LAURENT — Kansas The football team will try to end a two-game losing streak Saturday on the road against West Virginia.
The Jayhawks (1-2) just lost 23-20 at home to UNLV. The mountaineers (1-2) are coming off a 38-34 road loss to Pittsburgh. This is the first time these two teams have met since Kansas’ overtime win at West Virginia in 2022.
What’s on Kansas coaches’ minds ahead of this Big 12 conference opener? The Jayhawks” players? Ahead of the 11am CT kickoff, take a look at this scouting report and prediction for the game:
Kansas football team could be without linebacker Jayson Gilliom again against West Virginia
Kansas Football Player Lance Leipold Previews West Virginia
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold understands that West Virginia has faced plenty of rivals, so he doesn’t underestimate the Mountaineers because they’re 1-2 so far. He also pointed out how talented West Virginia’s quarterback can be, especially with his feet. Much like the Jayhawks, the Mountaineers have a running back duo that will help create a big test for Kansas.
Jeff Grimes highlights what sets West Virginia apart
Kansas assistant coach and offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes may be new to the KU coaching staff, but he’s not new to facing West Virginia under Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown. Grimes, who has a lot of respect for Brown, described West Virginia as a tough, physical and tough team. Grimes hopes junior quarterback Jalon Daniels’ mobility is something the Jayhawks can use to their advantage, and he’s aware of the Mountaineers’ aggressiveness up front.
Brian Borland on his thoughts on West Virginia
Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland sees West Virginia’s offense as similar to what the Jayhawks have faced so far this season. Borland pointed to the Mountaineers’ experience and the talent on their offensive line. He not only echoed what Leipold said about West Virginia’s mobile quarterback, but also praised the Mountaineers’ running back duo — one smaller and faster, and one more physically imposing.
Kansas players discuss game against West Virginia
Kansas players spoke highly of West Virginia.
Jayhawks senior Dylan Wudke mentioned how experienced the Mountaineers’ offensive line is and how balanced their offense is. He won’t lose sight of West Virginia’s physical running back. He thinks it helps that Kansas has faced mobile quarterbacks for two straight weeks, but noted that UNLV’s quarterback is more of an aggressive runner and WVU’s quarterback is more elusive.
Jayhawks senior offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue praised the Mountaineers’ offensive line, as well as the mobility that West Virginia has. He described the line as similar to what Kansas has faced so far this season. However, he stressed that it’s important for the Jayhawks to focus on themselves.
Senior running back Devin Neal said the Mountaineers are tough and disciplined, especially at linebacker. He expects to face an opponent as motivated as Kansas after the start he’s had to the season. Neal, however, is confident the Jayhawks can get back on track against West Virginia.
Prediction: Kansas 37, West Virginia 27
Kansas has struggled this season and is in a situation where it really needs a win. The same can be said for West Virginia, but KU is a program that needs this win more than the other. The Jayhawks should be able to persevere here and get their season back on track against the Mountaineers.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas athletics for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the 2022 National Sports Media Association Sportswriter of the Year for the state of Kansas. Reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article was originally published in the Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas vs. West Virginia Football: Scouting Report, Prediction for KU
