Initial Thoughts on West Virginia Loss to Oklahoma State

The West Virginia Mountaineers (4-3, 2-2) fell to the Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-2, 3-1) Saturday evening 48-34.

Slow Start

West Virginia committed two turnovers in just nine plays to begin the afternoon and handed Oklahoma State an early 10-0 advantage. Slow starts have become common for this Mountaineer offense, but the turnovers were an added twist. The Kole Taylor fumble that bounced right back into the Oklahoma State defender's hands was the sign bounces were not going to go the Mountaineers way on Homecoming.

Turnovers

The three turnovers were a crucial factor, but none were more critical than the muffed punt. Leading 24-20, the Mountaineers were in position to take over the game early in the fourth quarter, but Andrew Wilson-Lamp ran into returner Preston Fox, or shoved, either way it gave the ball to Oklahoma State at the WVU 27 and it took Ollie Gordon two plays to put it into the endzone.

WVU Defense

It's the second week in a row the defense has given up a lot of yards and points. Maybe fatigue has set in with this group with the long list of injuries forcing a lot of snaps for this unit, but it really shouldn't excuse having opponents corralled or wrapped up only to allow them to gain far more yards or at times touchdowns and it's what ultimately led to Ollie Gordon rushing for 282 yards and four touchdowns, although I don't want to take away his performance because he's as good as advertised heading into the contest.

Back-to-back losses

This is the second consecutive game the Mountaineers have given a game away. Special teams and defense were a part of the West Virginia's 4-1 start, but they have struggled mightily the last two outings. Mental mistakes and poor fundamentals were the leading issue, which was not there in the first five games. It's puzzling to say the least.

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