WVU leads the way in changing perceptions about BIG 12 defenses this season:
excerpt:
Defenses are making a stand early during this Big 12 season.
The conference best known in recent years for high-scoring showdowns and crazy passing numbers now boasts some of the nation’s stingiest defenses. West Virginia leads the nation in total defense, allowing just 240.3 yards per game. Among the 77 Bowl Subdivision teams that have played so far this season, Oklahoma State ranks second nationally in scoring defense and sixth in total defense. West Virginia and Oklahoma State are tied for the national lead for fewest yards allowed per play and Baylor ranks fifth.
Goes to prove that the defense hasn't lost a step despite sending off the brief stint of the previous coordinator.
Problem continues to be the O. The running game is better than last year--had no place to go but up. But the passing game has dropped off severely down from 351.3 ypg in 2018 ranked #4 to currently ranked 23 with 277.3 (with no B10 or P12 or MAC or MWC play). Last year with a full season Brown had 248.7 passing yards/g so they are a little ahead of that, but with Kansas and Eastern KY as 2 of 4 opponents so far its too early to tell if there's really any improvement over last year.
excerpt:
Defenses are making a stand early during this Big 12 season.
The conference best known in recent years for high-scoring showdowns and crazy passing numbers now boasts some of the nation’s stingiest defenses. West Virginia leads the nation in total defense, allowing just 240.3 yards per game. Among the 77 Bowl Subdivision teams that have played so far this season, Oklahoma State ranks second nationally in scoring defense and sixth in total defense. West Virginia and Oklahoma State are tied for the national lead for fewest yards allowed per play and Baylor ranks fifth.
https://collegefootball.nbcsports.com/2020/10/22/big-12-defenses-rising-up-changing-poor-reputation/
Goes to prove that the defense hasn't lost a step despite sending off the brief stint of the previous coordinator.
Problem continues to be the O. The running game is better than last year--had no place to go but up. But the passing game has dropped off severely down from 351.3 ypg in 2018 ranked #4 to currently ranked 23 with 277.3 (with no B10 or P12 or MAC or MWC play). Last year with a full season Brown had 248.7 passing yards/g so they are a little ahead of that, but with Kansas and Eastern KY as 2 of 4 opponents so far its too early to tell if there's really any improvement over last year.
