Kansas Embarrasses WVU as Mountaineers Drop Big 12 Opener

Needing to put their Backyard Brawl win in the past, WVU faced Kansas at their place to open up Big 12 play. But unfortunately for the Mountaineers, their road trip to Lawrence became one they hope to forget.

The nightmare began early when Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels found a wide open receiver, who then ran the distance for the Jayhawk touchdown. Daniels to Levi Wentz for 41 yards put Kansas out in front 7-0 early in the first quarter.

And as for West Virginia, Nicco Marchiol, having to go without the star of the Pitt game Tye Edwards, struggled to get the offense going most of the first half. WVU punter Oliver Straw’s leg was called into action with four punts thanks to three-straight three and outs before the start of the second quarter.

Any brief momentum West Virginia thought they had was ruined when safety Fred Perry was called for a clear targeting. Taking out his frustration after Daniels found open space and ran for a first down, Perry hit the Jayhawks’ quarterback in what looked to be helmet to helmet contact.

The only small victory for the Mountaineers was when they held Kansas to a 42-yard field goal. Aided by Straw’s leg pinning Kansas near their own goal line, the WVU defense was able to force a stop with just over seven minutes left in the half.

The defensive stop provided a spark on the other side of the ball, as Marchiol completed three passes in a row to finally generate a rhythm. That rhythm only led to a field goal when the offensive line collapsed around Marchiol on a third down play in the red zone.

However, West Virginia cutting the deficit to a one-score game was short lived, Daniels connected on a 39-yard score to cap off a quick three-play drive. After Kansas’ answer, WVU was in a 17-3 hole.

Daniels then ran for 41 yards on two touches, allowing Kansas to tack three more points on the board as the second half came to a close with the Jayhawks up 20-3.

Not much changed when both teams returned to the field for the second half. In fact, things only got worse for the Mountaineers.

Kansas returned the opening kickoff all the way, increasing their lead to 27-3. The Jayhawks followed the touchdown with an even more impressive effort from their defense. Kansas brought a crippling pressure that led to former Mountaineer Trey Lathan throwing Mrachiol around for a sack.

It was at this point when Kansas poured dirt on West Virginia and turned the game into a blowout.

A 12-play, seven minute possession ended with Daniels’ third touchdown pass of the night, putting the game out of reach at 34-3. To add more insult to the beatdown, Lathan picks off his old quarterback and sets up yet another Kansas score.

In for Marchiol, Jaylen Henderson moved the WVU offense, mostly with his legs. Henderson ran for 77 yards, highlighted by a 32-yard burst up the middle of the field, on his first possession of the game.

The transfer addition from Texas A&M made the game 34-10 early in the fourth quarter.

Nicco Marchio finished the game 15-for-27 for 126 yards with an interception. Marchiol lost four yards on six carries as a runner.

Kansas did answer – Leshon Williams sprinted past multiple defenders all the way to the house for 62-yards. Kansas ran for 242 yards as a team.

The scoreboard read an unbelievable 41-10 with an excruciating 11 minutes remaining.

In the final minutes, WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez let Khalil Wilkins show what he can do, which included running for 33 yards, granted his fun ended with a fumble.

All in all, the Mountaineers were embarrassed by Kansas and will return home to host Utah at 2-2 and 0-1 in the Big 12.