Why We Beat TCU

Fort Worth, Texas - On October 24, 2026, West Virginia Mountaineers secured a significant victory over Texas Christian University (TCU) in a road game, bolstering their season record to 5-3. After entering the bye week with more wins than they had all of the previous year, it was clear that the Mountaineers had gained momentum heading into the final four games of the season. Let's delve into what made this victory possible.

The West Virginia defense proved to be the game-changer. While it may not have been labeled as the formidable Steel Curtain, the Mountaineers' defense played a crucial role in their win. TCU managed to rack up a substantial 484 total yards, including 29 first downs and over 37 minutes of possession. However, the Mountaineers' defense held their own against the run, limiting TCU to just 112 yards rushing, with a significant portion (49) coming from just two plays.

As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, TCU's one-dimensional gameplay became evident. The Mountaineeds' defense forced TCU to execute on lengthy drives instead of the quick, high-scoring TD drives they had previously demonstrated over the past four games. Though the Mountaineeds still conceded several significant plays, particularly on third downs, they kept the ball in their hands, compelling TCU to prove they could consistently execute on 10 or even 15-play drives without turning over the ball.

The Mountaineeds' defense forced three turnovers, including a pivotal strip sack on the final drive that sealed the game.

The Mountaineeds' offense, on the other hand, failed to live up to expectations following the game. The play calling was characterized as extremely conservative, and the offense struggled to capitalize on their stops or turnovers. Apart from the crucial defensive stop at the end of the game, the Mountaineeds' defense forced a punt, missed field goal, or turnover on five TCU possessions.

Consequently, the Mountaineeds' offense only managed to score 24 points, a far cry from their 21-point average against the league-leading Big 12 defense. Despite the offense's underwhelming performance, they still managed to put up 24 points against a formidable opponent, which is considered a poor day's work for their team. Quarterbacks Michael Hawkins Jr. and Cam Cook, both from the Fort Worth area, played pivotal roles in the game.

Cam Cook returned to TCU, where he began his college career before transferring, while Michael Hawkins Jr. played his high school football in the same city as TCU. Hawkins Jr. scored a crucial 36-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, effectively putting the Mountaineeds in control of the game. The two quarterbacks also connected on a 13-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, bringing the Mountaineeds' total points to 24, which ultimately secured their victory.

The Mountaineeds' recent string of three losses has been alarming, but this victory has given them a two-game winning streak and a newfound sense of belief that anything is possible for their final four games of the season.