In a game of “shoulda, woulda, coulda”, Neal Brown would state after the game “Did we play good enough to win? No. Did we play hard enough to win? Absolutely” The thing is, yes, football is a game of inches. Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. The problem is the NCAA has now become a “What have you done for me lately society.” Neal Brown’s record is starting to speak for itself and head south in the decline region.

The days of the (NIL) becoming a topic of conversation at WVU is getting thin. Players aren’t happy, boosters aren’t happy, fans are as displeased with the product than they ever have been. Is it all on Neal Brown?

Everyone has a differing opinion. The truth of the matter is? Some of it may not all be on Neal Brown. He can’t predict injuries that depletes the roster, and not all time management is on him. He cannot make the referees call a pass interference penalty. I can tell you one thing for sure, Neal Brown being at the helm isn’t going to change for the next 365 days. The hecklers have zero influence on that decision whether they know it or not. Rumors of the boosters getting involved who have all but stopped donating? That’s a story for a different day. On this day?

It would be the press conference demeanor that would have most talking. The pre-occupied, defeated look in the eye of the captain is what will deflate the team going forward…

TCU came into the game having scored 30+ points in every ball game. Well yeah, that’s what the BIG XIII is right? Partially correct. Saturday’s game was different. It was an early start in Morgantown, homecoming, and warm in almost November. A perfect opportunity to capitalize and gather back some momentum after getting stomped by Texas Tech one week ago. Trap game for TCU? Not so fast, my friend…WVU would start out the game with good pursuit, and all eleven men swarming to the ball.

On WVU’s first drive it looked like they were ready to compete with the undefeated, number 7 ranked team in the country. A big play to the tight end with a facemask penalty to make it 15 yards closer to the end zone. A connection to Sam James for a gain of 36 set up CJ Donaldson for a 1 yard TD to put WVU on the board first with an 8 play 80 yard drive that took 4:38 off of the clock.

On TCU’s ensuing drive, Max Duggan would connect with Taye Barber for a 71 yard TD to knot it at 7-7. It felt like a shootout was going to breakout, which one could expect, so WVU couldn’t afford to miss on an opportunity to score.

To start the 2nd quarter WVU would have the ball at the 1 yard line after Donaldson would have a nice 38 yard scamper earlier in the drive. Donaldson would score making it a 14-7 game with just over 14 minutes to go in the second quarter. On the next TCU drive Duggan, would find number 5 ranked WR in the country and NFL Draft Prospect (Quentin Johnston) on a 55 yard bomb down the sideline to tie it at 14 a piece.

After a drive filled with penalties WVU would be forced to punt handing the ball back to TCU, who would score on the first play with Miller hauling in a 51 yard TD reception with 7:00 to go in the 1st half. The next drive for WVU would see Bryce Ford-Wheaton get in on the action making a tough catch and run of 35 yards, that would eventually set up Justin Johnson for a TD catch with 1:35 to go in the  2nd quarter. Right before the half TCU running back (Bailey) would break away up the middle to take a 28-21 lead going into halftime.

To start the 3rd quarter WVU would immediately be forced to punt, but a kick/catch interference penalty would gift them the ball at the 17 yard line, and a chance to tie the game. TCU would force a FG by Casey Legg to inch the game closer at 28-24 with TCU still in favor. WVU would then get the ball back after forcing TCU to punt. After nickel and diming them down the field, WVU would set up a 1st and 10 on the 19 yard line with a chance to take the lead, or make it a one point game with a FG.

TCU would end up forcing a 4th down, and instead of kicking the FG to make it a one point game, WVU would decide to gamble and go for it unsuccessfully. The crowd was displeased after this decision, and the “Fire Neal Brown” chants could be heard all the way to Pittsburgh.

TCU would settle for a couple FG’s in the 4th quarter making it a 34-24 game with 9:11 left to go. On the ensuing WVU drive Reese Smith would hold on to a tough catch after getting hit in the end zone on a 23 yard pass from JT Daniels. The game would be sealed with 20 seconds left by TCU WR Williams on a 29 yard pass play from Duggan. Final score 41-31. WVU now sits at 3-5 heading to Iowa State next weekend to take on the Cyclones sitting at 3-5 as well.

(Conclusion)   When being asked why WVU did not take the points in the 3rd quarter Neal Brown had the following to say: “We decided coming into the game that it was going to take touchdowns to win” Brown would also say that “We are beat up and banged up, some players were out there that haven’t played a whole lot yet.”

“Did we play good enough to win? No. Did we play hard enough to win? Absolutely.” It looks more and more likely that stud RB CJ Donaldson may have had his season ended Saturday. The secondary is banged up, the O-line is banged up. A bowl bid for this season is highly unlikely at this point. WVU may need to look at playing spoiler, and trying to ruin the remaining teams hopes at a better season as well.

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