Iowa State vs West Virginia football: Five players to watch

Lots of injuries have riddled West Virginia, especially at the quarterback position. Either Clint Trickett or Paul Millard will make the start after freshman QB Ford Childress has been ruled out. Both quarterbacks have played in seven games this season.

Nov 16, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Charles Sims (3) scores a touchdown against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

WVU presents a threat against Iowa State due to its running backs. They’re the key focus on Saturday, and here are some other players to watch for in the season finale.

Charles Sims (WVU running back, #3, Sr.)

With inconsistency at quarterback, the Mountaineers have relied on the running back position for offense. Iowa State had to contend with James Sims last week and shut him down after he had a good start, then Kansas had to abandon the running game. The Cyclones would like the same to happen with Charles Sims, who ranks fifth in the Big 12 in rushing with 86.7 yards per game and nine touchdowns on the season.

Cory Morrissey (ISU defensive lineman, #48, Jr.)

The right end on the Cyclones’ defensive line has been an underrated aspect of an improving defense. Morrissey had a season-high seven tackles (four assists) against the Jayhawks and has recorded five or more tackles in six of the last seven ISU games. He currently ranks sixth on the team in total tackles with 48.

Kevin White (WVU wide receiver, #11, Jr.)

With West Virginia’s quarterback position being a disaster, White’s production is expectedly inconsistent. One of the reasons why they lost to Kansas was not being able to use their leading wide receiver, who had just three catches for nine yards.

Quenton Bundrage (ISU wide receiver, #9, So.)

The Mountaineers have the worst pass defense in the Big 12 (and 101st nationally) giving up 257.2 yards in the air per game. If there’s any time for Bundrage to shine, this is it.

Dreamius Smith (WVU running back, #2, Jr.)

Not only does the backup running back for West Virginia have one of the best names in the Big 12, but he’s dangerous against a team that hasn’t been great at all at stopping the run all season — Iowa State currently ranks 111th nationally.