WVU Football: 4 Things ‘Eer Fans Should Be Thankful For
By Phil Poling
Tony Gibson’s moniker, “Defense Always Wins Games,” or DAWGS, is proving itself true week-after-week for the Mountaineers. His 3-3-5 Stack is something many coaches only dream about running.
In most defenses, four down-linemen are used, which frees up the linebackers – most teams’ leading tacklers. With Gibson’s three down-linemen front, safeties are expected to attack the box and help with this task of tackling. Senior linebacker Justin Arndt leads the team with 63 tackles, 44 of which are solo, while Al-Rasheed Benton comes in at second on the team with 60 overall tackles and 39 solo. Safeties Kyzir White, Jarrod Harper and Jeremy Tyler rank in the top seven of the defense in tackles as well.
Creating turnovers is an aspect of football that directly affects the outcome of games. Prior to the Oklahoma loss, the ‘Eers were breaking even in the turnover game, meaning they caused just as many as they’ve committed. Don’t expect WVU to be down for too long, as they travel to Iowa State next weekend to face the Cyclones. This defense will get back on track, moving the Mountaineers in the right direction come bowl season.