West Virginia came away with 48-17 statement victory against Texas Tech, improving to 5-0 for the first time since 2012.

West Virginia head coach Dana Hologorsen said that this was his team’s most complete win of the season and was proud of team’s performance in all three phases of the game.

Texas Tech entered the game with the nation’s top offense averaging more than 50 points a game but the Mountaineer defense rose to the occasion and held the Red Raiders to only 17 points as the West Virginia’s offense led by Skyler Howard produced 48 points and 650 yards of total offense.

“I thought we were ready to play,” Holgorsen said. “These guys are known for starting fast and jumping out on you, but we were the ones that kind of did that today.”

Holgorsen was proud that his team started out fast, controlled the clock and played all four quarters and said that this was the team’s best game of the year and how it’s not easy to do that to a team like Texas Tech on their home turf.

Holgorsen went on to say that establishing Skyler Howard in the run game was a part of the game plan and that Texas Tech was respecting the backside allowing Howard to have success early with quarterback draws which helped the offense utilize him more. Howard rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns or the game.

“That helped the running game, no doubt,” Holgorsen said. “He’s been pretty banged up for the first month. He’s feeling great. He’s 100% healthy.”

On the defensive side, redshirt senior Sean Walters intercepted his first pass of the season off of a Texas Tech receiver’s legs much to Holgorsen’s surprise.

“He’s had stuff bounce off his hands, his head, and all kinds of stuff,” Holgorsen said. “I’m happy for Sean.”

Holgorsen said that Walters lost his starting job two weeks ago to David Long. He explained that whenever a player loses their starting job, it doesn’t mean they have to get down on themselves but rather get better and he believes that what all of his players understand that.

“We played a lot of bodies out there today on both sides of the ball,” Holgorsen said. “You want to help the team win, then you need to get out there and do what’s asked of you.”

Walters also had a sack during the game and has been playing well on special teams.

Holgorsen said that this is a team that has great senior leadership and that this is a group that was taught how to do things right by last year’s seniors and a player like Walters is a prime example of them.

The running back position became a concern today after both Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy left the game with injuries but Holgorsen explained that the team has been in a similar position before and had his multiple tailbacks such as redshirt junior fullback and tight end, Elijah Wellman who had two carries, in the game and ready to play.

Holgorsen said that Crawford suffered an ankle injury and McKoy banged his shoulder.

“We will re-evaluate those guys where they’re at, but I’m expecting both of them to be fine,” Holgorsen said.

Holgorsen was impressed by Rushel Shell’s effort and contributions. Shell carried the ball 21 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas Tech’s offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes II’s ability to keep plays alive are things that Holgorsen has never seen anything like.

“It’s amazing what they do,” Holgorsen said. “(Mahomes) needs to get healthy. You can tell he’s not quite 100%. Right now.”

Holgorsen said that the key for disrupting the nation’s top offense was to pressure them and mix things up and keep them off balance. Holgorsen praised defensive coordinator Tony Gibson’s game plan.

The hot temperatures for the game played a factor into West Virginia’s game plan as subbing players in and out and getting players fresh legs into the game was an emphasis, especially on defense. The Mountaineers subbed up to eight defensive linemen.

The Mountaineers didn’t substitute much on offense, allowing the players to rest in the huddle before plays.

Holgorsen went to talk about his offensive balance. West Virginia was able to throw the ball early, make some plays, grab an early lead and then control ball, shortening the game. The Mountaineer offense ran and passed for over 300 yards against Texas Tech.

“In a perfect world that’s what we wanted to happen,” Holgorsen said. “It was good to see that unfold.”

The Mountaineers will return to Morgantown next Saturday to take on TCU. West Virginia will look to improve to 6-0 and snap their two game losing streak to the Horned Frogs.