game and every Mountaineer that touched the ball seemed unstoppable. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it and Brown was wise enough to keep running the ball down the Cowboys’ throats. Heading into this first road conference lock up of the campaign, Brown had to have an inkling that success rushing the ball could be had since Oklahoma State was ranked 117 in the nation against the run.
The first half brought 259 rushing yards for WVU’s offense and a grand total of 389 for the game. Four of the five Mountaineer touchdowns came on the ground. The three major contributors were Jahiem White, Garrett Greene, and C. J. Donaldson Jr. White earned a season high 158 yards on 19 carries. Greene picked up 86 yards on 10 attempts. Donaldson Jr. chipped in with 77 yards on 20 rushes. All three found pay dirt in the affair as well.White scored West Virginia’s second touchdown on a 10-yard scamper. Greene had a 15-yard rushing score to finish the Mountaineer portion of the first half, and Donaldson Jr. had both of the team’s second half touchdowns on runs of 15 and one yard, respectively.
The defense was equally impressive, limiting the home team to just 36 rush yards and 227 total yards in the clash. The Cowboys were held to a mere 45 total offensive plays.
Out of the 16 Big 12 teams, there are only six that came in undefeated. After this upcoming weekend, there will be no more than five as two of them lock up in Morgantown. Nationally ranked Iowa State comes to town for a prime time contest that carries major early season significance.
State won last year’s game 31 to 14 in Ames. In 2021, WVU took a 38 to 31 victory in Morgantown. This series took off in 2012 and the Mountaineers hold a six to five series advantage.
Bridgeport remained undefeated with a 54 to zero win over Brooke. The Indians forced four Bruin turnovers. Jack Spatafore rushed for 138 yards and a game-high four touchdowns. It was the fifth shutout in six games for the Tribe.
South Harrison improved to 5-0 with a 29 to 14 victory over St. Mary’s. Jaden Hatfield had 243 yards on 21 opportunities with three scores.
Liberty upended Braxton County 21 to six. Quarterback Isiah Heflin scored on a pair of rushing scores of 16 and one yard. In between these scores, Quinten Hilliard recovered a fumble and went 55 yards for a touchdown.
Lincoln and Robert C. Byrd suffered setbacks this past week. The two are set to square off this Friday evening in Shinnston in a must win for both teams. It is always a good game when these two squads battle and this should be no exception.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!