Breaking down WVU's win over BYU
West Virginia defensive coordinator Tony Gibson was not happy with his defense’s performance in the aftermath of WVU’s win over Youngstown State two weeks ago. After the Mountaineers’ 35-32 win over BYU this weekend, it’s safe to say Gibson’s displeasure with the play of his defense will continue.
The Cougars gained 521 yards on offense, including 280 yards on the ground, while putting 32 points on the scoreboard. This was an offense that had not scored more than 19 points in any of their three previous games this season.
BYU’s physical, power running style proved to be too much for WVU defense. Senior running back Jamaal Williams plowed through the Mountaineers’ defense to the tune of 169 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. BYU quarterback Taysom Hill also gained 101 yards on the ground to go with his 241 passing yards.
However, the WVU defense did show improvement in the turnover department. After only forcing two turnovers in their first two games combined, they turned BYU over four times with one fumble recovery and three interceptions, including the game sealing pick by Maurice Fleming.
Ultimately, the WVU defense has issues to work out before Big 12 Conference play begins, because in a league governed by high-powered offenses, a defensive performance like this one isn’t going to cut it against teams like Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State.
Also, BYU was 10 for 15 on 3rd down conversions, which ends the WVU defense’s streak of 27 straight games allowing less than 50% conversion percentage on 3rd downs
Special teams is also a work-in-progress for the Mountaineers. BYU’s kickoff coverage unit was dominant for much of the game, especially the first half. The blocking has to improve on WVU’s kickoff return units, because Shelton Gibson fielded multiple kickoffs near the goal line, but was unable to get past the 15-yard line on a number of returns.
WVU had terrible field position to start most drives, especially early on. Of their 12 offensive possessions, six started inside the 15-yard line, and three of those started inside the 5-yard line.
The offense often bailed out the special teams unit giving them poor field position with long methodical drives. WVU had three scoring drives of 13, 12, and 12 plays that went 88, 86, and 99 yards, respectively.
WVU’s lack of a pass rush has been apparent through three games as well. Against BYU, the Mountaineers managed just one sack, and only one sack in their first two games combined. An improved pass rush will force opposing QBs into more mistakes, and help get the ball back to the WVU offense. Currently, WVU is on pace for just 8 sacks this season, after recording 29 last season.