Grier is right about the WVU offense line being a key to his success.
Early on the O line protected Grier magnificently and he destroyed a Texas Tech pass defense that has been inadequate most of the season even though their overall defense looked stronger.
But the TT defensive line was just so much stronger and more physical in the long run than the WVU offensive line. Once the battering got the better of the WVU O line the discombulation of the Mountaineers' game kicked into high gear and led to the 21-point TT run of unanswered points.
Few expected WVU to shut down TT's offense, but the defense did early in the game because Grier's magnificent performance pumped energy into the defense. As the offensive line caused the WVU offense to stumble, it put more and more pressure on the defense. That and the TT talent on offense led to the TT comeback.
It's hard to knock the defense when you stack up the good against the bad because it had 3 interceptions, including the game-saving pick-6 51-yarder by Keith Washington at a critical moment in the game.
If TT had gotten a TD and 2-point PAT at that time, a reeling WVU would have been in serious jeopardy. After all, TT was at midfield and moving fairly comfortably as it had been during the 21-point unanswered run.
But this is what makes college football so exciting and fun, as long as it doesn't make your Pacemaker explode!
M agnificent Grier passes shredded Tennessee, 40-14
O verhelmed drenched Youngstown, 52-17
U nable to play North Carolina State because of Hurricane Florence
N asty defense against Kansas State, 35-6
T ore up, then tip-toed against Texas Tech, 42-34
A nnihilate Kansas
I ncinerate Iowa State
N ail Baylor
E rectile dysfunction Texas
E lectrify TCU
R eam Oklahoma State
S laughter Oklahoma