Winning line of scrimmage key for WVU defense against Wildcats

After allowing 280-yards on the ground against BYU, West Virginia is expecting to see much of the same this weekend against Kansas State. But how does the unit respond is the question?

In the match up with the Cougars, West Virginia had players in position at times, but both the defensive line and linebackers struggled to escape off blocks and make plays in the run game. Still, even with the performance defensive line coach Bruce Tall saw some signs that the line isn’t far off from fixing it.

First of all, the defensive line was in the right spot more often than not, but have to do a better job with escape moves to get off blocks and free up space for the linebackers to clean up the tackles. That will be the focus throughout this week as the Mountaineers look to improve their run defense.

“The bottom line is we just have to be better,” Tall said.

One area of the game that West Virginia struggled with against the Cougars was the fact that the defense was behind on the sticks throughout the game as they would consistently win on first down. That put defensive coordinator Tony Gibson in the difficult position of calling the defense not knowing what to expect throughout the game.

“When that happens it’s going to be a long game,” Gibson said.

Missed tackles also were a concern although Gibson credits that more to the physical style of Jamaal Williams, a 225-pound running back, than the Mountaineers not making plays.

Now West Virginia goes from one physical running team to another in Kansas State and the Wildcats can be expected to challenge the Mountaineers run defense with their rushing attack. Controlling the front will be key if West Virginia wants to move its record to 4-0 on the season.

“We have to attack the line of scrimmage and control the collision part of the game. We understand that when there is a lot of yards it comes back on us,” Tall said of the defensive line.

After Taysom Hill sprang for over 100-yards on the ground, West Virginia must prepare to square off against Jesse Ertz and what could be dose of the staple quarterback power play from the Wildcats.

Kansas State also will run the play with fullback Winston Dimmel taking the snaps and it has proven to be a very successful red zone play as the sophomore has scored six touchdowns on the season.

“Unless you’re going to go zero coverage you’re not going to stone them. We did really well on first down a year ago and had them behind the sticks. But you have to cheat somebody up. We have to win on blocks,” Gibson said.

West Virginia must remain disciplined as well due to the fact that Kansas State does so much with run/pass option to suck defenders up and throw behind them. For instance, the pop pass, and pulling the football on fakes and throwing it to wide receivers on quick slants are all set up by the run game.

“They are going to have to have their eyes in the right spot,” he said.