The Associated Press
NO. 24 West Virginia (6-3, 4-2 Big 12) at Texas (4-5, 3-3), 3:30 ET (Fox Sports 1)
Line: West Virginia by 3陆
Series Record: West Virginia leads 2-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE:
Texas is still fighting to get bowl-eligible in coach Charlie Strong’s first season. The Longhorns need two wins in final three games, two of which are against ranked teams. Texas is 1-7 in last eight matchups against ranked opponents. West Virginia must overcome last week’s devastating last-second home loss to TCU.
KEY MATCHUP:
West Virginia’s standout receiver Kevin White against Texas’ physical secondary: White was held in check by TCU, denying Mountaineers quarterback Clint Trickett his favorite target. Texas’ secondary has held up fairly against some of the league’s top receivers and cornerback Quandre Diggs can deliver the blockbuster hit that can change a game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
West Virginia: Trickett had a bad game against TCU with two turnovers and a season-low 162 yards passing. He also knocked out of the Texas game last year with an injury. How West Virginia responds to last week’s loss likely depends on Trickett.
Texas: RB Malcolm Brown had Texas’ first 100-yard rushing game of the season last week, which took some of the pressure off erratic QB Tyrone Swoopes.
FACTS & FIGURES
Since winning Big 12 in 2009, Texas is 21-20 in the conference … West Virginia had five turnovers last week and is minus-12 on turnovers this season, one of the worst marks in the country this season … Mountaineers RB Andrew Buie rushed for 207 yards against Texas in 2012, more than he has this season (202).
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