Tale of the Tape: WVU vs BYU
It’s time for our weekly Tale of the Tape feature, where we compare West Virginia against its upcoming opponent using the NCAA’s official stats. This week, the Mountaineers head west for a Friday night matchup with BYU, and the numbers highlight the challenge ahead.
The Cougars have been one of the most complete teams in the country, averaging more than 38 points per game while ranking in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense and several defensive categories. They’re also among the stingiest units in college football, giving up fewer than 10 points per contest.
West Virginia, meanwhile, has leaned heavily on the ground game but continues to struggle with consistency in the passing attack and on third down. The Mountaineers have been sharp in the red zone but will need to raise their level across the board against one of the nation’s most balanced teams.
Overall, the statistical breakdown favors BYU in nearly every major category, but West Virginia’s ability to run the football and stay perfect in the red zone could be the equalizer.
West Virginia vs BYU statistical comparison
| Stat | WVU Rank | WVU Value | BYU Rank | BYU Value | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Offense | 67 | 395.6 | 46 | 435.8 | BYU |
| Rushing Offense | 22 | 216.2 | 9 | 251.3 | BYU |
| Passing Offense | 106 | 179.4 | 103 | 184.5 | BYU |
| Team Passing Efficiency | 106 | 122.24 | 53 | 147.79 | BYU |
| Scoring Offense | T-98 | 22.0 | 22 | 38.5 | BYU |
| Total Defense (lower better) | 76 | 364.2 | 7 | 226.8 | BYU |
| Rushing Defense (lower better) | 82 | 153.0 | 8 | 76.3 | BYU |
| Passing Yards Allowed (lower better) | 69 | 211.2 | 14 | 150.5 | BYU |
| Team Passing Efficiency Defense (lower better) | 91 | 136.53 | 11 | 97.15 | BYU |
| Scoring Defense (lower better) | T-90 | 26.6 | 4 | 9.3 | BYU |
| Turnover Margin (higher better) | T-91 | -0.40 | 5 | 1.50 | BYU |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 131 | 0.271 | 55 | 0.429 | BYU |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 97 | 0.467 | 65 | 0.571 | BYU |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 43 | 0.342 | 7 | 0.240 | BYU |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | T-81 | 0.600 | 42 | 0.429 | BYU |
| Red Zone Offense (higher better) | T-1 | 1.000 | T-24 | 0.947 | WVU |
| Red Zone Defense (lower better) | T-73 | 0.842 | T-32 | 0.778 | BYU |
| Net Punting | 87 | 38.96 | 21 | 43.55 | BYU |
| Punt Returns (higher better) | 73 | 8.11 | 37 | 11.92 | BYU |
| Kickoff Returns (higher better) | T-56 | 21.50 | 18 | 28.60 | BYU |
| First Downs Offense (higher better) | T-46 | 99 | 65 | 93 | WVU |
| First Downs Defense (lower better) | T-103 | 99 | 10 | 56 | BYU |
| Fewest Penalties/Game (lower better) | T-88 | 6.80 | 71 | 6.25 | BYU |
| Fewest Penalty Yards/Game (lower better) | 99 | 62.80 | 78 | 56.25 | BYU |
| Time of Possession | 129 | 25:56 | 14 | 33:38 | BYU |
Final Edge Totals: WVU 2 – BYU 22 – Even 1
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