Storylines to Keep an Eye On for WVU-Kansas State

After an incredibly tumultuous week, WVU does have a game to play. And when West Virginia meets Kansas State on Saturday night, positioning in the Big 12 standings will be on the line. With this matchup billed as a must-win game for both teams and Neal Brown enduring a trying week, there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to keep an eye on.

WVU Fans Raise Money to Fly Plane with Banner to Embarrass Neal Brown

If Brown thought the embarrassment of his viral comments couldn’t get much worse, he may have to think again. WVU fans have raised the necessary amount to really turn up the heat on the embarrassment and do something that hasn’t happened to a WVU coach in a long time.

A fundraising effort on the crowdfunding website “*spotfund” has now raised the necessary amount to hire a pilot and fly a plane over Milan Puskar Stadium with a banner that is expected to read “Are you having fun? Fire Neal Brown!”

Currently, $4,960 has been raised, which is over the goal of $4,685. This fundraiser started on the heels of his comments from his weekly press conference on Monday, meaning this money was raised in just a few days.

The Neal Brown Backstory….

For those somehow unaware what started all of this, Brown responded to a question asked by WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti for WVU fans after the team squandered another big game. Brown then offered a bizarre answer that angered Mountaineer Nation even more.

Below is what Brown said in its entirety. Based on what’s on all of the graphics and social media posts, it’s possible you haven’t seen the entire thing.

Brown was asked if he had a message to fans to convince them to show up after another disappointment.

Neal Brown’s Sales Pitch to WVU Fans: ‘Did They Have a Good Time?’

“I get that they want to win. But what I would say is – did they have a good time? Did they enjoy it? It was a pretty good atmosphere. I’m assuming they had a pretty good time tailgating, so if they’re in the deal for enjoyment then I would come back. I looked at the weather and it’s going to be nice again,” said Brown.

He then continued. “I get they’re frustrated that we didn’t win. We’ve played a tough schedule. Everybody that’s beat us hasn’t lost. But that’s no excuse, that’s just the truth and the games in our league are going to come down to the fourth quarter and I don’t think this one on Saturday is going to be any different. We need them to help us. I do get their frustration.”

Brown attempted to clarify his comments during his weekly radio show on Thursday night.

For a related story, WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti explained how Neal Brown should’ve handled the question.

Neal Brown Elaborates on WVU’s QB Situation, Leaves Door Open for Change Later in Season

Even though Brown dismissed any thought of a quarterback change immediately following West Virginia’s loss to Iowa State, he was asked again on Monday. And either because the question was asked in a different wayor he had time to think about it, Brown offered a more detailed response despite coming to the same conclusion

Brown reiterated Garrett Greene is his starter, but did acknowledge there could be a scenario that would lead to backup Nicco Marchiol playing. While he didn’t go over those scenarios, the belief is that as long as WVU is in the thick of the Big 12 race, a change would not even be considered. Brown also added that Greene has not played poor enough to lose his job.

Neal Brown Elaborates on WVU’s QB Situation, Leaves Door Open for Change Later in Season

“Everyone’s enamored with the backup quarterback. We’re fortunate here to have one that can play. Has Garrett (Greene) done anything to lose his job? No,” said Brown.

West Virginia 3-3 (2-1, Big 12) and Kansas State 5-1 (2-1, Big 12) are scheduled to kickoff from Milan Puskar Stadium at 7:30 pm ET. The game will air nationally on Fox.

On Sunday, both DraftKings and FanDuel released their odds for the next slate of college football games and have the Mountaineers as a 2.5-point underdog at home to Kansas State.

Kansas State HC Chris Klieman Calls WVU Player Among Favorites to Watch

It may seem like West Virginia is vulnerable coming off a tough loss and in the midst of drama, but Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman isn’t about to underestimate the Mountaineers.

Klieman is actually so aware of West Virginia brings to the table that he admitted a key Mountaineers is one of his favorite players to watch. The leader of the Wildcats explained why he loves watching WVU quarterback Garrett Greene during his weekly press conference on Monday.

“Greene’s one of my favorite kids to watch play. Now I don’t know if I’m going to really like watching him on Saturday night, but he’s a competitor and he makes plays,” said Kliemnan.

“He makes plays with his arm. He makes plays with his legs. Not afraid to run inside. He’ll cut back. He’s not going to run out of bounds or slide very often.”

Preview Shows

Mike Asti and Ethan Bock offer their thoughts on Neal Brown’s viral comments and where WVU goes from here.

Asti was joined by Katie Maher of WIBW-TV to discuss why WVU-Kansas State is a must-win for both teams.