Diving into the key stats for both sides of the ball. The calling card for West Virginia has been the Mountaineers defense. That is their best unit. For Texas, they counter with the Longhorns offense. It has been inconsistent this year at times but when backs are against the wall, Sam Ehlinger rises to the occasion.
When Texas has the ball
Offensively is where the Longhorns are strongest. They have the 10th highest scoring offense in the country. They have cracked the 40-point threshold in four of their six games this year. Can they generate enough offense against a top 20 scoring defense?
The West Virginia defense is top 20 in every major category. They are also one of the four best defenses at forcing interceptions. Their nine interceptions through six games proves that they can create for their offense. Last week against Kansas State, WVU forced Will Howard into three interceptions.
Key Stat
Texas sacks given up- 30th worst
WVU sacks generated- 6th best
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| Category | UT Stats | UT Rank | WVU Rank | WVU Stats |
| Scoring | 44.3 PPG | 10th | 19th | 19.8 PPG |
| Rushing | 165.3 YPG | 63rd | 11th | 97.8 YPG |
| Passing | 284.2 YPG | 27th | 7th | 157.8 YPG |
| Total | 449.5 YPG | 26th | 4th | 255.7 YPG |
When West Virginia has the ball
The Longhorns defense has been their weakness this year aside from their special teams blunders. Last week was a much better performance despite the fact they gave up 400 yards in the air. Their focus was shutting down Chuba Hubbard which is where they succeeded. Plus four turnovers forced and that is how you walk away with a win on the road against a top six team in the nation.
West Virginia’s offense is not necessarily a weakness but their defense gets all the headlines. The big question is can they show up on the road? This year WVU is 0-2 on the road with losses at Oklahoma State and at Texas Tech. The Longhorns will provide their next test. However, WVU hasn’t lost in Austin since 2014. Does that streak continue?
Key Stat
WVU has six fumbles lost- Worst in the Big 12
Texas has six fumbles recovered- Best in the Big 12
| Category | UT Stats | UT Rank | WVU Rank | WVU Stats |
| Scoring | 32.5 PPG | 77th | 37th | 33.0 PPG |
| Rushing | 130.3 YPG | 41st | 51st | 172.0 YPG |
| Passing | 277.5 YPG | 92nd | 25th | 292.8 YPG |
| Total | 407.8 YPG | 66th | 22nd | 464.8 YPG |
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