West Virginia’s first availability report of the week brought a few names worth watching, and the biggest one may be tight end Cam Ball, who was listed as doubtful for Arizona.
The Mountaineers also had three players tagged as questionable: RB Andre Devine, WR Armoni Weaver-Bomar, and DL Darius Wiley. Emory Snyder was listed as N/S.
That leaves WVU with some uncertainty in a few spots, especially at receiver and along the defensive front. If Neider can’t go, USC transfer Prince Strachan has already started to get more work in recent weeks.
In the loss to Iowa State, he caught three passes for 41 yards. Even if Neider is available, there’s a good chance Strachan sees more action in this one, and he could even start.
The concern is even bigger if Holloman can’t play. West Virginia has not been able to create much pressure on the quarterback through the first two Big 12 Conference games, and that’s a problem against Arizona.
Holloman played through something last week in Ames, but he wasn’t especially disruptive. If WVU wants to slow Fifita down, it has to get to him.
When Fifita has a clean pocket, he has completed 79% of his passes for 1,223 yards and 12 touchdowns without an interception.
There’s also the situation at corner. Jason Chambers being available helps, but replacing Taylor would still be a tough ask.
Taylor has been the best corner on the roster and brings the physical edge the defense needs, even if he hasn’t been as sharp in league play. Then again, nobody on that side of the ball has really stood out in conference action.
Ball’s doubtful status could open the door for more Kayden "Cowboy" Luke, though the difference may not be dramatic. Ball is TE3, and WVU is expected to lean on 12 personnel more often, which usually means Ryan Ward and Josh Sapp are on the field, or one of those two alongside Luke.
West Virginia’s next availability report is due at 10 p.m. ET tonight.
In Other News...
WVU Faces A Brutal Home Test In First Big 12 Win Bid
West Virginia heads into a difficult home matchup with Arizona still searching for its first Big 12 win, and the timing could hardly be trickier. The Mountaineers are trying to navigate the league grind while dealing with a trimmed offensive group, which only raises the pressure on a team that needs cleaner execution and more balance to keep pace.
Arizona brings a lot more than just a capable passing game into Morgantown. With Noah Fifita directing an offense that has shown it can move in multiple ways, the Wildcats arrive with a clear edge in firepower, even if there are paths for West Virginia to make it interesting at home. The bigger question is whether the Mountaineers can turn a tough spot into a breakout league moment before the schedule starts to really tighten. [Read more 🡒]
WVUs Defense Gets A Break But Still Faces A Real Test
West Virginias defense could use a little relief after a rough stretch, and Arizonas injury report offers some of it. The Wildcats are set to come in without leading receiver Tre Spivey, along with Giovanni Richardson, Chris Hunter III, Cole Rusk and running back Ismail Mahdi, a depleted group that changes the shape of their offense and trims some of the pressure on the Mountaineers secondary and front.
Noah Fifita, though, still gives Arizona a dangerous focal point. Even with the missing weapons, the quarterback is expected to keep steering the passing game, which means West Virginia cannot treat this like a soft landing spot after its recent defensive struggles. The Mountaineers may get a break in terms of personnel, but they still have to prove they can handle a competent passing attack and avoid another night of chasing plays. [Read more 🡒]
West Virginia Defense Just Got Called Out Before Arizona Test
West Virginias defensive issues have become impossible to ignore as the Mountaineers head into this weeks matchup with Arizona, and coordinator Zac Alley did not sugarcoat where things stand. The unit has been beaten for plenty of yardage and points during the season, leaving the defense searching for answers at a point when every possession matters even more.
The challenge only gets sharper against an Arizona team that has been sturdy against the run, which puts a spotlight on West Virginias ground game and whether it can help keep the pressure off a defense trying to stop the bleeding. For the Mountaineers, the game is about more than one matchup on paper. It is also a chance to see whether the frustration Alley voiced can turn into a response on the field. [Read more 🡒]