Certain stats don't tell the story for West Virginia's defense

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Football:

Certain stats don't tell the story for defense | The Exponent Telegram
The strain of the Texas game was still evident on the face of Tony Gibson, West Virginia’s defensive coordinator, visible even through the smile of victory. The Mountaineers had pulled out a 24-20 triumph, although if you had only looked at the box score, you never would have guessed it.

Basketball:

Pressing for 50 turnovers, WVU settles for 34 in romp | WV MetroNews
Reserve guard Teyvon Myers challenged teammates with a seemingly impossible mission before No. 15 West Virginia’s game against outmanned Western Carolina on Wednesday.

Around The Big XII:

Lacking Texas ties, Matt Rhule faces added challenge at Baylor | ESPN
New Baylor coach Matt Rhule doesn't check every box the Bears were looking for but has proved he can rebuild a struggling program at Temple.

TCU basketball is better than anyone expected under Jamie Dixon. Here’s why. | SBNation
In its first season under Jamie Dixon, TCU is off to an 8-0 start.

Deonte Burton is finally embracing the raw power in his game at Iowa State | SBNation
The force of nature scorer is coming into his own for the Cyclones.

Around The NCAA:

The NCAA's president doesn't run the College Football Playoff, but has a good 8-team plan | SBNation
They may be onto something.

Why Willie Taggart’s being hired as Oregon’s new head coach | SBNation
Taggart turned USF into one of the country’s most exciting offenses. He can recruit, he’s flexible, and he’s won in unprecedented ways at two schools so far.

Lamar Jackson set our eyes on fire | SBNation
He scored all these touchdowns. We piled them up. All 51. Marvel at ‘em.

Report: Jay Norvell to be named Nevada’s next head coach | SBNation
Nevada parted ways with head coach Brian Polian two weeks ago.

PODCAST AIN’T PLAYED NOBODY: Playoffs, Piesman, and walk-on hosts | SBNation
Bill and guest hosts Alex and Morgan chat about the College Football Playoff, the Piesman, college football origin stories, the Quick Lane Bowl, and, naturally, holiday movies.

Today's Miss Throwdown is an Russian-American model best known for her 10-consecutive-year run in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. CLICK HERE for Anne V's Instagram.