Planning for success: West Virginia defense gets tough early test

Georgia Southern might be a Sun Belt Conference program in just its second season as a full-fledged FBS member. Yet the Eagles are hardly an opponent West Virginia can take lightly heading into Saturday night's opener in Morgantown.

Out of its spread option last season, Georgia Southern featured the nation's top rushing offense on its way to winning a Sun Belt title. The Eagles not only led the country in rushing yards per game (380), they led it in rushing touchdowns (55) and yards per attempt (7.11).

With eight returning starters, including ESPN.com preseason All-Big 12 safety Karl Joseph and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, the Mountaineers believe they have a chance to field the best defense in the Big 12.

But they'll be put to the test in Week 1 by Georgia Southern's distinctive option attack.

“You have to prepare all summer for them,” defensive coordinator Tony Gibson said. “I’m glad they’re first on the schedule, and not second or third or fourth.”

For more, check out the full article at ESPN.

(h/t ESPN)