Tale of the Tape: WVU vs Houston
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 travel to Houston, where the Cougars have quietly put together one of the Big 12’s most balanced and efficient teams.
Houston has found success on both sides of the ball, ranking in the top 40 nationally in total defense and scoring defense while maintaining offensive balance behind a steady run game and efficient quarterback play. The Cougars have controlled tempo, winning time of possession by nearly five minutes per game, and have taken care of the ball with one of the nation’s better turnover margins.
West Virginia, meanwhile, continues to lean on its running attack while searching for more consistency through the air. The Mountaineers remain among the best in the country in red-zone efficiency but must improve on third downs and time of possession to keep Houston’s offense off the field.
West Virginia vs Houston statistical comparison
| Stat | WVU Rank | WVU Value | Houston Rank | Houston Value | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Offense | 98 | 352.6 | 71 | 381.3 | Houston |
| Rushing Offense | 47 | 176.1 | 53 | 171.3 | WVU |
| Passing Offense | 114 | 176.5 | 89 | 210.0 | Houston |
| Team Passing Efficiency | 120 | 118.41 | 47 | 145.55 | Houston |
| Scoring Offense | 114 | 20.5 | T-69 | 28.8 | Houston |
| Total Defense (lower better) | 103 | 407.3 | 36 | 330.8 | Houston |
| Rushing Defense (lower better) | 94 | 160.1 | 38 | 120.4 | Houston |
| Passing Yards Allowed (lower better) | 108 | 247.1 | T-52 | 210.4 | Houston |
| Team Passing Efficiency Defense (lower better) | 96 | 140.74 | 54 | 126.45 | Houston |
| Scoring Defense (lower better) | T-103 | 29.9 | T-21 | 18.6 | Houston |
| Turnover Margin (higher better) | T-65 | 0.00 | T-25 | 0.63 | Houston |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 132 | 0.284 | 49 | 0.421 | Houston |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 116 | 0.393 | T-81 | 0.529 | Houston |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 31 | 0.342 | 35 | 0.347 | WVU |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 110 | 0.650 | 28 | 0.412 | Houston |
| Red Zone Offense | 11 | 0.950 | 22 | 0.926 | WVU |
| Red Zone Defense (lower better) | T-32 | 0.800 | 83 | 0.864 | WVU |
| Net Punting | 82 | 39.12 | 100 | 37.88 | WVU |
| Punt Returns | T-76 | 8.11 | 101 | 6.08 | WVU |
| Kickoff Returns | 85 | 19.25 | 93 | 18.80 | WVU |
| First Downs Offense | T-83 | 155 | 79 | 156 | Houston |
| First Downs Defense (lower better) | T-89 | 162 | 34 | 137 | Houston |
| Fewest Penalties Per Game (lower better) | T-44 | 5.75 | T-44 | 5.75 | Even |
| Fewest Penalty Yards Per Game (lower better) | 52 | 51.38 | 45 | 49.50 | Houston |
| Time of Possession (higher better) | 131 | 26:18 | 37 | 31:02 | Houston |
Final Edge Totals: WVU 6 — Houston 19 — Even 1
On paper, Houston owns a clear statistical advantage. The Cougars rank among the Big 12’s top defensive units and pair that with an efficient, balanced offense that limits mistakes and controls the clock. For West Virginia to pull off the upset, the Mountaineers will need to establish the run early, finish drives in the red zone, and find ways to extend possessions on third down against a disciplined Houston defense.
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