From what I gather, the profound impact of Dana Holgorsen’s offense is measured best not in the stands, on the scoreboard or in the bank account, but within the locker room.

Last year’s defense was fairly amazing, but often without help from the other side of the ball. Imagine how this defense feels it might not be as amazing this season, but will have a heck of a lot more help.

There’s a huge surge in confidence and the linemen and linebackers and defensive backs are actually fans, too, who want to see what the offense does. That means getting off the field as soon as possible and returning to the best seats in the house. That also means the expectations this season are very different than what they were a year ago.

“Honestly, even though I didn’t play much last year, when the other team got up a little, I’d get worried,” said sophomore linebacker Doug Rigg, who is starting this season. “I’d clench my fists when the defense was on the field because I knew they couldn’t give up any more points and I’d just pray the offense would do something.”

There’s a very clear feeling those days are over. Jock Sanders gave the WVU defense the ultimate compliment last season. He said if the offense could score 21 points, the Mountaineers would not lose – and that may have been true had the receiver not fumbled a punt in the Champs Sports Bowl to set up North Carolina State’s final score in its 23-7 win.

The expectations are completely and numerically different this season, which is a compliment to the offense.

“Even if the offense is struggling, there’s something about Coach Holgorsen or Geno this year and receivers we have that I know we’re going to score some points,” Rigg said. “I honestly don’t think they’re going to score under 20 points against anybody. I have that confidence in them and that keeps me relaxed. I’m pretty sure they can do something.”