West Virginia will have to face Russell Wilson and the North Carolina State passing game without its best cornerback.
Senior Brandon Hogan has officially been ruled out of the Dec. 28 Champs Sports Bowl with a torn ACL in his left knee.
He suffered the injury in the season-ending win over Rutgers. Hogan, who was suspended for one game earlier this year after a DUI arrest, had 37 tackles and three interceptions this season.
He is considered by many to be the best cornerback in the Big East.
"It just kills me, but not near as bad as it kills him," West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said. "Brandon Hogan played with a bicep injury, one in which many wouldn't have played with -- that's how tough the kid is. I was holding out hope that he would be ready to play in this football game, for his sake and for the seniors' sake. He's such an important cog on this defense."
Stewart said the Mountaineers may change some of their defensive schemes to make up for the loss of Hogan, such as blitzing more.
West Virginia will start either sophomore Pat Miller or redshirt freshman Brodrick Jenkins in the bowl game.
Brian Bennett covers Big East football for ESPN.com.