MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The last time West Virginia faced a team with a better national ranking than No. 7 Texas Tech, the Mountaineers opposed a fifth-ranked Oklahoma squad led by quarterback Jalen Hurts more than six years ago.
The Red Raiders, seventh in both major Top 25 polls and No. 5 in the more meaningful College Football Playoff Rankings, could have a spot secured in the Big 12 Conference championship by the time they take to Mountaineer Field for Saturday’s noon regular season finale that will air on ESPN.
Should Arizona defeat Arizona State one day earlier, the Red Raiders are assured of playing for the league crown. If not, Texas Tech (10-1, 7-1) can ensure its trip to Arlington, Texas by handing the Mountaineers (4-7, 2-6) an eighth loss.
“It’s our seniors’ last game, so we should have that in mind to play really hard for them,” WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez said. “So that’s been a theme for it. But also, it’s a great opportunity for our program to be on display on national TV against one of the best teams in the country. If you don’t get excited for the challenge, then you’re not who I thought you were. The way our guys have approached it so far has been good.”
Both teams last played November 15 and have the luxury of added preparation for their 12th contest.
Texas Tech has won four straight since its lone loss to Arizona State. The Red Raiders have won all 10 games by at least 22 points and have posted seven Big 12 victories by an average of 28.4.
The Red Raiders’ offseason spending was well-documented and they have among college football’s most expensive rosters.
The spending has largely paid off in Joey McGuire’s fourth season as head coach.
“You’re studying people that are doing well and winning. Why are you winning? Obviously, you have the right players, staff and facility,” Rodriguez said. “There’s usually a multitude of reasons that you have so much success. Look at what they’ve done in one year with it.
“But again, they evaluated the right guys. They did a great job with evaluation first off. I don’t know what everybody on their roster is getting paid, but it seems to me that they distributed it the right way. All their guys play really hard. It didn’t affect their culture [that] these guys are getting all this money and these other guys weren’t. It looks to me like they still have a great culture. There’s a lot to learn from studying. I’m sure they won’t tell everybody how they went about their process.“
The Mountaineers are more than a three touchdown underdog in the season finale, but they’ve played at a far higher level in their last four league games from what they displayed over the first four. Had West Virginia won its most recent contest (a 25-23 loss at Arizona State), it would be playing for bowl eligibility Saturday.
Still, Rodriguez and the staff hope the combination of the final game for this group, final collegiate contest for the seniors and quality of opponent can help create an inspirational effort.
“I’ve been telling the guys all week and I believe this — you walk down the hallway here and there’s a mural of beating Clemson,” Mountaineer defensive coordinator Zac Alley said. “I was on the Clemson team that year [2011 season] in the Orange Bowl. Geno Smith up there and Tavon Austin, I’ve told the guys, you win this one, irregardless of the year, your name goes up on the wall and your picture goes up in the building somewhere, because it’s a top 10 win. You don’t even get the opportunity to do that very often. Our mindset is that.
“We have an opportunity to make a statement. You come back 20 years from now with your kids, you go, ‘I was on that team, that’s me.’ That’s kind of a big deal. Our guys have bought into that, and we want to do everything we can to be successful.”
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Rodriguez confirmed Monday night on his weekly radio show tailback that Diore Hubbard will miss the matchup with the Red Raiders due to an injury suffered against the Sun Devils.
Hubbard, who leads the Mountaineers with 335 rushing yards, displayed plenty of promise in November, including a 108-yard rushing effort with a touchdown in a win at Houston and 16 carries for 64 yards to go with six receptions for 94 yards the following week in a victory over Colorado.
Having assumed double duty and rushed for three touchdowns in the last two games, bandit Curtis Jones Jr. should take on an expanded role in the backfield, as will Cyncir Bowers.
“Diore’s coming on and next thing you know, he’s out for the season,” Rodriguez said. “So, probably going to have Curtis more at running back. He was just doing a little bit and he’s probably going to do a little bit more. Obviously Cyncir Bowers is going to get a crack and do some stuff.
“But the quarterback and running back situation, it’s funny, because I know a lot of teams are like well we’ve battled some injuries when they lost one guy. How about losing three or four at that position? We’ll get it out of the way this year and go from there.”
Rodriguez noted Clay Ash is in line to return from injury and Tyler Jacklich could be as well.
“Clay is going to be able to practice this week and should be available to help as well,” Rodriguez said. “Tyler Jacklich, who’s been hurt and would’ve been playing the last couple weeks, has a chance to play this weekend. We’ll see what happens the next couple days.”