Previewing NC State’s Opponent: West Virginia

NC State and West Virginia will kickoff up in Morgantown today at Noon. Here’s a preview of the Wolfpack’s opponent.

The Mountaineers are 1-1 thus far in 2019, defeating James Madison 20-13 in Week 1, and then getting crushed by Missouri 38-7.

This isn’t the same West Virginia team that finished 2018 ranked 20th.

Neal Brown is the new head coach for the Mountaineers, after Dana Holgorsen left for Houston, after 8 years in Morgantown. Brown was the head coach at Troy the past 4 seasons.

Will Grier is no longer the quarterback, but was drafted by the Panthers in the 3rd round. Five Mountaineer players were drafted in 2019.

This is a team with a lot of new faces. Ten players have started their first game, and 16 players have seen their first action on the field.

Check out the lack of starting experience across the board for West Virginia.

Here’s a look at West Virginia’s Depth Chart.

Redshirt Junior Austin Kendall is starting at Quarterback. He is a transfer from Oklahoma. Through 2 games, Kendall has thrown for 397 yards (62.7%) and 3 touchdowns (2 interceptions) with a passing efficiency rating of 121.3.

Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver Sam James leads the team in receptions (11) and has 67 receiving yards. Junior Slot Receiver Tevin Bush leads the team with 97 yards receiving with 1 touchdown. Redshirt Senior Wide Receiver George Campbell leads the team with 2 touchdown receptions.

The Mountaineers rushing attack has been non-existent, averaging 1.1 yards per carry. Senior starting Running Back Kennedy McKoy has 18 rushes for 12 yards. McKoy ranks 2nd on the team with 8 receptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, Sophomore Linebacker Josh Chandler leads the team with 21 tackles. He was a preseason Big 12 selection (3rd Team – Phil Steele).

Sophomore Defensive Lineman Dante Stills already has 3.5 tackles for loss through 2 games. He was a Freshman All-American last year.

Junior Defensive Lineman Darius Stills has 3 sacks.

As a team, West Virginia hasn’t been able to stop the run at all through two weeks, allowing 202 yards rushing per game. With that being said, the Mountaineers pass defensive has been disruptive, holding their opponents to 153 yards through the air, and have intercepted 3 passes.