THREE AND OUT: WEST VIRGINIA

FIRST DOWN

It was a tale of two halves for the offense. The Red Raiders came in swinging as Shimonek and company chalked up four touchdowns in the first half. The second half however things were a different story as a 30 yard touchdown run by Tre King was the only score the Red Raiders could pull off. Four out of the seven drives in the second half ended in punts. Besides a touchdown, the others ended in a missed field goal and an interception. The bright side was that the running game still looked improved as the Red Raiders averaged 5.8 yards a carry on the ground.

SECOND DOWN

The defense continued to be a bright spot this season. Tech held West Virginia to just 44 total yards rushing. Jah'Shawn Johnson was the leading tackler for the Red Raiders with six solo tackles and one tackle for a loss. The d-line kept the pressure on Grier and recorded four sacks against the Mountaineers. Desmon Smith also had his first interception of the season with a pick late in the third quarter.

THIRD DOWN

Michael Bardon missed three field goals last Saturday. Field goals have been an ongoing issue with Clayton Hatfield out with an injury and this time I believe it cost the game. The most damaging miss came just before halftime when Tech had a chance to go up by two scores and carry the momentum into the second half. While West Virginia ended up winning by more than the nine points that were left off the board, the misses kept Tech from putting the Mountaineers away and turned the momentum in their favor.

AND OUT

It's hard to blame Bardon too much as he was only supposed to be the kickoff specialist this season. To put the situation in perspective, it would be like if the quarterback went down and a wide receiver who played qb in high school was called to replace him. Despite this, Bardon has been solid so far this season. Regardless, if Tech can't find a way to be consistent, then this won't be the last time Tech struggles to hold onto a lead.

LOOKING AHEAD.

The Red Raiders return to the friendly confines to take on the Iowa State Cyclones for homecoming.