Statistically Speaking: WVU vs Kansas By The Numbers

25: The number of first downs for the Mountaineers. In fact, it was the second straight game they produced 25 first downs. Of those 25 first downs, 9 came via an Austin Kendall pass, 15 came via the run and 1 by penalty.

50%: The West Virginia Mountaineers were 9 of 18 on third down in the game. Through the first three games, the Mountaineers only had 14 conversions. On the year, they are now converting nearly 40% of their opportunities.

17: The Kansas Jayhawks scored 17 second-half points, the most against the Mountaineers. Through the first three games, the Mountaineer’s defense only allowed 12 points. In the third quarter, the Jayhawks scored 10 points on a field goal and then the first touchdown allowed by the defense in the second half.

4.63: The Mountaineers average yard per play against the Jayhawks. The Mountaineers were nearly balanced in their yardage (202 passing yards, 193 rushing yards) but they only averaged 5.5 yards per pass play and 4.0 per rush play. The 4.63 yards per play is below the Kansas Jayhawks’ defensive average of 4.88 yards allowed per play.

Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

6: The number of catches for freshman receiver Sam James. James has caught at least 5 passes in each of his first four games of the 2019 season. Through four games, James has caught 26 balls for 263 yards. He is currently on pace for 78 and 789 yards.

32nd: The Mountaineers are tied for 32nd nationally in sacks after collecting another two sacks against Kansas. Dante Stills collected his fourth sack of the season and is now ranked 19th.

11: Josh Norwood set a career-high with 11 tackles on Saturday against Kansas. He’s previous high was 10 against Iowa St. Cyclones last year.

76: The Mountaineers held Pooka Williams to 76 yards on the ground, which is the fewest he’s had since rushing for 65 against the Mountaineers last season.

0: The number of passing touchdowns for Austin Kendall. This was the first time the Mountaineers won a game where they scored at least 28 points since beating Texas Tech Red Raiders 31-26 in 2015 when Skyler Howard, Rushel Shell and Wendell Smallwood combined for four rushing touchdowns.