FORT WORTH, TX — Charles Woods’ first FBS interception came at an opportune time for the WVU football team.
Woods intercepted TCU quarterback Max Duggan with 13:58 remaining in Saturday’s game, with the Mountaineers (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) leading, 23-17.
Less than two minutes later, WVU tacked on another touchdown for a 29-17 advantage, which would end up being the final score at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Woods, a 21-year-old redshirt junior, also recovered a fumble with 5:39 left in the game, further sealing the victory for the Mountaineers.
Woods’ career highlights happened just 35 miles west of TCU at Kimball High in Dallas, where he had a standout prep career.
“I was in my zone, saw the ball and the TCU tight end in the air,” Woods said. “(I didn’t score this time), but I’ll score next time.”
Woods’ interception and fumble recovery were part of what WVU head coach Neal Brown hopes is a shifting trend.
“You have to have a short memory to play defensive back,” Brown said. “Our defensive backs had three takeaways, and they limited big plays.”
Prior to arriving in Fort Worth, the Mountaineers had lost the collective turnover battle, 10-4, over the first six games of the season. They won it, 3-0 (all in the second half), on Saturday.
Woods transferred to WVU over the summer from Illinois State, a FCS program in Normal, Ill.
At ISU, Woods registered six interceptions, including two last March in a 21-13 loss to then-defending FCS national champion North Dakota State.
His fumble recovery on Saturday was the first of his collegiate career, FBS or FCS. The fumble was forced by Sean Mahone.
Woods’ effort earned him the co-Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors. Kicker Casey Legg was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, after making three field goals.
Although he was happy to get the interception, Woods said he was more impressed with secondary teammate, redshirt freshman Daryl Porter Jr.’s third-quarter interception.
“I like his work every day in practice,” Woods said. “To see it in a game was beautiful.”
The Mountaineers return home to face Iowa State at 2 p.m. Saturday.
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By MICHAEL SUDHALTER
