BOULDER — West Virginia’s defense has a bandit on the loose, and Colorado had better identify his whereabouts if it hopes to pull an upset tonight in Morgantown, W.Va.
The Mountaineers (2-1) set up in an unusual 3-3 “stack” defense, with three down linemen and three linebackers. Four conventional defensive backs are joined by Franchot Allen, who plays the “bandit safety” position. Allen, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound senior, roams all over the field.
Allen often sets up as an extra safety. But sometimes he plays more like a linebacker.
“You don’t see that often, and it’s a little bit of a challenge schematically,” CU offensive line coach Denver Johnson said.
“It presents some problems just because it’s unique. You don’t see it every day. Sometimes you don’t see it at all. They’re probably the only team we’ll see all season that’s a true 3-3 stack.
“You have to reteach some things. But at the end of the day, it’s a six-man box with an inverted man out there.”
Colorado junior wide receiver Scotty McKnight said the stack defense allows West Virginia to disguise its coverages easier than most teams do.
The Mountaineers have recorded at least one interception in each of their past seven games.
“They can drop people (into coverage), bring people (for a pass rush),” McKnight said. “They give different looks, which is one of the advantages. And they’re very athletic and well-coached. So we’re trying to take care of what we do, running our patterns and adjusting to what they give us.”
Although Colorado scored only two touchdowns against West Virginia in last year’s 17-14 overtime victory over the Mountaineers, the Buffaloes moved the ball well. Quarterback Cody Hawkins threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns and tailback Rodney Stewart ran for a career-best 166 yards on 28 carries.
CU coaches spent time in the offseason dissecting West Virginia’s stack, defensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said. And, of course, it has been a focal point for the past two weeks.
“I think guys that make it a big deal are the ones that don’t prepare for it, have a plan for it,” Kiesau said.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
Three questions for CU
1. Will Colorado build on its shutout of Wyoming and make a statement on national television with a strong defensive effort?
This won’t be easy. West Virginia is 29-5 at raucous Milan Puskar Stadium since the start of the 2004 season and is much better on offense than Wyoming.
2. Will CU’s new wide receivers step up?
The quartet of Will Jefferson, Andre Simmons, Markques Simas and Anthony Wright has combined for a total of just three catches in three games. That must improve if the Buffaloes are going to pull the upset.
3. Can Colorado defenders keep WVU tailback Noel Devine under 150 yards rushing?
The 5-foot-8, 175-pound junior may have the most lethal combination of elusiveness, strength and speed of any running back in college football. He rushed 26 times for 133 yards in last year’s meeting in Boulder. Keeping Devine contained could go a long way toward winning.
CU at West Virginia
When: Today, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, W.Va.
Records: Colorado 1-2, West Virginia 2-1
TV/radio: ESPN/KOA 850 AM
