MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia (3-0) senses an opportunity to assert itself into the Big 12 race, but doing so requires beating new nemesis Kansas State (2-1). Here are the storylines you need to know as we wade into Four-Down Territory:
1. Run defense too soft
West Virginia is the only Big 12 defense conceding more than 5 yards per carry and ranks 108th nationally allowing 215 yards per game. That must entice K-State, which stands No. 2 in the league at 5.49 yards per carry.
“We haven’t gotten off blocks very well, and that’s why we’re giving up runs of 6 or 8 yards per play,” linebacker Justin Arndt said.