It's always good to get to know your opponent, and there's no better way to do so than talking to someone who has better knowledge of your foe than you could hope to have. So this week, we sat down with Calvin Barrett – the site expert at our sister site Lawless Republic, where he covers everything BYU sports related. Calvin answered all our questions about the upcoming battle between WVU football and BYU, and his responses are below.
Interview With A BYU Expert
HailWV: What is one aspect of the Cougars’ game that should have WVU fans worried about BYU?
Calvin Barrett: Defense, defense, defense. In the first three games of the Cougars' season, the defense allowed just one touchdown. Why? Well, a number of reasons, really. First and foremost is the two-headed linebacking dragon of Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly keeping watch over the backfield. These two have gotten to the quarterback and into the backfield on running plays over and over and over again -- it's what they do. Not to mention Glasker's game-sealing interception in the final drive against Colorado.
The Cougars' run defense is stout. The secondary has been exceptional -- especially Evan Johnson at corner. Number zero on the outside will be covering WVU's best wide-out, and if the previous games of the season have been any indication, he'll have his way on Friday.
HWV: What is BYU’s most exploitable facet of their game, and what can WVU do to exploit that?
CB: BYU has a bad habit of winding up in 3rd-and-long situations, thanks to at times questionable play-calling on first and second down. For similar reasons, the offense hasn't always been capable of converting in the red zone either. Will Ferrin, BYU's kicker, is fantastic and makes anything inside 50 yards automatically, but we'd rather see 7 points than 3. If WVU can force third and long, BYU's offense won't run them off the field.
HWV: Bear Bachmeier isn’t usually seen as more of a traditional passer but had 99 rushing yards against Colorado, and WVU has struggled with quarterbacks that can run this season. How big of a threat is he with his legs?
CB: First of all, Bear's passing ability has gone very under the radar. As a true freshman, he's thrown 10 touchdowns and had zero interceptions to this point in the year. He makes smart decisions and takes care of the football.
As a runner, though, he absolutely shines. There's a reason he wears number 47: once he crosses the line of scrimmage, he's a fullback, not a quarterback. Translation: he wants to run through you. He's not particularly speedy or explosive, but he's decisive, he's smart, and he's not afraid to drop his shoulder to pick up an extra yard. If he's got space in the open field, you may as well be trying to tackle a freight train.
HWV: What aspect of WVU’s team concerns you most in the match-up against BYU?
CB: Coaching experience. I believe the last time the Cougars faced Rich Rodriguez was when he was with Arizona almost a decade ago. BYU won that game, but it came down to a last-second field goal as time expired. He's a proven coach and leader, and West Virginia seems thrilled to have him back. Experienced coaches get more out of their players, even if it's technically his first year at the helm (again).
Kalani Sitake is likewise experienced but has more continuity with the program. The Mountaineer's best bet is to trust the man with the headset who's seen it all before.
HWV: Is there a BYU player that WVU fans should be concerned about above others?
CB: I mentioned him earlier, but Evan Johnson -- number zero at cornerback -- has been excellent this year. He has two interceptions (one of which he returned for 6, the other way), and held Colorado's top wide receiver to one reception for eight yards. The guy is lockdown.