While a game against an FCS opponent may not scare anyone, or even impress anyone either, it’s important opportunity for WVU football to correct find the rhythm they displayed in the first half in the season opener and tune up for a big game environment in Week 3.

WVU Football Unsurprising Big Favorite to Dominate UT Martin

To no surprise, WVU opens the week as big favorite to dominate UT Martin and improve to 2-0.

As is common with games between Power Four programs and FCS schools, West Virginia is as much as a 40.5-point favorite across major sportsbooks.

However, there’s now also pressure on the Mountaineers to impress and put two complete halves together after struggling in the second half of their 31-24 win over Coastal Carolina. In the 2026 season-opener, WVU exploded to a 24-0 lead in the first half, but then let Deuce Bailey lead Coastal Carolina on a comeback, one that simply seemed to run out of time.

Zac Alley Preaches Fixing Containment Issues to Improve WVU Defense

After a stellar first half against Coastal Carolina, WVU football struggled to keep freshman quarterback Deuce Bailey in check. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley revisited the performance Monday and gave his thoughts on the team’s defensive effort.

“I think positives were we saw what we could be. Played the first half really well. Had some adversity, but were able to overcome in critical moments,” Alley said in a press conference Monday

However, the defensive line had success Saturday, with five sacks on the day.

“I think we forced 40 pressures and had five sacks there and probably should’ve had 10 more. We touched him and missed him like 12 times in the backfield, like free runners and whatnot. I really felt like we showed what we could do if we played to a standard,” Alley added.

Alley attributed the struggles to mistakes being made by the defense rather than a lack of preparation.

“I think it was more mistakes we made. I mean, we’re bringing interior pressures where we got three guys coming through, and we’re playing heavy at the defensive end, so we’re trying to bull guys instead of working up the field and containing him in the pocket… You’ve gotta be able to contain and, and force him back to your help, and we didn’t do a great job of that,” Alley added.

When it comes to fixing the issues, Alley said the coaching staff is consistent on telling players what their roles are. He emphasized players focusing on doing their job.

“We tell them, ‘This is what you’re supposed to do on this play or this blitz,’ and if you decide you wanna go inside when you’re not supposed to go inside, then you’re gonna cause problems,” Alley said.

Game Info:

The 1-0 Mountaineers will welcome UT Martin to Morgantown next week, with kickoff from Milan Puskar Stadium set for 1:00 pm ET.

And then following the assumed Week 2 victory, West Virginia will travel to Charlotte, N.C. for a neutral site showdown with Virginia.

Inside WVU-UT Martin with Mike Asti | The Pittsburgh Football Show

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