The final leg of the offensive tale of the tape series features the wide receivers for the Texas Longhorns-West Virginia Mountaineers matchup. Both teams coming off wins over ranked opponents as they prepare for a must-win game. The WVU duo caught seven passes for 135 yards and one touchdown. The Longhorns duo accounted for four receptions, 70 yards and two touchdowns. One being the game winner.
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This year without question Joshua Moore has been the Longhorns best wide out. Many expected the top guy to be Brennan Eagles or Jake Smith. Moore has been a solid outlet for quarterback Sam Ehlinger but in three games this year he has two receptions or less. He needs a better output against West Virginia than just one reception like Moore put out against Oklahoma State. This defense will test the entire WR group.
The West Virginia wideouts are more of the complimentary role. While yes they do have two receivers with over 300 yards receiving, this team likes to run the football and play defense. Last week Texas was able to limit Chuba Hubbard to just 2.5 yards per carry. Can Bryce Ford-Wheaton and Winston Wright take advantage of PFF’s 80th ranked pass defense in terms of coverage? If they do it could be another long day for Chris Ash’s unit.
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Joshua Moore vs Bryce Ford-Wheaton
| Joshua Moore | vs | Bryce Ford-Wheaton |
| 6-1 | Ht | 6-3 |
| 169 | Wt | 218 |
| Redshirt Sophomore | Class | Sophomore |
| 22 | Rec | 16 |
| 343 | Yards | 301 |
| 15.6 | Yards/Rec | 18.8 |
| 7 | TDs | 3 |
| 23 | Touches | 16 |
| 342 | Yards | 301 |
Brennan Eagles vs Winston Wright
| Brennan Eagles | vs | Winston Wright |
| 6-4 | Ht | 5-10 |
| 229 | Wt | 180 |
| Junior | Class | Sophomore |
| 15 | Rec | 32 |
| 243 | Yards | 391 |
| 16.2 | Yards/Rec | 12.2 |
| 4 | TDs | 2 |
| 15 | Touches | 34 |
| 243 | Yards | 395 |
Edge: Texas
The wide receiver duo of Moore and Eagles gets the slight edge over Ford-Wheaton and Wright. With the lack of a consistent rushing attack the Longhorn have to rely on their passing game to do the bulk of the damage. Also factor in that Jake Smith is starting to come on after dealing with a hamstring injury that has lingered. How will they do against the number one pass defense in the league?
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