Film reveals Kwiatkoski ‘all over the place’ against Maryland

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While reviewing video from the Maryland game, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson came to the conclusion he undervalued linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.

Even after the middle linebacker stood out as the team’s weekly defensive champion.

Kwiatkoski played 56 snaps in the 40-37 victory—exiting only for West Virginia’s nickel packages—and registered 12 tackles, three TFLs and two pass breakups. There was no quit in Kwit.

“Kwit was all over the place,” Gibson said. “They had him in the stat sheet for 12 tackles, but I’m not so sure he didn’t have 22 tackles. It seemed like every play we watched, he was making tackles.”

Leading a crucial defensive stand after Maryland recovered a fumbled punt at the West Virginia 8, Kwiatkoski blitzed through and dropped Brandon Ross for a 3-yard loss on second-and-goal from the 3. See the play below:

 


“I love the blitz, especially in that situation because there’s not much to lose,” Kwiatkoski said.

When the Terps eventually settled for a field goal, Gibson said his defense realized it was in control.

“Our guys bowed their necks, put their heels down and said ‘Let’s go,'” he said. “Once we got that stand down there on the goal line, we could have kept playing football and I’m not so sure the could’ve scored.”

Maryland’s final two drives subsequently resulted in three-and-outs.

After working at Will linebacker during the spring, Kwiatkoski returned to the Mike spot during preseason. He feels comfortable in the middle and shares the team lead in stops (24) with safety Karl Joseph.

“Kwit’s just seeing the game,” Gibson said. “He was in that groove Saturday, seeing the offense and knowing what was coming. And they couldn’t block him.

“Your pass responsibility gets chopped in half when you move inside and lets you play more aggressive against the run. He’s a downhill football player. He’s a throwback backer. He loves to run downhill and hit people.”

Despite his ball-hawking performance, Kwiatkoski was beside himself for failing to make a diving interception in the rain.

“It’s on me,” said the former high school running back. “I should be able to make those plays. It was wet and it was kind of behind me but I had my hands on it.”





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