Dallas • Although West Virginia is going into Tuesday’s Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl without starting quarterback Will Grier (injury) and starting running back Justin Crawford (sitting out), the Utes’ defense will face one of its stiffest tests of season statistically.
The Mountaineers ranked 14th among FBS teams in total offense (485.2 yards per game) during the regular season. Utes coach Kyle Whittingham said he couldn’t think of a Pac-12 Conference offense with as many weapons on the outside in the passing game as the Mountaineers.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chris Chugunov will start for the second time in his collegiate career, but the Mountaineers offense features All-American wide receiver David Sills, and a 1,000-yard receiver in Gary Jennings.