Improved Defensive Effort, TCU Win Sends WVU Football Up in FPI

Not yet making up for all the lost ground, WVU football did enjoy a significant jump in the latest ESPN FPI (Football Power Index.

West Virginia has moved up six spots to No. 61 after the defense led West Virginia to a 24-20 win on the road at TCU. Just two weeks ago, the Mountaineers were outside the top 70 following three-straight losses and three consecutive poor performances on defense. However, they have now won two games in a row, also beating Cincinnati 45-42 at home.

On a day West Virginia’s potent offense failed to reach 300 yards, the defense held a Power Four offense to under 500 yards for only the second time all year. But the improved defensive effort wouldn’t have mattered if not for a game-sealing final play by linebacker Ben Cutter.

The longest tenured Mountaineer came up with the ball and then celebrated at midfield, ending a TCU drive that ran out the clock and seemed destined for a game-winning touchdown. Instead, West Virginia left Texas with a 24-20 win.

Cutter discussed how he came up with the ball and what delivering the clutch recovery means to him after the game.

Ben Cutter Walks Through Fumble Recovery to Seal WVU’s Win Over TCU

“I went down for it and it kinda scooted out to my left a little bit and ten panic mode kicks in. I’m crawling on the ground for it,” Cutter explained about what led him to grabbing the ball.

“It was a great feeling whenever I got that thing secured,” he added.

West Virginia doesn’t have to worry about dropping any further this week on a bye, although has a trip to Texas Tech on deck the next week.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.