MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — During Dana Holgorsen’s tenure, West Virginia receivers have generated copious deep-throw opportunities. After watching three games’ worth of film on BYU’s defense, Ka’Raun White forecasts more of the same this weekend.
“The (BYU) corners, I don’t think they can run with us,” White said Tuesday. “I mean, they look solid, but they don’t look like they can keep up.”
That quote from the junior receiver echoed comments from former Mountaineers coach Don Nehlen during an appearance on MetroNews “Sportsline” Monday night.
“I think we’ve got much better speed outside on the flanks and at inside receiver than their secondary. I think we can stretch the field on them,” Nehlen said. “We’ll move the ball better than anyone else has.
“(BYU’s) defense lines up in the right places and they play with a lot of tenacity, but they don’t run real well. They don’t run as well as a lot of defenses.”
The Cougars’ six interceptions rank fifth nationally, though they’re 67th in pass-efficiency defense and 78th in passing yards allowd (238 per game).
More than stats, BYU’s physical style has re-emerged as a topic. Two Cougars were ejected for targeting in a 20-19 loss to Utah, though replays of a hit by Kai Nacua seemed to show the senior safety leading with his shoulder pads and avoiding the targeting triggers that officials are taught to notice.
BYU’s reputation has been discussed in West Virginia’s locker room.
“It’s well known their defense is pretty solid, they like to hit, they’re aggressive and physical,” he said. “Coach has been telling us we’ve got to watch out because they like to hit and play dirty here and there.”
Critics called out BYU’s cheap-shot tactics after plays such as linebacker Harvey Langi punching a Utah State ballcarrier last November, which followed offensive lineman Ului Lapuaho went for the groin against Boise State.
A member of the West Virginia broadcast crew asked White if the Cougars deserved to be labelled “a dirty team”
“Uh, I don’t think so, but the coaches said they’d be doing some name-calling or whatever,” White said. “I don’t think they play too dirty. They play between the whistles. I feel like No. 38 (linebacker Butch Pau’u) is the main one to watch for. He comes with them kill shots, so I’ll keep my eyes open.”
After catching a 53-yard touchdown against Youngstown State, White has seven receptions for 120 yards this season. He said BYU
“You’ve just got to keep your eyes open a little bit more and watch out for those main guys on the defense that like to hit head-to-head or try to take you out.”