Shanna Rose I WV Sports Chat
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Last year West Virginia University’s defense struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone. The Mountaineers surrendered an average of 31.92 points per game, giving up 2,155 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground.
Through the air, opponents racked up 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns, while converting 49 percent of third downs and 65 percent of fourth downs. WVU’s pass defense ranked among the worst in the FBS, a key factor in the team’s 6-7 overall record (5-4 Big 12).
Adapting to Zac Alley’s System
Now, with defensive coordinator Zac Alley’s system in place, position coach Jeff Casteel sees a unit that’s learning, adapting, and working toward a much different outcome in 2025.
“Well, there’s a, it’s just very multiple,” Casteel said of Alley’s scheme. “And trying to keep the kids up to speed off the installs is what we’re doing. Eventually it’s going to slow down for the kids, and they’re doing a good job with it.”
Focus on Pressure
Casteel, who works closely with the “bandits” – hybrid edge defenders tasked with setting the edge and attacking the quarterback – believes that improving pressure will be critical.
“We’ve talked to our guys about we need to be more productive than what we’ve been the last three or four years in terms of affecting the quarterback,” he said. “It’d be nice if the guys all get 10 sacks apiece, but it’s just affecting the quarterback. If we can affect the quarterback, turn the ball in when we’re supposed to turn the ball, that’s what our guys gotta do.”
Personnel Showing Promise
Personnel changes and player development are giving the staff reason for optimism.
“Braden’s (Siers) done a good job really since he’s got here. He’s a tough, strong, really physical player,” Casteel said. “He’s transferred in from Wyoming. He’s a tough, strong, really physical player. Curtis (Jones Jr.) is a young guy that is very athletic. He’s got a huge upside and he can run and so he’s a good guy And he had a really good spring. And we’ve got some new guys in, and they’re learning. Marshon Oxley is another guy that can get off the ball and has done a nice job. And so Keenan Eck, Jackson Biser, Biser’s made plays. So all those kids are doing a pretty good job in getting a shot.”
Alley’s defense thrives on pressure and movement, concepts that require discipline and conditioning. Going against a high-tempo offense in practice is part of the plan.
“In my opinion, it makes it easier,” Casteel said of game days. ” And in my experience back in our day, it made it easier for our guys. And it’s tough in the scrimmage. In fact, you know, I talked to our guys in our room. said, you got tired, right? Yeah, yeah, I got tired. I said, you got real tired, right? And I said, but that’s the reason why we’re, you know, you got to start stacking days of, and get yourself into shape running on and off the field. I mean, we still, to be honest with you, still don’t do that the way we want them to. And, you know, and it’s about just building up your lungs. I can’t mention names, but we got the lungs of a flea, some of our guys. You know what I mean? Two plays and they can’t breathe.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
For a defense that was porous against both the run and the pass last year, the 2025 season offers a clean slate. The Mountaineers’ success will depend on whether Alley’s complex, multiple scheme can translate into fewer big plays, more stops on third and fourth down, and a pass rush that disrupts quarterbacks instead of giving them time.
“We’ve got some guys that can run, Casteel said.. “We’ve got some guys that get off the ball. We have some good blitzers and some natural blitzers. In my experience, the guys that kind of don’t need a coach to tell them how to blitz are the best blitzers.”
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
