Players to Watch: WVU at TCU

The West Virginia Mountaineers are set to play their first Big 12 road game of the season this Saturday at TCU.

Who are the key players to watch for on both sides of the ball for both teams?

WEST VIRGINIA OFFENSE - WR Devin Carter

I had a tough time picking just one player here. I nearly went with CJ Donaldson because he didn't play all that well last week and he must get back on track this week which will be a tough task against the 16th-best run defense in the country. But I'm going with Carter here. He played poorly last week, but he was grieving the loss of a family member. I'd like to imagine he bounces back in a big way against a vulnerable TCU secondary. West Virginia MUST get something going in the passing game or it'll be a long night.

WEST VIRGINIA DEFENSE - DE Sean Martin

Creating pressure is going to be big in this game. The Mountaineers have four sacks in their three games against Power Five opponents. They should have a few more but left a few plays on the field. If Martin can disrupt the pocket while also setting the edge, it will help contain an explosive TCU offensive attack.

TCU OFFENSE - RB Emani Bailey

Bailey is the Big 12's leading rusher heading into the weekend, having recorded three games of 126+ yards on the ground already this season. Although he is small in stature (5'9", 207 lbs) he is a load to bring down to. West Virginia struggled against the run last week, allowing Tahj Brooks to rush for 149 yards. If they allow Bailey to get going, it's going to really open up opportunities for Chandler Morris in the passing game against a beat-up secondary.

TCU DEFENSE - LB Jamoi Hodge

Hodge had himself a day against the Mountaineers last year in Morgantown notching 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. He's been dealing with an injury, so if for some reason he can't go, that's a huge blow to the TCU defense. If he does suit up, he's someone the Mountaineers have to account for on every single snap.

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