Week 6 Offensive Helmet Stickers

After a tough, near-miss against Texas last week, West Virginia was primed to gain a bounce-back notch in the win column against Iowa State. It didn't happen. While the Mountaineers remained in the fight entering the 4th quarter, Austin Kendall's injury and back-to-back scoreless quarters were too much to overcome. It was a team loss, as they say. Jack Allison was tepid in his season debut but the running game remains frustratingly absent. Couple that with mounting injuries on both sides of the ball and the fact that Iowa State simply executed a well-conceived game plan and it just wasn't a good day in Morgantown. Where West Virginia goes from here is anyone's guess. Oklahoma is a likely-playoff juggernaut that doesn't seem to have an off switch and with only two home games left against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, the Mountaineers' bowl odds in Neal Brown's inaugural season are looking more and more bleak.

Simply put, this is a film reel that Neal Brown and his offensive staff might want to throw in the closet and forget it's even there. This was as bad as the Mountaineers have looked at any point this season and because of that, I have only one helmet sticker for West Virginia's 38-14 downer against the Iowa State Cyclones.

TJ Simmons, WR- After a strong showing against Texas, the Alabama native did everything he could to get the Mountaineers going. His five catches for 75 yards and a tough catch & run for West Virginia's only offensive touchdown were electric and may have lead to bigger and better plays down the stretch had quarterback Austin Kendall not left the game in the first half. Credit to backup Jack Allison for putting the ball where it needed to be and for Simmons finishing the play with a postcard-worthy stiff arm en route to the end zone.

Simmons and freshman Sam James look like West Virginia's next great 1-2 punch and they'll be leaned on more and more as the season draws on, but that's down the road. Right now, it's simply about establishing something that can pass for consistency on offense and averaging 326.2 YPG while only converting 38% on 3rd down attempts just isn't the answer. When veterans like Simmons flash big play potential, it's a reminder, however momentary, that there is real talent on this roster. Talent in and of itself isn't enough, however; time will tell the tale. As the Mountaineers lick their wounds in the lead up to a showdown with the crimson buzz saw that is Oklahoma, it's a wonder when (and if) Neal Brown and co. will catch a break.

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