Mountaineer head coach Dana Holgorsen met with the media this afternoon to run through where West Virginia stands as they prepare for the Missouri Tigers this Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Holgorsen started out his weekly press conference discussing the Tigers, and what they will be bringing to Morgantown this weekend. Noting that Missouri returns most of their top ten defense from the 2015 season, Holgorsen admitted that it will be a challenge for the Mountaineer offense, and that his highly touted offensive line are in for a test against Missouri's spectacular defensive line.
Moving on to questions from the media, Holgorsen revealed that nine or ten true freshman will dress for the game against the Tigers. Kennedy McKoy, listed as Rushel Shell's backup on the depth chart, will of course see plenty of action. Fellow running back Martell Pettaway will be dressed, as will highly touted freshman wide receiver Stephen Smothers, in case they are needed. Wide receiver Marcus Simms will also see some action against Missouri. On the defensive side, Zach Sandwisch, Dylan Tonkery, Adam Hensley, Reese Donahue and JoVanni Stewart will all dress, and Holgorsen anticipates that all five will see playing time. In addition to those freshman, all the first-year Junior College guys will also see the field.
Suspended left guard Adam Pankey has put in the work this week, and Holgorsen announced that his suspension will end following the Missouri game. Pankey will rejoin the team starting next week, but may have to work to reclaim his starting spot from Tony Matteo.