WVU Football: 5 Players To Watch Versus Oklahoma

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Jan 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Jared Barber (42) and cornerback Terrell Chestnut (16) celebrate after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Linebackers

Tony Gibson runs the most unique defense in the country. His 3-3-5 Stack plays three down linemen, three linebackers and five guys in the secondary. It’s essentially a 3-4 with a safety in the box, but it’s concepts are more complex when trying to attack it.

Last week against Texas, linebackers Justin Arndt and David Long, Jr. led the team in tackles with 12 and 10, respectively. This tells me two things: the defensive linemen are doing their job taking on blockers, and the linebackers are making good reads and tackling well.

They couldn’t stop Texas running back D’Onta Foreman from reaching the century mark last week, but they’ll look to slow the Sooners three-headed attack of running backs Samaje Perine, Joe Mixon and quarterback Baker Mayfield.

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