West Virginia Football: 3 takeaways from Mountaineers’ win over Texas Tech
By Phil Poling
2. Tony Gibson’s defense continues to be underrated
West Virginia’s start Saturday is exactly what they had game-planned all week for. They scored a touchdown on their first offensive drive, while on defense they forced a turnover — an interception by Kenny Robinson.
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It wasn’t just that the ‘Eers made a pick, it was how it all happened. They brought pressure on the young Tech quarterback forcing him to get rid of it early, and the pass was behind his target. Close enough for him to get a hand on it and tip it to Robinson, though.
Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson seemed to bring pressure all game — with mixed results — but ultimately it was when he decided to send it that mattered most. On multiple second and third & longs, the ‘Eers were attacking, even sending blitzing corners on occasion. They did get burned once or twice, but the aggressor usually comes out on top, as they did Saturday.
The West Virginia secondary had a wonderful game, with some big plays coming from a handful of players. Robinson added a second interception just before halftime, while Keith Washington and Josh Norwood contributed in their own ways. Washington made a number of plays at the point of attack, including the play of the game — a pick-six that all but ended the Red Raiders’ comeback chances. Norwood was the corner coming off the edge, chopping down the Tech running back on a quick checkdown; he’d later be ejected for a targeting penalty.
People will see that they surrendered 24 second-half points, but they spent much of it on the field thanks to an offense who didn’t help much in the second half.