Kansas Jayhawks Defeat West Virginia 37-14

The West Virginia Mountaineers dropped to 5-5 overall and 2-5 in conference play Saturday evening following a 37-14 defeat against the Kansas Jayhawks, according to West Virginia Mountaineers On SI.

The lopsided loss in Morgantown exposed glaring physical disparities for the Mountaineers, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. West Virginia fields the smallest unit in the Big 12, a size disadvantage that becomes immediately obvious from the sidelines as opposing players routinely push them around.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. West Virginia Mountaineers | Full Game Highlights — ESPN College Football

“These Big 12 teams make the defense look like a high school team from a size perspective,” according to West Virginia Mountaineers On SI. “And quite honestly, some of the defensive backs look like middle schoolers out there, and they get pushed around up front as such.”

Fixing those roster limitations through name, image, and likeness funding presents a distinct challenge for the program. The state lacks major corporations capable of funding a competitive roster on one side of the ball alone, while top-tier programs likely operate with double the NIL resources on defense.

Kansas vs. West Virginia Highlights — Big 12 Conference

While defensive coordinator Zac Alley faces immediate scrutiny from fans, any potential replacement would require substantial financial backing. “If he is fired at some point, the next defensive coordinator better come with annual NIL funding of at least 15 million to compete for a conference title,” West Virginia Mountaineers On SI noted.

Quarterback Mike Hawkins Jr. also endured a difficult outing against the Jayhawks, turning in his worst performance of the season.

Kansas vs. West Virginia Extended Highlights — Big 12 Conference

The stark drop-off followed an encouraging offensive showing the previous week in Lubbock. Instead of maintaining that momentum, the unit struggled for three straight quarters against Kansas.

That sudden offensive regression leaves the team searching for answers as the season winds down. With the defense facing ongoing personnel hurdles, the offense remains the primary path to securing victories.