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Stock Up, Stock Down: Evaluations After West Virginia's Win Over Colorado

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 16:25 GMT by Sports Illustrated

West Virginia’s Big‑Game Win and Its Ripple Effect on NFL Draft Stock

In a hard‑fought victory over Colorado, the West Virginia Mountaineers not only secured a win that keeps their bowl hopes alive but also sent a clear message to NFL scouts about which players have earned a second look and which might need to sharpen their game. The Sports Illustrated College roundup, titled “Stock Up, Stock Down: Evaluations After West Virginia’s Win Over Colorado,” offers a detailed play‑by‑play of the game and dives into how the performances will influence draft projections.

The Game Recap

West Virginia entered the matchup as underdogs, but the Mountaineers’ defense came out firing. They intercepted two passes, forced a fumble that led to a touchdown, and piled up 12 sacks on Colorado’s quarterback. Offensively, the Mountaineers ran a balanced attack: 250 rushing yards, 300 passing yards, and two big-play touchdowns.

Key moments included:

• First‑Quarter Turnover: A costly fumble by Colorado’s running back early in the game gave the Mountaineers an immediate 14‑point cushion.
• Second‑Quarter Dominance: WVU’s defensive line recorded a career‑high 8 sacks, shutting down Colorado’s aerial attack.
• Fourth‑Quarter Resilience: After a 7‑point lead, WVU’s offense clamped down with a 12‑yard run that set up a field goal, sealing the 31‑17 win.

The game recap is available on the SI website and includes a full play‑by‑play chart. You can view the detailed timeline here: [ https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/game-recap ].

Players Who Got Their Draft Stock Rattled

Stock Up: Defensive Starlets

1. Keenan Jones (DE, senior)
   - Stats: 7 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble.
   - Scout Take: Jones’ ability to pressure the quarterback from the edge and collapse the pocket was noted as “game‑changing.” Scouts from the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts highlighted him as a mid‑round pick in the 2025 draft. The article links to his profile: [ https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/player-profile/keanan-jones ].

2. Derrick Hines (LB, junior)
   - Stats: 12 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception.
   - Scout Take: Hines’ coverage skills and play‑making ability earned him praise from the Seattle Seahawks’ scouting department. He is projected to go in the third round. His profile link: [ https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/player-profile/derrick-hines ].

Stock Down: Offensive Disappointments

1. Tanner Brooks (QB, senior)
   - Stats: 18/28 completions, 1 TD, 2 interceptions.
   - Scout Take: Despite a solid season overall, Brooks’ decision‑making was flagged in the 80‑yard run that stalled early in the second quarter. The article notes that the New York Jets are watching him but expect him to go in the later rounds. Link to the QB’s performance stats: [ https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/quarterback-stats ].

2. Jamal Carter (RB, junior)
   - Stats: 5 carries, 12 yards, 0 touchdowns.
   - Scout Take: Carter’s limited usage in the game made it hard to assess his potential. The article reports that the Cleveland Browns are keeping a watch list for him but are not expecting a high pick. His profile: [ https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/player-profile/jamal-carter ].

The Bigger Picture

The Mountaineers’ victory also had a broader impact on the conference. West Virginia’s performance reinforced the Big 12’s competitiveness and hinted that the conference is shaping up well for the playoffs. The article cites former NFL player and West Virginia alumnus, Eli Manning, who commented on the defensive intensity: “You can see why these guys are going to the NFL; they play with a certain ferocity that coaches love.”

The article also links to an earlier feature on West Virginia’s season trajectory: [ https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/football/season-preview ], giving readers context on how this win fits into the Mountaineers’ overall strategy for the 2024 season.

NFL Draft Outlook

With the game now behind them, the following projections have emerged:

Scout reports from the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts are available on SI’s “Draft Insights” page: [ https://www.si.com/draft ]. The article underscores that the West Virginia defensive corps is likely to make up a large portion of the first two rounds for the 2025 draft class.

Takeaway

West Virginia’s win over Colorado has more than just padded their record. It’s a case study in how a single game can influence the narrative around college athletes heading to the NFL. Players who dominated on defense saw their draft stock rise; those who faltered offensively may need to regroup and prove their value in the next season.

For fans and analysts alike, the article serves as a timely snapshot of the Mountaineers’ talent pipeline, offering a blend of game analysis, player evaluation, and future draft projections—all of which paint a vivid picture of how college performance translates into professional opportunity.