National statistical rankings for West Virginia football: Week 11
West Virginia picked up its fourth win of the season by knocking off Colorado 29-22, improving to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in Big 12 play. The Mountaineers showed progress defensively, especially against the run, and will now travel west to face Arizona State in search of a third consecutive victory.
Offensive outlook
The Mountaineers made modest gains across several offensive categories, climbing to 87th nationally in total offense (359.3 yards per game). The ground game continues to be the strength, ranking 40th in rushing offense (182.2), while the passing attack remains near the bottom at 112th (177.1). Scoring production ticked up to 95th (23.8 points per game), and the red-zone offense remains a reliable area at T-39 (89.3%).
Third-down efficiency continues to be a struggle, with WVU ranked 130th nationally, though the offense has improved slightly on fourth down, now 79th at 50%. Time of possession remains a weakness at 126th (27:09), as the Mountaineers often play at a quicker tempo and lean on their defense to flip momentum.
Defensive outlook
On defense, West Virginia made meaningful strides, moving up to 100th nationally in total defense (400.8 yards per game) and showing better control against the run (58th at 141.4 yards per game). However, the pass defense continues to lag, dropping to 118th nationally, while the scoring defense improved to 100th at 29.6 points allowed per game.
The unit’s situational play remains a strength, ranking 30th in third-down defense (34.2%), while red-zone and fourth-down stops remain inconsistent. West Virginia sits T-114 in fourth-down defense (66.7%) and 65th in red-zone defense (84.1%).
Turnover margin dipped slightly to T-56 (plus-0.20), but penalties improved modestly, now 45th nationally in fewest per game (5.7).
Special teams and discipline
Special teams production has been steady. WVU ranks 80th in net punting (39.06) and continues to hover in the low 80s in both punt and kickoff returns. Fewer penalties and better field control have helped limit costly mistakes in close games, something that played a factor in the Colorado win.
West Virginia’s challenge now shifts to maintaining its defensive consistency while improving offensive efficiency against an Arizona State team that thrives on tempo and execution.
National statistical rankings (Week 11)
| Stat | Rank | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Offense | 87 | 359.3 |
| Rushing Offense | 40 | 182.2 |
| Passing Offense | 112 | 177.1 |
| Team Passing Efficiency | 110 | 119.76 |
| Scoring Offense | 95 | 23.8 |
| Total Defense | 100 | 400.8 |
| Rushing Defense | 58 | 141.4 |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 118 | 259.4 |
| Team Passing Efficiency Defense | 106 | 145.62 |
| Scoring Defense | 100 | 29.6 |
| Turnover Margin | T-56 | 0.20 |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct | 130 | 0.300 |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct | 79 | 0.500 |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense | 30 | 0.342 |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct Defense | T-114 | 0.667 |
| Red Zone Offense | T-39 | 0.893 |
| Red Zone Defense | 65 | 0.841 |
| Net Punting | 80 | 39.06 |
| Punt Returns | 84 | 7.42 |
| Kickoff Returns | 83 | 19.80 |
| First Downs Offense | T-59 | 196 |
| First Downs Defense | 114 | 208 |
| Fewest Penalties Per Game | 45 | 5.70 |
| Fewest Penalty Yards Per Game | 61 | 53.20 |
| Time of Possession | 126 | 27:09 |
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