Let’s play a game of word association:

With the word ‘offense,’ West Virginia and Dana Holgerson certainly come to mind. In 2015, the Mountaineers averaged 33.3 points per game and over 450 yards of total offense per contest.

When it comes to “defense” and “defensive line” play, the Missouri Tigers are among the first teams to pop up into the proverbial mind.

The two programs will square off on Saturday in Morgantown to begin the 2016 season. Speaking about the Missouri Tigers on Tuesday, WVU head coach Dana Holgerson was incredibly effusive in his praise of the Mizzou defensive front.

“Looking at it from last year, it’s arguably one of the best defensive fronts I’ve ever seen. One of the linebackers, NFL guy. Another one of the linebackers, a ton of starts. But where their real, real, real dudes are are on the D-line. Not only with [Charles Harris], a top-10 pick, but they’ve got some D-tackles that are going to be big-time guys.”

Holgerson is surely referring to the immense depth Mizzou possess up front — particularly at defensive tackle with the likes of Rickey Hatley, Terry Beckner Jr., Josh Augusta, and A.J. Logan.

WVU hopes its experience along the offensive line (four returning staters) coupled with its fast-paced tempo can slow down this vaunted front.

The most dynamic player Missour has — regardless of position — is Harris. A former basketball player, Harris possesses incredible burst, athleticism, and energy off of the edge.

If Mizzou is to pull the upset on the road, he’ll have to be a dominant force up front.