WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — From the very first scrimmage snap, when blitzing safety Karl Joseph dropped Rushel Shell for no gain, there was heightened intensity.
Shell climbed up and flipped the ball off Joseph’s face mask. Joseph shoved Shell. Guard Adam Pankey shoved Joseph. Spur safety K.J. Dillon shoved Pankey. Shelton Gibson pushed Joseph, and Joseph retaliated with a jab to the receiver’s helmet.
After a deep breath, it was time for play No. 2.
“We told them to be very, uh, encouraged,” said safeties coach Joe DeForest of West Virginia’s defense, which largely carried Saturday’s 100-play practice at the Greenbrier Resort.