Posted: 10:43 AM Aug 21, 2012
Reporter: JOHN RABY - AP Sports Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia safety Darwin Cook may have gotten the credit for the play that turned the momentum in West Virginia's favor in a 70-33 rout of Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

But it was linebacker Doug Rigg who stripped the ball from Clemson's Andre Ellington at the goal line that led to Cook's 99-yard fumble return in the second quarter.

That play may have been the highlight of the season for a defense that recovered only nine fumbles and let opposing runners have their way.

With Rigg and Cook returning, the challenges on defense are many for West Virginia's debut season in the Big 12.

The 11th-ranked Mountaineers must replace four of their top seven tacklers, find depth and work out the kinks of a new 3-4 defensive scheme.

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