Storylines to Keep an Eye On for WVU-Cincinnati

WVU has owned their all-time series with Cincinnati, but the 2024 matchup may have more on the line than any other. A win and West Virginia can continue to try to salvage their season. But a loss and the atmosphere around the Mountaineers could unravel even more.

Nicco Marchiol Expected to Start at Cincinnati

All signs are pointing to Nicco Marchiol as West Virginia’s starting quarterback again this week when the Mountaineers travel to Cincinnati. WVU head coach Neal Brown referred to Garrett Greene as “doubtful” for the week during his weekly press conference on Monday.

Marchiol replaced Greene in the middle of the loss to Kansas State and then started last week in Arizona.

Marchiol, who was experiencing a homecoming having played high school football in Arizona, completed 18-of-22 for 198 yards and a couple touchdown passes in West Virginia’s 31-26 win over the Wildcats. He also added 39 yards on the ground.

Neal Brown Not Shying Away from Magnitude of Remaining Games

Labeling the final four games of the 2024 season as “important” to West Virginia would be an understatement. Based on everything that’s happened so far this year, Brown knows magnitude of finishing strong, saying as much during his weekly press conference on Monday.

WVU HC Neal Brown Not Shying Away from Magnitude of Remaining Games

Coming off a necessary week off, granted one that included a big change to his coaching staff, Brown’s opening statement of the week tells the whole story about the mindset of the Mountaineers.

“The fate of our season will be determined in the next four weeks. We’re fired up,” said Brown.

Jeff Koonz on Ascending to WVU’s DC Role: ‘This is Not Promotion, It’s an Obligation’

WVU’s new defensive coordinator Jeff Koonz addressed the media for the first time since ascending to his new role on Monday. And while some may wonder how someone who has been an assistant and running the special teams will fare as defensive coordinator, Koonz made it clear he’s ready for this opportunity.

Koonz explained he does not believe West Virginia’s defensive system is broken. In fact, he still believes in the system and the rest of the defensive staff.

Jeff Koonz on Ascending to WVU’s DC Role: ‘This is Not Promotion, It’s an Obligation’

“I have full and utter confidence in this system of defense,” explained Koonz.

When asked if the remaining stretch of the 2024 regular season and any possible postseason can be labeled an audition period for Koonz, Brown referred to that as a fair assessment. Koonz, however, offered a slightly different outlook about this opportunity, his first to call defensive plays since serving as a co-defensive coordinator with Cincinnati in 2016.

“This is not a promotion, it’s an obligation,” clarified Koonz.

WVU LB Josiah Trotter Recognized Nationally for Strong Freshman Season

Josiah Trotter is being recognized as one of the best freshmen in the nation. On Wednesday, Trotter was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.

After having to miss the entire 2023 season with injury, Trotter has made 58 total tackles with a pair of pass deflections and an interception through eight games in 2024.

Game preview:

WVU owns a commanding historical edge in the all-time series between the two schools separated by about four hours. West Virginia is 17-3-1 all-time against Cincinnati. However, the odds suggest that may change this season.

With both teams coming off bye weeks and looking to close the season on a high note, oddsmakers view WVU as a slight underdog when they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats.

On Sunday, DraftKings and FanDuel opened their Week 11 lines with Cincinnati as a 3.5-point favorite over the Mountaineers. The line has shifted to further favor Cincinnati, currently sitting at -4.5. For other major sportsbooks, Circa Sports was even more confident in the Bearcats, opening their line with them at -4.

WVU enters the matchup at 4-4 (3-2, Big 12) while Cincinnati stands at 5-3 (3-2, Big 12).

In the first ever meeting between the schools as Big 12 foes, West Virginia beat Cincinnati 42-21 in convincing fashion in Morgantown.

For a related story, Mike Asti welcomed Neil Meyer on Mountaineer Report to preview WVU-Cincinnati.