Storylines to Keep an Eye On for WVU-Arizona

WVU and Arizona are two struggling programs who have drastically disappointed based on preseason expectations. And when the two schools meet for the first time ever on Saturday night, there’s reason to believe the outcome could easily go either way.

Here are the key storylines to keep an eye on for WVU-Arizona.

Mountaineers Channelling Inner Confidence to Turn Season Around

With their backs against the wall, the Mountaineers now have two options for the rest of the season – sulk or focus on turning things around. And on Monday, the WVU coaches and players made it clear they are choosing the latter option.

Head coach Neal Brown, who has come under heavy scrutiny for both losses in big game sand his recent viral comments, reiterated a point he’s mentioned before about his current team – the 2024 Mountaineers are made up of high characters guys.

WVU offensive lineman Ja’Quay Hubbard expressed extreme confidence in his teammates while talking with the media on Monday. Hubbard was put out there as one of the most veteran team leaders and he never wavered his belief no matter what was asked.

“The mood right now is we gotta go get a win. Pretty simple. No one’s happy where we’re at right now, but a lot of positive vibes still in the locker room, We love each other,” said Hubbard.

WVU HC Neal Brown Dismisses Idea of QB Change for Play, Not Injury

Brown was noticeably agitated this week during his Monday press conference. After an uncharacteristically brief opening statement, Brown then snapped a bit at a question about the quarterback situation.

When asked if Greene’s recent play would warrant a change independent of health, Brown cut the question from WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti off and dismissed the thoughtas being legitimate.

WVU HC Neal Brown Dismisses Idea of QB Change for Play, Not Injury

“Did you watch the final two drives of the first half? He went 90+ yards twice. Next question,” said a clearly annoyed Brown.

Fans Create Website to Pressure WVU to Fire Neal Brown

It’s no secret there are plenty of WVU fans who want Brown to be fired. However, it’s one thing to voice displeasure on social media, but it’s another to actually put your money where your mouth is on the topic. And now there are fans doing just that.

After a failed attempt to fly a “Fire Neal Brown” banner over Milan Puskar Stadium during West Virginia’s loss to Kansas State, members of Mountaineer Nation are now going a different route. WVU fans started a website “FireNealBrown.org” dedicated to removing Brown as head coach.

This site features Brown’s record and negative facts about his tenure at WVU while also allowing people to donate money to the Mountaineer Athletic Club with the hope it goes towards paying Brown’s buyout.

DraftKings set Arizona as a slim favorite in their opening line for the first meeting between the schools Big 12 foes. The line has since moved more towards Arizona s a 3-point favorite on most sports books.

And part of their reasoning may come down to the struggles of both teams. West Virginia will enter the game at 3-4 (2-2, Big 12) while Arizona also sits at 3-4 (1-3, Big 12).

WVU-Arizona at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., will be televised on FS1 at 7 pm ET.

For a related story, Mike Asti welcomed Justin Spears on Mountaineer Report to preview the matchup.