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West Virginia Football Plunges After ASU Show-down: Who's Rising, Who's Falling

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 16:48 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locale: UNITED STATES

West Virginia Football After the ASU Show‑down: Who’s on the Rise, Who’s on the Down‑slide

The 2024 season’s early turn‑around for the West Virginia Mountaineers was marred by a heartbreaking 42‑27 loss to Arizona State at Sun Devil Stadium. The game, which the West Virginia program’s front office has described as “a brutal, heart‑breaking defeat,” left the coaching staff and draft analysts scrambling to re‑evaluate the talent on the roster. The Sports Illustrated feature “Stock up, Stock down: Evaluations following West Virginia’s heartbreaking loss to ASU” provides a comprehensive breakdown of the fallout for the Mountaineers, diving deep into the numbers, the narratives, and the next‑steps for the players and the program.

The Game Recap in Context

West Virginia’s offense, which had been a bright spot in the early part of the season, fell apart in the second half. A key detail the SI piece highlights is the Mountaineers’ 2‑point conversion failure after a 23‑point first half, a decision that cost them the momentum. “We made the decision, and it didn’t pay off,” said head coach Dean Hood in a post‑game interview, which is linked in the article for readers who want to hear the coach’s full thoughts.

The ASU defense, meanwhile, exploited the West Virginia backfield in a way that was described as “unprecedented” by the author. A highlight reel (linked at the bottom of the feature) showcases how the Sun Devils forced five turnovers, including a spectacular 63‑yard interception return that sealed the game.

“Stock Up” – Players Who Look Stronger After the Loss

While the team’s loss was a disappointment, several players’ stock appears to have actually risen. According to the article’s analysis:

• Wide Receiver Koby Morrow – Morrow’s 10 receptions for 137 yards in the 27‑point loss were highlighted as evidence that he can dominate even in a tough defensive environment. Draft analysts have noted that his route‑running and catch radius were on full display, raising his profile among NFL scouts. SI’s evaluation of Morrow is linked to a deeper profile that traces his progression from freshman to senior.

• Running Back Akeem Alvey – Despite the team’s struggles, Alvey’s 1,212 rushing yards on the season were flagged as “standout” in a league that has been particularly run‑heavy. The feature cites Alvey’s ability to find open lanes and maintain a high yard‑per‑carry average, which has kept him on the radar of mid‑round picks.

• Defensive Line Tyrus Toney – Toney’s 11 sacks in the first half of the season earned him a mention in the article as a “draft‑ready” player. His consistent pressure on quarterbacks—even against ASU’s elite offense—was described as a “signal of potential.” SI linked to Toney’s college‑game highlights for readers who want to see the highlights that impressed scouts.

“Stock Down” – Players Losing Momentum

Conversely, the article points out a few players whose draft prospects appear to have taken a hit:

• Quarterback Jordan Williams – Williams’ completion percentage dipped to 55% in the game, and his decision‑making under pressure was critiqued in the analysis. Analysts have suggested that his stock may have suffered a drop as a result of the 15 turnovers, which the article cites as a significant factor.

• Linebacker Malik Harris – Harris’ missed tackle and a key blown coverage call were highlighted as part of the “stock down” narrative. The feature notes that Harris has struggled with consistency over the past two seasons and that this loss might have cemented a perception that he is a developmental project rather than a draft‑ready prospect.

Program‑Wide Implications

The SI piece also examines the wider implications for the Mountaineers. The loss left the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy and forced the coaching staff to re‑evaluate its offensive scheme. Hood, in a post‑game press conference, emphasized that the team must “re‑learn how to stay ahead of the curve” and that the offense will need to tighten its ball‑handling practices.

The article links to a recent West Virginia football‑program update that outlines changes to the offensive coordinator position. It also references the upcoming schedule, particularly the next‑up showdown against Penn State, noting that this game is “the test that will determine whether the Mountaineers can bounce back and re‑establish themselves in the Big 10.”

Where to Go From Here

In sum, the “Stock up, Stock down” article does more than simply recount a loss; it offers a snapshot of the future trajectories for several key players while painting a broader picture of how the Mountaineers might pivot in the second half of the season. Whether a player’s stock rises or falls, the article underscores the importance of how teams respond to adversity—both on the field and in the eyes of professional scouts.

Readers can access the full game recap, player‑specific highlight reels, and the program’s official statements through the links embedded throughout the article. As the season continues, analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether the early setbacks translate into growth, or if the Mountaineers will continue to struggle to find their footing in the competitive Big 10 landscape.