West Virginia faces Cincinnati today in a pivotal college football matchup at Nippert Stadium as both teams aim for bowl eligibility amidst a competitive conference landscape. This marks WVU's first visit to Cincinnati since their Big East days in 2011, when they edged out the Bearcats 24-21. Both teams are tied for sixth in the Big 12 standings, one game behind Kansas State and Texas Tech, while only BYU remains undefeated. West Virginia recently transitioned interim defensive coordinators, and Cincinnati will leverage new talent to improve on last season's disappointing record.

By the Numbers
  • West Virginia has averaged 424 rushing yards in their last game against Cincinnati.
  • Cincinnati features quarterback Brendan Sorsby with 2,108 passing yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
Yes, But

While both teams are vying for a strong position in the conference, the Mountaineers struggle defensively, ranking low in pass efficiency and third-down conversions. Their ability to contain Cincinnati’s improved offense will be crucial for success.

State of Play
  • West Virginia's offense is riding high, with success on fourth-down conversions and consistent rushing performance.
  • Cincinnati's revamped roster, including key transfers, shows significant improvement compared to last year.
What's Next

Following today's game, West Virginia will conclude their home season against UCF and finish with a regular-season finale at Texas Tech. Both teams are still in contention for postseason bowl games, which will depend on their performances in the coming weeks.

Bottom Line

This game is critical for both teams not just for pride but for postseason aspirations. With several teams tightly bunched in the standings, every victory counts towards achieving bowl eligibility in this wide-open conference.