LUBBOCK, Texas – On paper, it looks like just another typical game between West Virginia and Texas Tech: A 42-34 Mountaineers win in which the teams surpassed 50 first downs and nearly 1,000 yards.
It was not.
Without some crucial plays from its defense, West Virginia’s mood on the flight home likely would be one of devastation as the Red Raiders nearly worked their way back from a 35-10 halftime deficit.
The most telling number?
West Virginia’s defense outscored its own offense 7-0 in the second half. The lone second-half touchdown came courtesy of cornerback Keith Washington’s game-breaking and soul-crushing 51-yard interception return with 2:58 remaining.