[2023] Where They Stand - Mountaineer Statistical Review Through 5 Games

[smackemz]

Morgantown - WV.  The Mountaineers have played 5 games so far this season, starting off quickly with 2 wins, and falling off with 3 losses putting them at an overall record of 2-3.  Let's take some time and analyze how each portion of the ball is playing.  

Passing

1. (Fr) Dzanan Reid - 97/167, 58.08%, 1,217 yards ,6 TDs, 4 INTs

2. Fr Brett Santisteban - 2/5, 40%, 11 yards

3. (So) Josh Vogelbach - 1/3, 33%, 6 yards

Reid was one of the crown jewels of smackemz' first recruiting class, and has stepped into the starting QB role after taking a redshirt.  He is on pace to set the school record for passing yards, and has generally taken care of the ball.  In an ideal world you would like to see him improve upon his completion percentage, but overall he has played well and is showing great promise for a freshman.  Fans should expect him to continue to improve and he should have a firm hold on his starting position. 

Rushing

1. (Jr) Craig Guzman - 141 attempts, 756 yards, 8 TDs, 5.36 ypc

2. (Fr) Michael March-Lillard - 30 attempts, 91 yards, 1 TDs, 3.03 ypc

Guzman transitioned from QB to lead back and has exploded onto the scene.  Taking on the primary workhorse role, Guzman has been the Mountaineers most consistent force on offense, and is in the top 10 in the country for rushing yards.  Another crowl jewel from that first recruiting class, March-Lillard has gotten better each game as the secondary back, and has had major success in the return game.  

Receiving

1. Jr Kevin Purcell - 20 catches, 414 yards, 1 TD

2. (Jr) Chad Dolis - 28 catches, 378 yards, 2 TDs

3. (Jr) Craig Guzman - 25 catches, 178 yards, 3 Tds

4. Sr Anfernee Ford - 9 catches, 116 yards

Chad Dolis in the utility knife player for the Mountaineers.  He played mostly out of the backfield during 2022, but has stepped up to be the most consistent option in the 2023 passing attack.  Kevin Purcell has stepped into the big play role, and leads the Mountaineers in big plays.  Guzman and Ford have provided good safety blanket plays for the young quarterback.  

Defense 

On the defensive side of the ball we'll highlight a few Mountaineers who have made a major impact.

Sr ILB Marvin Williams - 35 Tackles, 8 TFL, 1 FF, 2 INT, 1 TD

Williams deserves his own paragraph.  The senior has been easily the best player on the defensive side of the ball for WVU.  His early play was so good that he was getting initial hype as a Heisman candidate.  

Sr DT Miguel Cortes - 24 Tackles, 8 TFL, 4.5 Sacks 

(Jr) FS Ryan Davis - 12 Tackles, 3 INT

(So) SS Dante Smith - 21 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2 FF, 1 INT

The trio of Cortes, Davis, and Smith have been the next group of most consistent defensive players for WVU.  Smith has been somewhat of a utility knife player, lining up at LB, CB, and Safety for the Mountaineers depending on the situation.  2022 All-Conference selection Ryan Davis leads the team in interceptions and has been able to make necessary tackles.  Cortes leads the teams in sacks and is tied for the lead for TFL.  

Kicking/Punting

(Jr) K Victor Pugh - 7/9 FG, 19/19 XP, long 34

Fr P Jack Greathouse - 34 Total Punts, 16 inside the 20

Pugh hasn't had many opportunities to test out his leg, but he has been efficient on XPs and on FGs under 35 yards.  The true freshman punter Greahouse has shown an ability to pin punts within the 20. 

 

 

  

[Sarge]

WVU on the up and up!