West Virginia

Kansas football vs West Virginia: Scouting report, prediction for Jayhawks’ road game

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2024

Press Room

Kansas football vs West Virginia: Scouting report, prediction for Jayhawks’ road game

LAWRENCE — Kansas football will attempt to end a two-game losing streak Saturday on the road against West Virginia.

The Jayhawks (1-2) are coming off of a 23-20 loss at home against UNLV. The Mountaineers (1-2) are coming off of a 38-34 loss on the road against Pittsburgh. It’s the first time these two sides have matched up since Kansas won in overtime at West Virginia in 2022.

What’s on the mind of Kansas’ coaches ahead of this Big 12 Conference opener? What’s on the mind of the Jayhawks’ players? Ahead of the 11 a.m. (CT) scheduled kickoff, take a look at this scouting report and prediction for the game:

Kansas football could be without linebacker Jayson Gilliom again, against West Virginia

Kansas football’s Lance Leipold previews West Virginia

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold understands West Virginia has faced multiple rivals, so he’s not discounting the Mountaineers because they are 1-2 so far. He also noted how talented the West Virginia quarterback can be, especially with his feet. Much like the Jayhawks, the Mountaineers have a running back duo that will help create a significant test for Kansas.

Jeff Grimes highlights what stands out about West Virginia

Kansas assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes might be new to the KU coaching staff, but he isn’t new to facing West Virginia with Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown. Grimes, who has a lot of respect for Brown, described West Virginia as tough, physical and sound. Grimes hopes redshirt junior quarterback Jalon Daniels’ mobility is something the Jayhawks can use to their advantage, and is aware of how aggressive the Mountaineers can be up front.

Brian Borland points out what he’s thinking about West Virginia

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland considers West Virginia’s offense similar to that of the offenses the Jayhawks have faced so far this season. Borland highlighted how much experience the Mountaineers have, and the talent along their offensive line. He didn’t only echo what Leipold said about West Virginia’s mobile quarterback, but praised the one-two punch the Mountaineers have at running back — one smaller and faster, and another more physically imposing.

Kansas players discuss West Virginia matchup

Kansas players spoke with a lot of respect about West Virginia.

Jayhawks redshirt senior defensive end Dylan Wudke mentioned how veteran the Mountaineers’ offensive line is, and the balance their offense possesses. He’s not going to lose sight of West Virginia’s physical running back. He thinks it helps Kansas will have faced mobile quarterbacks in back-to-back weeks, but noted the UNLV quarterback was more of a bruising runner and the WVU quarterback is more elusive.

Jayhawks senior offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue praised the front the Mountaineers have, as well as how much movement West Virginia incorporates. He described it as similar to what Kansas has faced so far this season. However, he outlined it’s important for the Jayhawks to focus on themselves.

Senior running back Devin Neal said the Mountaineers are sound and disciplined, especially at linebacker. He anticipates facing an opponent that is as motivated as Kansas is, after the start it’s had this season. Neal, though, is confident the Jayhawks can get back on track against West Virginia.

Prediction: Kansas 37, West Virginia 27

Kansas has struggled at times this season, and is in a situation where it’s definitely in need of a win. The same can be said for West Virginia, but KU is a program that needs this win more than the other. The Jayhawks should be able to persevere here, and get their season back on the right track against the Mountaineers.

Jordan Guskey covers the University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Returns Home to Face Maryland in Midweek Clash

Published

11 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia Returns Home to Face Maryland in Midweek Clash

The West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3) welcome the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) to Kendrick Family Ballpark Tuesday afternoon the first encounter between the two programs since 2023 and the first meeting in Morgantown since 2018. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.

The Mountaineers captured their fourth consecutive series of the season after taking two of the three games from Columbia over the weekend. West Virginia sophomore Matt Ineich and senior Brodie Kresser both blasted grand slams during the series. Ineich lifted WVU in game two with a walk-off grand slam in the 10th in game two, and Kresser ignited a 16-1 rout, capping a six-run second inning in the series finale.

Gavin Kelly leads West Virginia at the plate with a .436 batting average with a Big 12 leading nine doubles. Ineich and senior Paul Schoenfeld has raked in a team-leading 16 RBI apiece, while senior Matthew Graveline has clubbed a team-high three home runs.

On the mound, West Virginia is expected to start sophomore David Hagen. The right-hander has made four appearances on the season, including one start. He last started in the home-opener against Ohio where he pitched two scoreless innings and recorded a strikeout to collect his first win of the season. He holds a 1.00 ERA with five strikeouts on the season.

After starting 3-4, Maryland is 7-1 in its last eight games. The Terrapins won two of three at UNC Wilmington in the season opening series, followed by a midweek win against Georgetown before getting swept at Louisiana. The Terps bounced back with a pair of midweek wins versus Delaware and swept a one-win Wagner team.

Junior Brayden Martin is batting a team-best .443 to go with four doubles and 12 RBI. Redshirt freshman Ryan Costello leads the Terps in home runs (9) and RBI (21) and is third in batting average at .328, while freshman Ty Kaunus has a team-high seven doubles and has .269 batting average.

Maryland is scheduled to start freshman Nic Morlang. The right-hander has four appearances on the season, including four starts. He allowed five earned runs in his appearances, coinciding with his two starts, in six innings of work. In his last two appearances in relief, He’s allowed one earned run on five hits.

West Virginia leads the all-time series 8-5, including a five-game winning streak over Maryland.

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West Virginia

Citations issued after big party weekend in Morgantown – WV MetroNews

Published

23 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Citations issued after big party weekend in Morgantown – WV MetroNews

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a series of parties in Morgantown over the weekend.

Morgantown police officers, West Virginia University Police and state police responded to reports of overcrowded parties, underage drinking, physical altercations and multiple injuries.

Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffie said several citations were issued for open containers and underage consumption.

Two large parties were dispersed and six arrests were made without incident.

None of the reported injuries are believed to be serious or life-threatening.

The Morgantown Fire Department assisted in the operations.

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West Virginia

Weir High senior Hailey Hans named 2026 West Virginia student journalist of the year

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Weir High senior Hailey Hans named 2026 West Virginia student journalist of the year

Hancock County, WV — A Weir High School senior has been recognized as the 2026 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year.

Hailey Hans was selected for the statewide honor after building a journalism portfolio since her freshman year. She also serves as the staff manager of Weir Student Media, where she oversees articles and is in charge of deadlines.

“When I was a freshman I was placed in the journalism one class, and I actually tried to get pulled from the class. But, then after I sat in the class and I learned a little bit, that’s where my love grew and then from there I continued to take classes, I helped pass a law, and I got to these national conventions. Where it just lit a fire inside me,” Hans said.

Hans is planning to attend West Liberty University in the fall to study education with a minor in journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalism teacher. She will now submit her portfolio for the national-level contest.

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