Gibson’s Gang has 12 seniors and 13 juniors returning from a unit last season that allowed just nine rushing touchdowns, ranked No. 2 nationally in interceptions, fifth in turnovers gained, eighth in three-and-out possessions and 11th in third-down defense.
On Saturday, the defense produced one turnover (a nice strip-tackle from behind by Adam Shuler recovered by Christian Brown) and a near interception when Kyzir White couldn’t hang on to an errant Drew Lock pass.
The Tigers were held to less than 50 percent on third down (10 of 24) and produced two three-and-out possession, including a critical goal-line stand near the end of the first half when Missouri got the ball on the WVU 7 following a William Crest Jr.