West Virginia hosts Oklahoma State on Saturday after a 38-27 win over Virginia, with a 4-0 start in reach. The preview identifies WVU quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., Cowboys passer Drew Mestemaker and pressure on both quarterbacks as key matchup factors.
Hawkins earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week honors after WVU’s Virginia win. The preview contrasts his ability to threaten on the ground and through the air with Mestemaker’s pass-first style. In Oklahoma State’s Week 2 upset of Oregon, Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 109 yards and a score, and had two interceptions.
WVU’s offensive line has allowed significant pressure through three weeks, and the article says Oklahoma State rotates defensive linemen. Its writer also argues that a loud crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium could be a factor in the night game.
