Total yards: 700

Passing: 581 yds. (29-47)

Rushing: 119 yds.

Turnovers: 1 interception

At first glance, one may believe this to be part of a video game’s box score; however, those of us

in attendance of Saturday’s game know all too well the reality behind the numbers. The WVU defense

was not good, particularly the secondary. Granted, there is nothing to take away from Baylor for their

gameplanning and execution were nearly impeccable; that Florence is going places, but something

must give on my favorite side of the ball. The inability to get off the field on third down killed any chances of

WVU keeping the lid on the Bears’ potent mix of offensive power.

When news first spread of the decision to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme, I was elated. However, I

know too well what type of personnel it takes to bolster such a defensive ideology. Struggles were to

be anticipated because the different levels that existed in the 3-3-5 stack were now being taken away;

no more safety nets: the days of bending, not breaking were over. That leaves us with Saturday’s effort.

Yes, the boys in gold n’ blue played hard and were always in position to make the plays, but I’m not 100%

sold on the talent level. I believe the linebacking core and defensive line played fairly well, given the

circumstances. Although, the LB’s bit hard on play action way too often for my liking. After the game,

co-defensive coordinator Joe DeForest repeatedly stated personnel evaluations were going to be made

during the course of the upcoming week. I cannot help but to believe we will be seeing some

new faces in the secondary, particularly at CB.

As the adage goes, “defense wins championships”. After looking at the statistics of championship

teams in both the college and professional realms of football, it is easy to see that this statement is very

true. However, there is one huge statistic that is ALWAYS overlooked in regards to this belief: the vast

majority of the aforementioned champions most oftentimes possessed a top three offense as well. It is fair

to say that we already have the ingredients for part of the championship recipe, but WVU needs to get it

figured out, and figured out fast with Texas knocking on the door.

Granted, WVU will not receive the full allottment up front, for this money is being used to pay down the debt owed to the Big XII for helping pay the Big East buyout. Regardless, this adds stability to the conference as a whole, for the contract contains a “grant of rights” clause. The clause states that any school looking to leave the conference will surrender any revenue they earn from the TV rights to the Big XII, essentially placing the ten current members in lockdown.

As an added noted, the ABC/ESPN and Fox networks will work together in broadcasting the league’s football games; however, the contract grants ABC/ESPN sole possession of Big XII basketball rights. If one were to look across other conferences, he/she would realize only the Big XII and Pac-12 have exclusive tv deals with more than one national network at the same time. This current deal is to run through the 2024-2025 scholastic calendar; no word on any provisions concerning new school conference membership. That information will be conveyed if it is made public.

It truly is “a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!”