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The Daily OrangeFB | Mountain men
When SU travels to West Virginia this weekend, it will need to stop these 3 players
By John Clayton
Posted: 10/9/08, 8:12 PM EST Section: Sports
Devine's big-play potential was in full display last year, when he averaged 8.6 yards a carry and ran for six scores. Nine of his 73 carries last year went for 23 yards or more.
The sophomore has shown only glimpses of that big-play potential this season, his longest scamper a 36-yarder against Marshall.
Still, Devine's swift and shifty style make him a constant threat against an SU rush defense that ranks 106th out of 119 Division I teams.
RB Jock Sanders
Jock Sanders may be listed as a running back, but he does far more than just take handoffs for the Mountaineers' offense.
Besides spelling Noel Devine now and then, the sophomore has also turned into West Virginia's most consistent threat through the air. Sanders leads WVU in receptions (24), yards (189) and receiving touchdowns (4).
Just as Devine was the Mountaineers secret offensive weapon last year, Sanders has taken the role this season.
And why not? The two players share plenty of similarities. Both are sophomores from Florida. Both are listed as 5-foot-8. And both mesh perfectly into West Virginia's spread attack, which values fast players that can be effective in the open field.
Sanders has proven to be a vital part of West Virginia's attack this year. He's scored in all three of WVU's victories, including a 14-yard reception in last week's 24-17 win over Rutgers.
Most of Sanders work is done out of the slot. Considering Syracuse's seemingly unwillingness to use a nickel package, Sanders could find himself matched up with a linebacker or safety much of the contest.
If that's the case, advantage Sanders.
jclayto@syr.edu
The sophomore has shown only glimpses of that big-play potential this season, his longest scamper a 36-yarder against Marshall.
Still, Devine's swift and shifty style make him a constant threat against an SU rush defense that ranks 106th out of 119 Division I teams.
RB Jock Sanders
Jock Sanders may be listed as a running back, but he does far more than just take handoffs for the Mountaineers' offense.
Besides spelling Noel Devine now and then, the sophomore has also turned into West Virginia's most consistent threat through the air. Sanders leads WVU in receptions (24), yards (189) and receiving touchdowns (4).
Just as Devine was the Mountaineers secret offensive weapon last year, Sanders has taken the role this season.
And why not? The two players share plenty of similarities. Both are sophomores from Florida. Both are listed as 5-foot-8. And both mesh perfectly into West Virginia's spread attack, which values fast players that can be effective in the open field.
Sanders has proven to be a vital part of West Virginia's attack this year. He's scored in all three of WVU's victories, including a 14-yard reception in last week's 24-17 win over Rutgers.
Most of Sanders work is done out of the slot. Considering Syracuse's seemingly unwillingness to use a nickel package, Sanders could find himself matched up with a linebacker or safety much of the contest.
If that's the case, advantage Sanders.
jclayto@syr.edu
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