MORGANTOWN — Despite being undefeated and ranked No. 6 in the nation after five games, work remains.

West Virginia passed another test Saturday, disposing of outmanned Kansas, 38-22, to remain unblemished heading to Iowa State this Saturday. But star offensive tackle Colton McKivitz realizes the Mountaineers have room for improvement.

“It’s nice to be 5-0 and rated so highly at this point but we can play better. The offense and the offensive line can both improve,” the 6-foot-7, 308-pounder said postgame Saturday with a bag of ice attached to his left ankle. “We have had to deal with some injury issues on the line. We just need to get healthy and get better every week.”

While WVU quarterback and Heisman Trophy hopeful Will Grier didn’t have one of his better passing days — being picked off three times in the first half– the WVU ground game rose to the occasion, amassing just a shade less than 200 yards with several ball-carriers turning in solid efforts.

“I was happy with how we ran the ball. Our backs did a great job,” the Union Local all-stater said. “I really enjoy run blocking. It allows offensive linemen to be more aggressive.”

When asked to rate his performance against the Jayhawks in the muggy conditions, McKivitz simply responded, “It wasn’t one of my best efforts but I thought I did pretty well.”

Pretty well indeed.

The soft-spoken standout was graded out as the fifth best Mountaineer on the day regardless of position. He was the only lineman listed in that Top 5. It marked his 28th career start for WVU.

Just two weeks ago, Holgorsen named McKivitz offensive champion of the game as the Mountaineers blasted Kansas State. In that contest, he also had the honor of carrying the West Virginia state flag onto the field prior to kickoff.

The Kansas defense did present a unique, if not bush-league, problem.

“Some of their (defensive) players were talking and doing some chirping to get us to jump. It caused some confusion,” McKivitz said. “I just told our guys to watch the ball. I just wanted to make sure our guys did their jobs. I mentioned it to one of the officials. After he addressed it wasn’t a problem.”

McKivitz’ consistent high-level of performance has elevated him into the top-tier of tackles in the nation. He was rated the 10th best player returning to the Big 12 this season. His play so far in 2018 has only enhanced his standing.

McKivitz, however, deflects any individuals honors that come his way. Rather, he would rather sing the praises of fellow OVAC product Josh Sills.

“Josh has been doing a great job at left guard since becoming a starter last year. He continues to get better and better. Josh has a great work ethic,” McKivitz said. “It is neat to be playing with him. In high school when we played Meadowbrook Josh was hurt and didn’t play.”

While things are all rosy in Mountaineer Land as the regular season nears the halfway point, McKivitz realizes things will get tougher.

“The hardest part of our schedule is still in front of us. We have Oklahoma yet and we must go to Texas,” he said. “I believe how well we do will come down to how well the offensive line does.”

BUBBA’S EER BITS

McKivitz noted his ankle-icing is normal post-game procedure.

Despite the win, Will Grier’s Heisman Trophy stock dipped somewhat. Grier’s three first-half picks were the result of some bad decisions and miscommunication. He also lost possession of a fumble in the third quarter.

David Long Jr. continues to make a case for Butkus Award consideration as the nation’s premier linebacker.

The final score was not as close as the scoreboard would make you think as Kansas scored on the final play, mounting a drive with their starters against the WVU backups.

The win was the 58th for Dana Holgorsen at the WVU helm. That ties him for third place with Art “Pappy” Lewis (1950-59) for third-most wins in WVU grid history history.

Representatives from several bowls, including the Sugar, were in the pressbox Saturday.

Bubba Kapral can be reached at bkapral@timesleaderonline.com