WVU’s Fatorma Mulbah Dominates the Field: Breaking the Mold for Nose Tackles

West Virginia University’s nose tackle Fatorma Mulbah pulled off a feat that few players in his position could dream of, let alone accomplish. With a standout 13-tackle performance against Cincinnati, Mulbah has earned the spotlight on the Mountaineers’ defense, a position traditionally focused on creating opportunities for linebackers and other defenders rather than racking up tackles.

Defying Nose Tackle Norms

Typically, a nose tackle’s role in a defensive formation isn’t designed to make them tackle leaders; instead, it’s focused on taking on double teams and disrupting the offensive line to give linebackers space to make plays. West Virginia head coach Neal Brown explained this unique situation, stating, “The defense isn’t really built for your nose to get tackles. It’s built for [linebackers] like [Josiah] Trotter and [Anthony] Wilson.” Brown continued to praise Mulbah’s ability to “win 1-on-1s” and stay within his gap assignments, giving credit to his disciplined approach and teamwork with players like Sean Martin, who helped funnel plays in Mulbah’s direction.

Coach Jeff Koonz Applauds Mulbah’s Elite Performance

Defensive coordinator Jeff Koonz went a step further, labeling Mulbah’s play as “elite.” Reflecting on the Cincinnati game, Koonz emphasized that Cincinnati ran the ball 43 times, and Mulbah’s responsibility in maintaining his position between the tackles was essential. He explained, “If he’s not doing his job, then we’re going to have a long day.” That Mulbah managed to turn 13 of those plays into tackles speaks to his excellent positioning, strength, and game awareness.

Mulbah on His Game Plan and Execution

Mulbah himself credited his performance to Cincinnati’s run-heavy approach and his own commitment to “chasing the ball” to make stops. The Bearcats prioritized establishing their ground game, which gave Mulbah ample opportunity to showcase his skill set. Reflecting on the matchup, he said, “I knew it was going to be a challenge… we knew that we had to stop the run, so just chasing the ball, I would say, and getting a stop.”

A Quietly Productive Season

Although Mulbah’s 13-tackle performance was a breakout, his contributions have been steady all season. The Mountaineers faced uncertainty at the nose tackle position following Mike Lockhart’s transfer, leaving Mulbah and Hammond Russell IV to step up. Mulbah’s consistent productivity has been crucial in anchoring the line, which has been instrumental in WVU’s defensive success.

The Cincinnati game may mark a turning point for Mulbah, setting the stage for him to elevate his play as the Mountaineers approach challenging matchups against Baylor and UCF, two of the top rushing teams in the Big 12. Baylor and UCF’s ground attacks rank sixth and first, respectively, in the conference, so Mulbah’s presence in the middle will be essential.

Mulbah’s Impact in Perspective

Mulbah’s performance has not only highlighted his skills but also underscored West Virginia’s overall strength on defense. His massive day has helped WVU join an elite group: they are now one of only three Power Four teams to have two of the top 15 tacklers from the defensive tackle position, according to Sports Info Solutions. With Mulbah ranked 15th with 32 tackles and teammate T.J. Jackson at third with 34, the Mountaineers’ defensive line has become a formidable force.

Mulbah’s display against Cincinnati has not only set a new standard for his position but also opened the door for even more impactful performances as the season continues. For the Mountaineers, having a playmaker like Mulbah on the defensive line could be the key to stopping the Big 12’s top rushing attacks, and his success has made him an indispensable asset in West Virginia’s push to remain competitive in the conference.