Tale of the Tape: WVU vs Kansas
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 to Lawrence to take on Kansas, and the numbers show how the two teams stack up.
The Jayhawks have been explosive on offense, averaging 36 points per game while ranking inside the top 25 nationally in passing efficiency. They’ve also been solid in time of possession, controlling the ball nearly three minutes longer than their opponents on average.
West Virginia, meanwhile, leans on a strong rushing attack that sits among the top 35 in the country. The Mountaineers have also been excellent in the red zone, a perfect 100 percent so far, and their defense has stood tall in limiting opponents’ third-down success.
Overall, the breakdown shows Kansas with an edge in several offensive categories, but West Virginia’s balance and ability to convert in the red zone could be the equalizer. As always, the numbers tell only part of the story, but they provide a good look at what to expect when these two Big 12 foes clash Saturday.
West Virginia vs Kansas statistical comparison
| Stat | WVU Rank | WVU Value | Kansas Rank | Kansas Value | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Offense | 45 | 436.3 | 54 | 422.7 | WVU |
| Rushing Offense | 31 | 213.0 | 65 | 174.3 | WVU |
| Passing Offense | 71 | 223.3 | T-50 | 248.3 | Kansas |
| Team Passing Efficiency | 73 | 134.80 | 22 | 175.33 | Kansas |
| Scoring Offense | T-73 | 28.7 | 48 | 36.0 | Kansas |
| Total Defense (lower better) | 47 | 300.3 | 57 | 318.0 | WVU |
| Rushing Defense (lower better) | T-29 | 93.7 | T-57 | 117.0 | WVU |
| Passing Yards Allowed (lower better) | 68 | 206.7 | 61 | 201.0 | Kansas |
| Team Passing Efficiency Defense (lower better) | 43 | 111.74 | 95 | 137.33 | WVU |
| Scoring Defense (lower better) | T-33 | 14.7 | 52 | 18.7 | WVU |
| Turnover Margin (higher better) | T-85 | -0.33 | T-54 | 0.33 | Kansas |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 124 | 0.293 | 123 | 0.300 | Kansas |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | T-70 | 0.500 | T-37 | 0.714 | Kansas |
| 3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 19 | 0.261 | 91 | 0.396 | WVU |
| 4th Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | T-40 | 0.400 | T-110 | 0.750 | WVU |
| Red Zone Offense (higher better) | T-1 | 1.000 | 101 | 0.765 | WVU |
| Red Zone Defense (lower better) | T-55 | 0.800 | T-101 | 1.000 | WVU |
| Net Punting | 80 | 39.18 | 10 | 45.70 | Kansas |
| Punt Returns (higher better) | T-58 | 9.13 | 74 | 7.55 | WVU |
| Kickoff Returns (higher better) | T-54 | 21.50 | 71 | 20.00 | WVU |
| First Downs Offense (higher better) | T-47 | 67 | 47 | 67 | Even |
| First Downs Defense (lower better) | T-44 | 47 | 44 | 47 | Even |
| Fewest Penalties/Game (lower better) | T-103 | 7.67 | T-57 | 5.67 | Kansas |
| Fewest Penalty Yards/Game (lower better) | 113 | 71.33 | T-51 | 45.67 | Kansas |
| Time of Possession | 118 | 26:05 | 92 | 28:38 | Kansas |
Final Edge Totals: WVU 12 – Kansas 11 – Even 2
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