Writer - Ryan Musich
Thursday’s Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl features two teams whose season’s could’ve been changed if not for some tough circumstances. West Virginia’s 16th ranked offense could be even better had they converted some last drive opportunities against Virginia Tech and TCU. Utah, on the other hand, look to prove their relevancy after close three close losses to teams atop the Pac-12. .
Both teams have been dealt a tough hand this season, as each team has had the injury bug work their way into their seasons. The Mountaineers most crucial loss has been Florida transfer Will Grier, but an injury that has also been huge for West Virginia is offensive lineman Kyle Bosch. Also missing this game for West Virginia is starting running back Justin Crawford. Crawford is sitting out to get prepared for the upcoming NFL draft.
The Utes aren’t as banged up as well, but a key playmaker could miss out on Tuesday’s bowl game. Wide receiver Darren Carrington is questionable with an undefined injury, and if he skips this game will certainly be a huge loss for the Utes.
While there was a thought during preparation this past week that Will Grier might be able to play, West Virginia Head Coach Dana Holgorsen has ruled out his starting quarterback this game, and sophomore Chris Chugunov will continue behind center for the Mountaineers. Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham did confirm that starting quarterback Tyler Huntley is 100% ready to go for this game.
Huntley has been huge for the Utes this season, as he has carried 143 times for 480 yards and four scores. Through the air though Hantley has thrown for 15 touchdowns, but has also thrown 10 interceptions as well. Another player to keep an eye on for Utah is running back Zack Moss. Moss ran for over 1000 yards this year and had 9 rushing touchdowns to go along with those yards.
Outside of a wildcat offense that was revealed in their regular season finale against Oklahoma, West Virginia will rely heavily on their passing game. Chris Chugunov struggled to end the season but has some heavy weaponry in his arsenal. Leading the way is Biletnikoff finalist David Sills, who put up some gaudy numbers this year. Sills ended the year with 60 catches, 980 yards, and an FBS-leading 18 touchdowns. Other weapons for Chugunov are receivers Gary Jennings and Ka’Raun White.
On defense for West Virginia, safety Kenny Robinson is an absolute stud and a player to keep your eye on. Robinson ended the year with three interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. Linebackers David Long and Al-Rasheed Benton are no slouches either. Keep an eye on those guys, as they could be living in Utah’s backfield all game long.
On defense for Utah, defensive end Bradlee Anae led the way for Utes in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. Defensive back Julian Blackmon could be another player to keep your eye on for the Utes. Blackmon led the team in interceptions and passes defended.
This should be a fun game to watch as West Virginia and Utah recognize that the Heart of Dallas Bowl presents an opportunity to erase some of the disappointment from this season. Will Grier missing this game is a tough pill to swallow for Dana Holgorsen’s squad and cannot be understated. I have Utah winning this one 27-10. Chugunov has not looked the part for the Mountaineers, and Utah will be living in the backfield all day. If West Virginia wants to have a chance, that Wildcat offense will need to be very effective.
Both teams have been dealt a tough hand this season, as each team has had the injury bug work their way into their seasons. The Mountaineers most crucial loss has been Florida transfer Will Grier, but an injury that has also been huge for West Virginia is offensive lineman Kyle Bosch. Also missing this game for West Virginia is starting running back Justin Crawford. Crawford is sitting out to get prepared for the upcoming NFL draft.
The Utes aren’t as banged up as well, but a key playmaker could miss out on Tuesday’s bowl game. Wide receiver Darren Carrington is questionable with an undefined injury, and if he skips this game will certainly be a huge loss for the Utes.
While there was a thought during preparation this past week that Will Grier might be able to play, West Virginia Head Coach Dana Holgorsen has ruled out his starting quarterback this game, and sophomore Chris Chugunov will continue behind center for the Mountaineers. Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham did confirm that starting quarterback Tyler Huntley is 100% ready to go for this game.
Huntley has been huge for the Utes this season, as he has carried 143 times for 480 yards and four scores. Through the air though Hantley has thrown for 15 touchdowns, but has also thrown 10 interceptions as well. Another player to keep an eye on for Utah is running back Zack Moss. Moss ran for over 1000 yards this year and had 9 rushing touchdowns to go along with those yards.
Outside of a wildcat offense that was revealed in their regular season finale against Oklahoma, West Virginia will rely heavily on their passing game. Chris Chugunov struggled to end the season but has some heavy weaponry in his arsenal. Leading the way is Biletnikoff finalist David Sills, who put up some gaudy numbers this year. Sills ended the year with 60 catches, 980 yards, and an FBS-leading 18 touchdowns. Other weapons for Chugunov are receivers Gary Jennings and Ka’Raun White.
On defense for West Virginia, safety Kenny Robinson is an absolute stud and a player to keep your eye on. Robinson ended the year with three interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. Linebackers David Long and Al-Rasheed Benton are no slouches either. Keep an eye on those guys, as they could be living in Utah’s backfield all game long.
On defense for Utah, defensive end Bradlee Anae led the way for Utes in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. Defensive back Julian Blackmon could be another player to keep your eye on for the Utes. Blackmon led the team in interceptions and passes defended.
This should be a fun game to watch as West Virginia and Utah recognize that the Heart of Dallas Bowl presents an opportunity to erase some of the disappointment from this season. Will Grier missing this game is a tough pill to swallow for Dana Holgorsen’s squad and cannot be understated. I have Utah winning this one 27-10. Chugunov has not looked the part for the Mountaineers, and Utah will be living in the backfield all day. If West Virginia wants to have a chance, that Wildcat offense will need to be very effective.