West Virginia recovered from a rough start on Saturday, clamping down on the defensive side of the ball in a 41-31 win over Rutgers. The Moutaineers headed into the half trailing the Scarlet Knights, 31-21, but scored the next 20 points of the game to avoid losing their second game in as many weeks.
Geno Smith completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in the second half. Smith was responsible for the third score of the half, as well, plunging into the end zone from a yard out. Shawne Alston rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, with Tavon Austin added two rushes for 96 yards and a touchdown, which came on an 80-yard run.
Gary Nova completed just 18 of 49 passes for 234 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. Jawan Jamison ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Scarlet Knights on the ground.
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit WVU blog The Smoking Musket and Rutgers blog On The Banks. Here’s this week’s college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub for more.