The Mountaineers are currently on a bye week, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to their upcoming matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks.
Kansas comes into the game at 0-3. After making minor improvements in 2019, they have taken a significant step back this season. They have lost each of their first three games by at least 15-points, and have struggled mightily on both offense and defense.
This should be a game that the Mountaineers roll in. Let’s take a look at some stats West Virginia could take advantage of next Saturday.
- Kansas Defense, 227.7 rushing yards allowed: West Virginia has been much better in the running game in 2020. The Jayhawks’ defense has been gashed on the ground by each opponent they have played. Leddie Brown and Alec Sinkfield will have a chance to run absolutely wild on the Jayhawks, and will likely do so. Expect the WVU offense to take advantage in the rushing department early and often.
- Kansas Offense, 14.7 points per game: The last time the Mountaineer defense shutout an opponent was in 2015 – against Kansas. Their best chance to pitch their first shutout under Neal Brown will once again come against the Jayhawks. Coming in having only totaled 21 total points in Big 12 play, scoring will not come easy for Kansas against the Mountaineers. Look for Jordan Lesley and Jahmile Addae to come out of this matchup looking like defensive geniuses.
- Kansas Defense, 44.0 points per game allowed: You have likely been unhappy with WVU’s offensive production through their first two Big 12 games. Kansas will give them the opportunity to pile on the points and provide their stats a facelift. If the Mountaineers struggle to score in this game, we should then become concerned. They likely won’t match the 56-points they put up against Eastern Kentucky, but expecting West Virginia to score in the 40s isn’t too far fetched.
The Mountaineers and Jayhawks kickoff at noon on FS1.
