The last time the Kansas defense took the field, it had a hard time getting off of it. The Jayhawks had to run 86 defensive plays in their 42-31 loss to Missouri on Sept. 6, as the Tigers controlled the ball and in turn the time of possession.

KU’s players had some time to recuperate thanks to a well-timed open date last weekend, but they might not necessarily have a more restful game ahead.

This week’s foe, West Virginia, plays at the second-fastest tempo of any team in the country, averaging a play every 19.9 seconds, according to teamrankings.com. That urgency gave the Mountaineers the opportunity to squeeze in a whopping 90 total plays in their 31-24 overtime victory against Pittsburgh on Saturday.

“The pace at which they play is extremely impressive,” KU coach Lance Leipold said.

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