Dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene among key players back from 9-win season
West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene runs past North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost during the first half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Editor’s note: Sixth in a 12-part series previewing each of Iowa State’s 2024 regular-season opponents.
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AMES — West Virginia football coach Neal Brown not only saved his job, but also established goodwill after guiding the Mountaineers to their first season featuring nine wins or more since 2016.
West Virginia is poised to build off of that in 2024 — and will get to face Matt Campbell’s Cyclones in Morgantown.
The Mountaineers are loaded on offense. Dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene (29 total touchdowns, four interceptions) returns, as do top running backs C.J. Donaldson and Jaheim White. That duo combined for 1,640 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns last season, making it one of the most potent in the Big 12 — although Donaldson has been injury-prone. Greene led West Virginia in rushing touchdowns with 13 last season, but he completed just 53 percent of his passes.
West Virginia must replace leading receiver Devin Carter, but the addition of Oklahoma State’s Jaden Bray via the transfer portal — along with a long list of talented returners — should help in that regard.
The Mountaineers’ offensive line is one of the best units in the Big 12. Senior tackle Wyatt Milum is the program’s lone preseason all-conference selection by the media.
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So does West Virginia have a weakness? Possibly. The defense needed to rebuild at cornerback via the transfer portal and was middling last season (64th in scoring defense nationally, 68th in total defense). The Mountaineers led the league in sacks last season with 33 and should boast a strong pass rush again.
Iowa State vs. West Virginia: 3 things to watch
1. Can the Cyclones’ offense achieve balance? West Virginia’s defense was marginally better against the run than the pass last season and features playmakers at each level. ISU will need a blend of solid runs from Abu Sama and company and big passing connections from Rocco Becht and his cohort of pass catchers in order to keep up on the scoreboard.
2. How will ISU’s defense contain Greene? The Mountaineers are adept at springing big plays in the run game, so keeping Greene off balance will be critically important if the Cyclones want to have a chance to win this one. His inaccuracy through the air is offset by his efficiency (16 passing touchdowns to just four interceptions last season). Staying gap sound while still applying a strong pass rush will be key, as Greene is capable of breaking off runs of 10 yards or more frequently.
3. How does ISU’s defensive line find a way to thrive? The Cyclones are deep up front on the defensive side of the ball, but stars must emerge from that group. Seniors such as Joey Peterson and J.R. Singleton may be poised to take that next step, as are juniors Tyler Onyedim and Domonique Orange. Sprinkle in talented transfer edge rusher Kenard Snyder and others (including redshirt freshman Zaimir Hawk), and ISU’s D-line should at least hold its own against West Virginia’s burly offensive front.
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Iowa State vs. West Virginia: 2024 prognosis
This matchup will likely come down to a key series or two. The team that commits the fewest turnovers will win in a game that should remain close into the final minutes.
MALLORY, W.Va. — A Logan County man is in custody after leading police on a vehicle chase while intoxicated.
John Adkins
John Roger Adkins, 21, of Mallory, was arrested Thursday. He was charged with 21 counts, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and destruction of property.
Adkins is accused of arguing with a gas station employee, bringing Logan County deputies to the scene.
When law enforcement arrived, Adkins allegedly got in his vehicle and recklessly departed the scene.
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According to a criminal complaint in Logan County Magistrate Court, Adkins let a passenger out of the car before leading officers on a chase. Adkins reportedly violated several traffic rules during the pursuit, coming to stop only after the vehicle lost a tire.
Authorities said Adkins took off on foot after his vehicle stopped, even trying to break into another car. Officers were eventually able to put Adkins under arrest.
The criminal complaint said deputies found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle Adkins had been driving, and they were unable to find any insurance or registration.
Adkins is in the Southwestern Regional Jail on $100,000 cash-only bail.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Five people were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained when a strong wind tore through an area occupied by fans at the Morgantown Super Regional NCAA baseball tournament game between West Virginia and Cal Poly on Saturday, according to the university.
Video from the storm showed rain and wind that reached speeds of 40 mph tearing up a tent, with one person flying through the air while trying to hold it down as another person rolls uncontrollably down a hill.
Other fans scrambled for safety from an area known as Randy’s Ridge near the Kendrick Family Ballpark.
“I was just trying to hold my weight on the pole with the cement block, and then it started sliding, and then another guy joined in, and he’s trying to hold another pole, and then a big gust of wind came,” West Virginia fan Keith Hill told WAJR radio. “It just started sliding really hard, and people got caught up in the ropes and the poles.”
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West Virginia University police confirmed that five people were transported to a hospital.
The game was in a weather delay at the time.
“We have been in touch with health-care providers in the area to ensure those affected are supported in their recovery,” West Virginia athletics spokesperson Michael Fragale said in a statement.
West Virginia won the game 17-1 to advance to the College World Series for the first time in program history.
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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports
Tent blows over during a WVU baseball game weather delay
The school said five people were injured after heavy winds blew an event tent over.
Multiple West Virginia baseball fans were injured during Saturday’s Morgantown Super Regional between the Mountaineers and Cal Poly.
A spokesperson for West Virginia Athletics confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Saturday that several fans sustained injuries during a weather delay after heavy winds blew an event tent over at an adjacent parking lot to Wagener Field at Kendrick Family Ballpark in Morgantown, West Virginia.
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“WVU would like to thank the immediate response of EMS, law enforcement and fire first responders who immediately secured the area and treated the injured spectators. While it was a great day for Mountaineer baseball, all of Mountaineer Nation’s thoughts are with those who were involved,” the statement read.
Who is in College World Series? NCAA baseball tournament bracket, schedule
Saturday’s game between the Mountaineers and Mustangs was delayed in the eighth inning for over an hour and a half due to weather in the area, which included thunderstorms and lightning. The statement said five people were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
“We have confirmed through the University Police Department that five people were transported for treatment. We have been in touch with health care providers in the area to ensure those affected are supported in their recovery,” the statement said.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker asked for prayers for the fans who were injured.
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On the field, No. 16 West Virginia defeated Cal Poly 17-1 to finish off the sweep of the Morgantown Super Regional and advance to the program’s first College World Series. Ben Lumsden and Tyrus Hall hit back-to-back home runs as part of the Mountaineers’ seven-run second inning.
West Virginia is set to open up play at the College World Series against Troy either Friday, June 12 or Saturday, June 13. The NCAA has not released official start times and dates for the CWS.
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