From West Virgina Mountaineers On SI · · 1m
West Virginia Mountaineers Presser Highlights
West Virginia's coach details TCU defense challenge, defensive identity issues, and Mike Hawkins' production.
In brief
West Virginia's coach details TCU defense challenge, defensive identity issues, and Mike Hawkins' production. West Virginia's coach Rich Rodriguez says TCU has the best defense in the league, the team lacks defensive identity, and Mike Hawkins Jr. is playing well. Originally reported by West Virgina Mountaineers On SI.
TCU defense challenge
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez says TCU has the best defense in the league, statistically No. 1 in most categories, very athletic and plays hard.
“Best defense in the league. I think statistically, they are No. 1 in most of the categories. Very athletic. They know what they’re doing; they play hard.”
Defensive identity problem
West Virginia lacks a clear defensive identity, with coach Rodriguez saying they struggle to find a consistent identity early in the season.
“Typically, you find your identity in the first couple weeks of the season or even during camp. I don’t know if that’s the core problem, but it is something.”
Mike Hawkins Jr. production
Mike Hawkins Jr. is playing well as a first-year player, making big plays and being the difference in the game.
“For a first-year guy in the system, I think he’s playing really good football. He was really decisive in that game and made some big plays on some scramble stuff.”
Playoff expansion
Coach Rodriguez says the NFL playoff expansion to 24 teams is not terrible but worries about conference championship games disappearing.
“I didn’t really have strong feelings with it one way or another. I knew it was going to head that way because of money.”
Malik Agbo starts over Carsten
Malik Agbo starts at right tackle instead of Carsten Casady, who is not 100% healthy.
“Carsten wasn’t 100%, and I thought Malik played okay, but I think Carsten should be healthier this week, and if he is, he’ll be back in there starting.”
The bottom line
West Virginia's coach Rich Rodriguez says TCU has the best defense in the league, the team lacks defensive identity, and Mike Hawkins Jr. is playing well.
