Tale of the Tape: WVU vs Colorado
It’s time for our weekly Tale of the Tape feature, comparing West Virginia against its upcoming opponent using the NCAA’s official stats. This week, the Mountaineers host Colorado, with both programs looking to build momentum late in the season.
Colorado continues to rely heavily on its passing attack while struggling to establish consistency on the ground. The Buffaloes have found moderate success in the red zone and on third down but rank near the bottom nationally in rushing defense, allowing over 215 yards per game.
West Virginia, meanwhile, has leaned on its running game and strong red-zone execution. The Mountaineers must improve in time of possession and third-down conversions to keep the Buffaloes’ offense off the field and control tempo.
West Virginia vs Colorado statistical comparison
| Stat | WVU Rank | WVU Value | Colorado Rank | Colorado Value | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Offense | 91 | 358.2 | 108 | 329.8 | WVU |
| Rushing Offense | 42 | 183.9 | 101 | 130.0 | WVU |
| Passing Offense | 115 | 174.3 | 95 | 199.8 | Colorado |
| Team Passing Efficiency | 111 | 119.87 | 88 | 127.89 | Colorado |
| Scoring Offense | 99 | 23.2 | 108 | 22.0 | WVU |
| Total Defense (lower better) | 107 | 406.4 | 118 | 426.4 | WVU |
| Rushing Defense (lower better) | 75 | 151.4 | 132 | 215.8 | WVU |
| Passing Yards Allowed (lower better) | 115 | 255.0 | 56 | 210.7 | Colorado |
| Team Passing Efficiency Defense (lower better) | 108 | 144.66 | 78 | 136.02 | Colorado |
| Scoring Defense (lower better) | 109 | 30.4 | 106 | 30.1 | Colorado |
| Turnover Margin (higher better) | T-37 | 0.44 | 116 | -0.67 | WVU |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 131 | 0.286 | 70 | 0.400 | Colorado |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 96 | 0.469 | 109 | 0.417 | WVU |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 35 | 0.349 | 40 | 0.356 | WVU |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 120 | 0.682 | 71 | 0.550 | Colorado |
| Red Zone Offense (higher better) | 24 | 0.913 | 29 | 0.905 | WVU |
| Red Zone Defense (lower better) | 47 | 0.821 | 51 | 0.824 | WVU |
| Net Punting (higher better) | 88 | 38.80 | 107 | 37.42 | WVU |
| Punt Returns (higher better) | 72 | 8.60 | 83 | 7.67 | WVU |
| Kickoff Returns (higher better) | 85 | 19.44 | 20 | 25.33 | Colorado |
| First Downs Offense (higher better) | T-70 | 175 | 99 | 159 | WVU |
| First Downs Defense (lower better) | T-111 | 189 | 123 | 200 | WVU |
| Fewest Penalties Per Game (lower better) | T-51 | 6.00 | 51 | 6.00 | Even |
| Fewest Penalty Yards Per Game (lower better) | 66 | 55.11 | 50 | 51.22 | Colorado |
| Time of Possession (higher better) | 128 | 26:46 | 99 | 28:55 | Colorado |
Final Edge Totals: WVU 11 — Colorado 9 — Even 1
Summary
Statistically, West Virginia holds a narrow overall edge, largely due to its stronger rushing attack and red-zone efficiency. Colorado’s strengths lie in passing offense and special teams, while WVU’s ability to generate turnovers and limit penalties could prove decisive.
For the Mountaineers, controlling possession and staying ahead of the chains on early downs will be key to extending drives and limiting Colorado’s rhythm through the air. If WVU can establish the run and finish drives inside the 20 as it has all season, it should have a strong chance to secure another Big 12 win.
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