MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — If games started at halftime, West Virginia’s defense would be one of the nation’s most formidable units.
The Mountaineer defense has yet to allow a second-half touchdown through three games. The only time an opponent has crossed the goal line after halftime was on an interception return by Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton. Opposing offenses are gaining an average of 109 yards against West Virginia in the second half.
The building blocks for a dominant defense are certainly there. But West Virginia ranks only 61st nationally in total defense and 74th in scoring defense.