West Virginia defensive coordinator Zac Alley warned his unit after No. 25 Virginia drove 75 yards in eight plays for a late touchdown, cutting WVU’s 17-point lead to 11. The Mountaineers won 38-27 and opened 3-0 for the first time since 2018.
Alley said the defense played “to not lose,” citing missed assignments and instances when players failed to use man coverage he had called. He said inexperience may have contributed as some players adjust to pressure in bigger games, but expects the unit to maintain its standards regardless of the score.
The warning came ahead of West Virginia’s Big 12 opener against Oklahoma State in Morgantown, scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. WVU’s defense had recorded three sacks and held Virginia to 197 passing yards, and was set to face Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Oklahoma State was 2-1.
