West Virginia got a mixed update on its availability report, and the biggest hit lands in the secondary. Nick Taylor, who had been listed as questionable, is now doubtful for Saturday’s matchup with Arizona in Morgantown.
That leaves the Mountaineers looking at life without one of their top corners against a Wildcats offense that can stress a defense in a hurry. Arizona comes in with Noah Fifita at quarterback, and the concern is obvious: if he has time, he can carve people up. When he’s kept clean, he’s completing nearly 80% of his passes for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
There is at least one encouraging sign for West Virginia. EDGE Harper Holloman, who played through a banged-up shoulder last week at Iowa State, is trending toward being available.
That matters a lot for a defense that has had trouble generating pressure since league play began. Arizona’s offensive line has already surrendered 15 sacks this season, which ranks 126th nationally, so getting Holloman back would give the Mountaineers a real chance to make that weakness matter.
If Taylor can’t go, Jason Chambers looks like the most likely candidate to step into the starting role. He returned for his season debut last week and didn’t have his cleanest outing against Iowa State, but he does know the defense well and has more career snaps than just about anyone else on that side of the ball.
Chambers had some strong moments last season, and one of his better games came against TCU, a pass-heavy opponent. In that game, he gave up just one catch for 21 yards on five targets. With Arizona missing three of its top receivers, the matchup on paper is a little more manageable for Chambers and the rest of the secondary, though Fifita still makes it a serious test.
Keyshawn Robinson is expected to remain in the rotation, and Jaire Rawlison could also see more work after limited action so far this season.
West Virginia’s next availability report is due by 10 p.m. ET tonight. If Taylor is still listed as doubtful, it at least leaves a small window of hope that he could be available after all.
In Other News...
WVU Has One Lingering Concern In A Very Winnable Arizona Game
West Virginia gets a favorable setup against Arizona this weekend, and that is exactly why the matchup feels like one the Mountaineers should be able to manage if they play to their strengths. Phil Steele pointed to West Virginias offensive upside, while also noting Arizonas injury situation and the burden of a long road trip, both of which add to the sense that this is a game the Mountaineers can control from early on. The noon ET kickoff on TNT gives the meeting a little extra visibility, too, for a WVU team trying to turn a promising spot into a clean result.
Still, Steeles read comes with a catch, because West Virginia has not exactly erased concerns on the defensive side. Even in a game that looks winnable on paper, that remains the lingering issue, and it is the sort of thing that can keep a staff and fan base uneasy until the opening series and beyond. Steeles cautious lean toward the Mountaineers reflects the overall shape of the matchup, but it also underscores how much WVU may need its offense to carry the day if the defense does not firm up. [Read more 🡒]
Arizona Faces A Tough Road Test With Noah Fifita Rolling
West Virginia gets Arizona in a Week 6 matchup that arrives at a tricky moment for the Mountaineers, who have dropped their last two after opening 3-0. The home side still has plenty to play for, but the recent slide has made this one feel more like a measuring stick than a routine conference-style tune-up, especially with a Wildcats team coming in on a three-game surge.
Arizona has steadied itself after an early loss, and much of that turnaround has come with Noah Fifita running the offense confidently as a senior. He has paired strong passing production with enough threat on the ground to keep defenses honest, which makes him a difficult matchup on the road and a big reason this trip to Morgantown has real bite. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas Needs This Week 6 Test To Show Real Big 12 Progress
Week 6 brings a full slate of Big 12 games with real weight behind them, and the race is already starting to sort itself out. Iowa State heads to BYU, UCF visits Oklahoma State, Houston travels to Kansas State, and Hawaii makes the trip to Arizona State, but for West Virginia fans the spotlight is on Arizona coming into Morgantown. It is the kind of October test that can tell you a lot about where a team stands once the league grind starts to separate contenders from the rest.
West Virginia gets a chance to measure itself against a conference opponent that arrives with its own ambitions, while Kansas has a different proving ground out in Utah. The Big 12 has enough matchups this week to shape the standings in more than one direction, and the Mountaineers are right in the middle of a weekend that could clarify who is making real progress and who still has ground to cover. [Read more 🡒]