Defensive Line: A-
The defensive line continues to be the most consistent and dominant unit week to week. This week, after a rough first drive in which the Mountaineers methodically worked their way down the field the defensive line settled in and stymied the West Virginia run game.
Leddie Brown was held to 15 carries for 56 yards, an average of 3.7 yards per carry. They pressured quarterback Jarret Doege and along with the rest of the defense held him to 160 yards passing. For a unit missing a starter like Jalen Redmond, guys like Isaiah Coe, Josh Ellison, and LaRon Stokes all filled in admirably.
Linebackers: B-
The Linebackers are a conundrum. They play well coming downhill in the running game but every week a team can maneuver and find spots in the middle of the field.
Part of that is scheme but it will make you wonder do they have any linebackers that they trust entirely in coverage. Teams like Iowa State with massive tight ends could exploit that more.
It’ll be something to monitor.
They continue to fit well in the running game and blitz well too. The only knock is trying to assess who their best coverage guys are.