Where Does WVU Football Rank Statistically in Big 12?

With four games and their first bye in the books, it’s time to check in on where WVU falls statistically in the Big 12 so far during the 2024 season.

So as West Virginia enters a pivotal matchup with Oklahoma State on Saturday, the Mountaineers are currently ranked No. 8 in total offense and No. 14 in total defense.

Garrett Greene and the WVU offense has scored 127 overall points and is averaging 31.8 points per game through four games. Digging deeper, the West Virginia rushing attack has only managed 726 yards on the ground, placing them at No. 9. Passing wise, the offense has 914 yards through the air – Greene has 902.

WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose

In contrast, the defense has allowed 114 points and opponents are scoring 28.5 points per contest on an average. West Virginia ranks 11th in sacks by, 13th in sacks allowed against, 14th in fumbles forced and dead last in interceptions.

As far as on special teams, WVU ranks No. 12 in the conference with 106 kickoff return yards and No. 9 in punt return yards with 50. On a positive note, the Mountaineers are second in kickoffs while averaging 45.4. The only team better than WVU is TCU, who has played one extra game. And West Virginia does lead in one category – field goals. Kicker Michael Hayes is a perfect 5-for-5 heading into his fifth game of the season.

More statistical information can be found at Big12Sports.com.

No matter where the Mountaineers stand statically, they are 1-0 in conference play as far as the Big 12 standings are concerned. And now WVU turns their attention to trying to stay unblemished in the Big 12 when they travel to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State.

No matter what their opponent has endured, WVU head coach Neal Brown knows his team can’t underestimate anyone. Brown made that very clear while previewing West Virginia’s matchup with Oklahoma State on Monday.

The Cowboys might be coming off back-to-back losses, but Brown knows Oklahoma State has tons of talent and Stillwater is always a tough place to play.

What Does Neal Brown Expect From Oklahoma State?

“They’ve dealt with adversity before. They’ve come back. We fully expect to get their best,” said Brown, who also admitted he’d probably rather OSU be riding high than in desperation mode with an 0-2 conference record.

Brown pointed to Oklahoma State’s schedule being a factor in their rough start to conference play. The Cowboys’ losses have been to preseason favorite Utah and perennial contender Kansas State, making it possible they will still beat weaker competition and dig themselves out similar to what happened last season.

Brown even called OSU running back Ollie Gordon a “special” player and said he fully expects him to be at his best despite failing to reach 100 yards in a game yet this season.

“He’s going to have breakout games. I just hope it’s not against us.”

For a related story, WVU head coach Neal Brown talks the Matthew Sluka situation at UNLV and why he’s confident that won’t happen to him at West Virginia.