Stock Up, Stock Down: Evaluating Key Performances in WVU's Win Over Robert Morris

A look at which Mountaineers made a case for more playing time and who didn't.

West Virginia University quarterback Nicco Marchiol | Christopher Hall – West Virginia on SI

It took a little while, but West Virginia was able to pull away from Robert Morris with a big win to open up the 2025 season.

Here's how I viewed some of today's performances.

Stock up: QB Nicco Marchiol

A really sharp, efficient day for the Mountaineers' starter. One of the two incompletions he had in the first half was on a ball he threw away on third down, setting up a field goal. He looked extremely comfortable running the offense and had some big runs, showing he is capable of being enough of a threat in that aspect of the game.

Stock down: Offensive line

The stock may be down, but I'm not lowering it much. Just worth the conversation. They didn't get a ton of push up front, which is concerning, but we have to keep in mind how little this group has not only played together but played at all at the collegiate level. Not a great performance, but not time to panic just yet.

Stock up: Zac Alley

People will say it's just Robert Morris, but hey, it's night-and-day from Jordan Lesley's unit giving up over 300 yards through the air to UAlbany. They'll be tested in a big way next week, but the veteran presence should help them be a decent defense throughout the entire season. They've got some playmakers on that side of the football.

Stock up: DL Hammond Russell IV

Great first game for Russell as "the guy" on the interior, finishing the day with four tackles, two sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss. The staff has been pleased with his progress throughout the offseason, and it showed today. Moved the line of scrimmage and even helped his teammates make a few plays.

Stock up: WR Cam Vaughn

Yes, the fumble was a big stain on his day, but still, he made a ton of plays and later made up for it with a 46-yard touchdown catch that was dropped over his head, catching it Willie Mays style. He's going to be a big-time player here and clearly the top weapon in the passing game.

MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI

The History of Lee Corso’s WVU Picks: Four Games, Four Brutal Losses

The Prodigal Son Returns: Rich Rodriguez Makes His Official Return to WVU Football 18 Years Later

Ohio Just Gave WVU a Big Warning Sign in Their Thriller vs Rutgers

West Virginia’s Transfer Class Has More Experience Than Any Team in the Country

Deion Sanders or WVU? Pacman Jones Reveals Who He's Siding with in Early November Matchup