MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Will Grier suffered three red-zone interceptions and No. 9 West Virginia endured a difficult time before beating Kansas 38-22 on Saturday.
Leddie Brown ran for 107 yards on 11 carries, scoring twice as the Mountaineers (5-0, 3-0) remained unbeaten.
One of the early season Heisman frontrunners, Grier threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns, but it was his sloppy first half that left Milan Puskar Stadium buzzing.
Grier was twice intercepted by Kansas cornerback Hasan Defense in the end zone and was picked off again 10 seconds before halftime by Davon Ferguson at the goal line.
Grier look frustrated heading into the locker room, with West Virginia leading 345-78 in total offense but only 21-7 on the scoreboard.
Grier later lost a strip-sack fumble, ending West Virginia’s opening drive of the third quarter at the Kansas 33-yard line.
Mavin Saunders caught an 18-yard score and Khalil Herbert ripped off a 31-yarder for the Jayhawks (2-4, 0-3) who lost their 42nd consecutive Big 12 road game dating back to 2008. They were outgained 509-286.
Grier twice threw touchdowns on swing passes to running backs — a 15-yarder to Leddie Brown and a 12-yarder to Martell Pettaway. He also hit tight end Jovani Haskins for his first college score and added a garbage-time 17-yard touchdown to David Sills.
Sills had seven catches for 74 yards.
The Jayhawks committed three turnovers, one on muffed punt by Kwamie Lassiter in West Virginia territory when the deficit was only 28-14.
On the game’s final play, Peyton Bender threw an 18-yard touchdown to Daylon Charlot. Kansas added the two-pointer on a catch by Lassiter.
Bender finished 16 of 25 for 191 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Big 12 rushing leader Pooka Williams finished with 65 yards on 12 carries. The Kansas freshman entered averaging 118 yards per game.
West Virginia’s Gary Jennings.
The offensive line sets blocks against Kansas on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
West Virginia running back Martell Pettaway runs through the Kansas defense.
West Virginia Mountaineers running back Tevin Bush (14) rushes the ball against Kansas on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
West Virginia receiver David Sills.
West Virginia cornerback Hakeem Bailey goes for an interception ahead of Kansas receiver Steven Sims.
West Virginia Mountaineers running back Martell Pettaway (32) looses the ball but recovers against Kansas on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker David Long Jr. (11) reacts after tipping a ball against Kansas on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
West Virginia’s T.J. Simmons runs after a catch as Kansas cornerback Corlone Harris makes the tackle.
West Virginia Mountaineers defensive lineman Ezekiel Rose (5) reacts after getting an interception against Kansas on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
West Virginia quarterback Will Grier on the run against Kansas.
West Virginia lineman Kenny Bigelow tackles Kansas running back Khalil Herbert.
West Virginia coach Dana Holgerson congratulates the offense after a touchdown.
West Virginia’s T.J. Simmons runs after a catch as Kansas cornerback Corlone Harris makes the tackle.
West Virginia running back Leddie Brown scores on a touchdown catch from Will Grier
The miner helmet, what West Virginia players wear after a turnover.
West Virginia Mountaineers tight end Jovani Haskins (84) hypes up the corwd on Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Darius Stills enjoys the alumni drumming Saturday at Milan Puskar Stadium.
West Virginia Mountaineers Tevin Bush during the Mantrip
West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Will Grier (7) during the Mantrip
WVU’s Jake Spavital during the Mantrip on Saturday.
West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Will Grier (7) pretends to score a touchdown before the game against Kansas.
West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Will Grier (7) and Jake Spavital.
West Virginia Mountaineers defensive lineman Zeke Rose during the Mantrip on Saturday.
West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen during the Mantrip on Saturday.
West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Will Grier (7) pretends to score a touchdown before the Mountaineers play Kansas.
West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen leads the team down the field.
West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen during the Mantrip on Saturday.
