Burks and Milum questionable, Rimac out vs. Houston on Thursday

MORGANTOWN — Accidents have taken their toll on West Virginia this season and the Mountaineers will once more be down a number of key gamers after they tackle Houston this Thursday (7 p.m./FS1).

Security Aubrey Burks, who needed to be carted off the sector within the group’s final recreation towards TCU and was stored in a hospital in a single day, is questionable for Thursday, head coach Neal Brown introduced Monday.

WVU’s safeties Thursday might be Anthony Wilson, who has began all 5 video games, and Marcis Floyd, who returned from his personal damage two video games in the past.

“We’ve acquired some flexibility again there,” Brown stated. “Malachi (Ruffin) has performed and began some video games at security. We’ve used Jaboly Spells in a few of our nickel packages, he’s performed nicely. Avery Wilcox could be the fourth security after which (freshman) Josiah Jackson.”

Left deal with Wyatt Milum, who was poked within the eye towards the Horned Frogs, can also be questionable and might be a game-time choice. 

Left guard Tomas Rimac has been dominated out with an damage he additionally suffered towards TCU.

“So far as how lengthy he’ll be out, I’m undecided but,” Brown stated of Rimac. “He’ll have the ability to return (this season), however he received’t play this week.”

When Rimac went down towards the Horned Frogs, beginning proper guard Brandon Yates moved to left guard and Ja’Quay Hubbard was inserted at proper guard. Morgantown Excessive College product Nick Malone changed Milum at left deal with and can begin if Milum can’t go on Thursday.

“Ja’Quay Hubbard has had an in depth quantity of taking part in time, he began for us some final yr,” offensive coordinator Chad Scott stated. “Nick Malone has finished lots of work, he’s performed lots of ball. Completely different gamers, however when it comes to schematics, we’re not altering something schematically. These guys have gotten to have the ability to go on the market and do it.”

The group should additionally substitute linebacker Trey Lathan, who was additionally injured towards TCU and can miss the remainder of the season after having leg surgical procedure. True freshman Ben Cutter will get the beginning at center linebacker towards the Cougars.

“He’s earned that chance and he was taking part in lots earlier than,” Brown stated. “I’m actually enthusiastic about his progress.”

Cutter has 12 tackles to this point this season as a backup. He stated Monday that he feels able to step right into a beginning position.

“I believe it comes from preparation each week, understanding (an damage) may all the time occur and staying prepared it doesn’t matter what,” Cutter stated. “I acquired right here final January, so I’ve been right here 9 months. I had loads of time for the sport to start out slowing down for me.”

After Cutter, underclassmen Jairo Faverus and Caden Biser are subsequent on the depth chart.

West Virginia’s quarterbacks additionally benefitted from the off week as each Garrett Greene and Nicco Marchiol had been coping with ankle accidents in current weeks. Greene missed two video games after taking place early towards Pitt and Marchiol was held out towards TCU after getting injured in follow.

“The open week actually sort of occurred at time for each of these quarterbacks as a result of they have been capable of get off of (their unhealthy ankles),” Brown stated.

Brown stated Greene is again as much as 100% and can begin on Thursday.