"How two field goal blocks led WVU football to four consecutive victories"

West Virginia's defense shines in shutout second half against TCU, sealing victory with two blocked field goals.

West Virginia's defense put on an impressive display in the second half of their game against TCU on Saturday. They forced multiple punts and a turnover on downs, completely shutting out TCU's offense. The game ultimately came down to two crucial plays on special teams that sealed the win for WVU.

With a record of 4-1, WVU has now won four consecutive games against TCU. The defense was the driving force behind this victory. In the third quarter alone, they allowed only one yard and one first down to the Horned Frogs. Throughout the entire second half, they only allowed a total of 121 offensive yards.

The defensive resurgence in the second half was highlighted by two blocked field goals and a stellar performance on special teams. The first block occurred with just under five minutes left in the game. Nose tackle Mike Lockhart leaped up and swatted away TCU kicker Griffin Kell's 46-yard attempt, preserving WVU's three-point lead.

In the final 45 seconds of the game, TCU attempted another long field goal. However, West Virginia native and defensive lineman Sean Martin rose to the occasion and blocked the kick for a second time. This time, it was a 55-yard attempt that secured the victory for WVU.

Martin explained his thought process during the play, stating, "Coach told us to strike and put our arm up, so I striked and put my arm up and blocked the kick. It hit my hand." Lockhart's earlier blocked kick set the tone for the entire fourth quarter, emphasizing the team's dominance on special teams.

Lockhart expressed his confidence in blocking the field goal to his teammates, saying, "I told all my teammates, I said 'I'm going to block this field goal for us.' Then the hole came open and I blocked it, and the rest was history." Head coach Neal Brown revealed that the team had planned to go for the block on these two kicks, aiming to disrupt the trajectory of the ball due to the distance. He commended Martin and Lockhart for their efforts and acknowledged the extra time they spent practicing these plays.

Brown was particularly impressed with the team's performance on special teams, especially during the crucial moments when they needed to secure their second consecutive Big 12 win. He said, "Special teams, I can't say enough about that. Our defensive line is talented, we got a really good push on both blocked field goals."

Lockhart attributed the success of the defense in the second half and the blocked field goals to their determination to play for their injured teammates. He stated, "The difference in the second half was that we were playing for our brothers. We know our brothers are hurt and in the hospital, and we were like, we got to win this for them, so we went out there and balled."

Overall, West Virginia's defense showcased their strength and resilience in the second half of the game against TCU. Their exceptional performance on special teams, including two blocked field goals, played a crucial role in securing the victory. The team's dedication to their injured teammates further fueled their determination to succeed.