Sat Nov 15 17:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text you provided:

Mountaineers Travel to Arizona State with Bowl Eligibility on the Line

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After a rocky start to the season, the West Virginia Mountaineers (4-6, 2-5) have a chance to keep their bowl game hopes alive this Saturday as they travel to Tempe, Arizona to face the Arizona State Sun Devils (6-3, 4-2). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Mountain America Stadium, with the game airing on TNT.

West Virginia has won their last two games after losing five straight to start the season. Coach Rich Rodriguez has praised his team’s consistent effort and focus despite the earlier setbacks. “The results have been better the last couple of games, but I said before when we weren’t winning and what have you, I didn’t see cracks in the wall, I didn’t see issues with their effort or focus.”

True freshman quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. will make his fifth consecutive start for the Mountaineers, leading an offense that has scored 74 points in the last two games. That improved offensive output has been fueled by a resurgent running game.

Arizona State boasts a strong defense, particularly against the run, ranking second in the Big 12 by allowing 123.2 rushing yards per game. Coach Kenny Dillingham says, “We’re playing good defense… They’re flying around. Last [game], they answered the bell multiple times. We have to continue to do that and continue to build off that.” The Sun Devils defense will be tested against the Mountaineers, who run the ball more than any other team in the conference.

The Sun Devils will counter with Jeff Sims at quarterback, who is making his second start in place of the injured Sam Leavitt. Sims is a dynamic runner, having rushed for a program-best 228 yards in his last game. WVU Defensive Coordinator Zac Alley says “He’s a good player. He’s hard to get down and he’s big. We have to do a good job of corralling him and get him down in the run game.”

Both teams feature solid run defenses, and both coaches recognize the importance of winning the battle in the trenches. A win for West Virginia would keep their bowl hopes alive and set up a crucial regular season finale against #6 Texas Tech next week.

Read More