West Virginia picked up their first win of 2024 by defeating UAlbany 49-14 on Saturday.

While the Great Danes are an FCS team, the victory still offers some lessons as WVU looks to take control of its season. Some have been lingering, while others may have been taught through Saturday.

Secondary Concerns

This is one of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed. UAlbany had a field day in the air against West Virginia, although they weren’t able to convert it into many touchdowns and were only one-for-four in the red zone. The Great Danes ended with more passing yards than the Mountaineers, 306 to 248, but the Mountaineers ran the ball and attempted 13 fewer passes. However, it still outlines some concerns. UAlbany had eight plays where they gained 19 or more yards in the air, including a 33-yard touchdown. With the Backyard Brawl coming up and competitive Big 12 games, there will need to be improvements in the secondary and pass coverage aspect for WVU if they want to be successful.

Greene Can Spread It Out

West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene was able to spread the ball out in the passing game. Six receivers finished with 30 or more receiving yards and no receiver was targeted more than four times. On top of that, each one of Greene’s passing touchdowns went to a different target: Hudson Clement, Justin Robinson and Kole Taylor. If this continues, it will allow Greene to continue to do the same and not rely solely on a specific target as he goes through his progressions.

Impact Transfers

Through two games, we can already see what players picked up in the transfer portal will make a difference. On the defensive side of the ball, it’s Jaheem Joseph, Reid Carrico, and TJ Jackson. Carrico and Joseph tied for the fourth-most tackles for West Virginia on Saturday with four. All of Carrico’s tackles, a linebacker, were solo stops, including a tackle-for-loss. Joseph, a safety, had three solo stops and picked up a QB hurry. Jackson, a defensive lineman, had two solo tackles, both for loss and a sack. On the offensive side of things, receivers come to mind in Jaden Bray and Robinson. Robinson, who was mentioned earlier scored a touchdown and had two receptions for 30 yards overall. Bray only had one catch, but it was the Mountaineers’ longest of the day, a 44-yard reception as he went up and brought it down for a big gain.

Photo by Tanner Mountz, Blue Gold Sports