HALFTIME THOUGHTS: WVU Will Never Be a Big 12 Contender Under Neal Brown

Mountaineers Are 0-3 In The Conference After Another Dismal Showing At Home Against Texas

Heading into the 2022 football season, the general consensus among West Virginia fans was that the Mountaineers needed to begin to make a mark in the Big 12 Conference after being winless in conference play in Neal Brown’s second year at the helm.

Through three games, the Mountaineers are once again 0-3 in conference play. After a tough season-opening loss to rival Pittsburgh in Week 1, the team at least looked competitive in a road loss to Kansas in Week 2. Saturday’s 38-20 home loss to Texas was an unmitigated disaster that left fans wondering just how things can turn around in Morgantown.

Neal Brown’s Seat Is Warmer Than Ever

Brown is now 4-12 in his career against Big 12 opponents, and the Mountaineers have not won a conference game since Nov. 20, 2020. The fan base is growing increasingly restless, and it would not be surprising to see West Virginia make a coaching change if things do not improve soon.

The Mountaineers have a bye this week before returning to action on Oct. 8 at Baylor. They then host Texas Tech on Oct. 15 before traveling to Kansas State on Oct. 22. If West Virginia can manage to win two of those three games, it would at least give the team a chance to salvage the season and perhaps make a bowl game.

However, if the Mountaineers continue to struggle, it is hard to see how Brown can keep his job. The team has simply not shown enough progress under his leadership, and another losing season would likely be the final straw for athletic director Shane Lyons.