Big Plays Continue To Be An Issue For WVU’s Rebuilt Defense

West Virginia’s defense had been solid through the first three games. Zac Alley’s defense ranked second in the country in sacks and held defenses to little over 14 points per game. The defense kept WVU in games enough for the lackluster offense to sneak out wins.

In the first three games, there was a glaring weakness with Alley’s defense, though, and Kansas completely exposed it — the big play. Alley’s defense could go toe-to-toe with Pitt, Ohio and Kansas for most of the drive, but all of the sudden, the defense misses an assignment, doesn’t wrap up, or is out-coached and the offense breaks off for a 20-plus yard touchdown. Those are heartbreakers, especially on third down.

“I thought the defense played really hard in the first half,” Rich Rodriguez said. “Gave up one or two big plays.”