WVU practiced Sunday evening seeking to transfer on from loss to Oklahoma State

MORGANTOWN — In an try and recover from Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma State as rapidly as potential, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown moved the workforce’s follow up a day. As an alternative of training Monday morning, the Mountaineers practiced Sunday evening.

“I simply needed to get that recreation out of our system,” Brown mentioned throughout his weekly press convention on Monday. “So we got here in (Sunday) evening and we did our regular Monday morning follow.”

WVU (4-3, 2-2 Huge 12) had a dreadful fourth quarter in opposition to the Cowboys. The Mountaineers led 24-20 getting into the body, however OSU working again Ollie Gordon ripped off three lengthy landing runs and racked up 149 speeding yards to steal a 48-34 victory.

“I wasn’t actually happy with how we completed the sport and I simply didn’t need to put that a lot lifeless time in between it,” Brown mentioned. “So we introduced them in (Sunday) evening, flushed that recreation and we’re shifting on to Central Florida.”

Whereas Brown didn’t assume there was any hangover from the earlier week’s loss to Houston, he mentioned he wouldn’t understand how his workforce will reply to Saturday’s loss till they get additional into the week.

“I feel it’s actually extra in regards to the response on Tuesday,” Brown mentioned. “Tuesday and Wednesday lead you into Saturday.”

Nehlen to be Immortalized

Legendary WVU soccer coach Don Nehlen can have his title emblazoned on the Diversified Power Terrace inside Milan Puskar Stadium alongside a number of the workforce’s all-time greats through the Mountaineers’ recreation in opposition to Cincinnati on Nov. 18.

“I need to congratulate Coach Nehlen,” Brown mentioned. “What a well-deserved honor. I’m so pleased for him and his household.”

Nehlan coached WVU for 21 seasons and is the all-time winningest coach in program historical past with 202 victories beneath his belt. He was inducted into the WVU Sports activities Corridor of Fame in 2003 and the Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame in 2005.

“Probably the greatest individuals I do know and he’s been nice to me,” Brown mentioned. “I’m very, very pleased for him.”

Nehlen’s title will seem alongside the retired numbers of Main Harris (9), Ira Rodgers (21), Sam Huff (75), Bruce Bosley (77) and Darryl Talley (90). 

“Coach Nehlen’s first job was at Cincinnati, the primary workforce he performed at WVU was Cincinnati and now his title’s going to be put into the stands in opposition to Cincinnati,” Brown concluded.

Accidents

Two starters didn’t play for WVU in opposition to Oklahoma State, spear Lance Dixon and offensive guard Tomas Rimac.

Brown mentioned Dixon missed the sport as a result of a suspension and his standing is “to be decided.”

Rimac, who warmed up Saturday, can be accessible this week in opposition to UCF.

“Whether or not he’ll begin or not can be how he does Tuesday and Wednesday,” Brown mentioned. “However he’ll be accessible to play.”

Kicker Michael Hayes was gradual to rise up following the Mountaineers’ closing landing on Saturday, however Brown mentioned he was simply coping with a cramp and isn’t damage.

Receiver Hudson Clement left the sport early and didn’t return. Brown mentioned he’s uncertain to play Saturday, however he ought to return this season.

“He acquired rolled up on our landing,” Brown mentioned. “It’s too early to inform, I’d say uncertain until he makes some good enchancment.”

In his place, junior Ej Horton may see an even bigger position on offense.

“He performed his most snaps in a recreation on Saturday and he’ll proceed,” Brown mentioned. “He had slightly shoulder harm, however he’s practiced for about three weeks in a row. You possibly can inform with the reps he’s getting higher.”

Horton, who missed time early within the 12 months, had his most efficient recreation in opposition to the Cowboys, making three receptions for 79 yards.