The Daily OrangeTale of the tape: West Virginia
By Staff
Posted: 10/9/09, 2:40 AM EST Section: Sports
Quarterbacks
It was bound to happen, a disastrous performance by Greg Paulus. After being away from the game for four years, a five-interception game like last weekend was bound to happen. Syracuse hopes he got it out of his system. Outside of a similar implosion against Auburn, Jarrett Brown has been very efficient for West Virginia. Both quarterbacks have one go-to receiver and are very accurate. Call this one a draw.
Advantage: Even
Running Backs
After a disappointing first half last week against Colorado, Noel Devine gave his head coach a message - "Give me the rock." Roger that. Devine finished with 220 yards and WVU won 35-24. Delone Carter has been solid, if not spectacular, but Devine gets the nod here. In two years he has made Steve Slaton nothing but a distant memory.
Advantage: West Virginia
Wide Receivers
Single coverage, double coverage, zone, it really hasn't mattered. Mike Williams keeps getting open and keeps making plays. After last week's 14-catch performance, the junior wideout now leads the Big East in receptions and receiving yards. Five-foot-seven Jock Sanders had a similar explosion two weeks ago against Auburn (12 rec., 115 yards, 1 touchdown), but he's no Williams. Expect Syracuse to go to Williams throughout Saturday's game. It'd be nice if Alec Lemon, Donte Davis or another wideout stepped up, but it might not matter.
Advantage: Syracuse
OFFENSIVE LINE: West Virginia is averaging 208.5 yards on the ground and it's offensive line has paved the way for 10 rushing touchdowns. It has also only yielded six sacks. Syracuse's offensive line, while improving, has given up 12 sacks and only averages 94 yards on the ground. SU needs its running game and o-line to get going.
Advantage: West Virginia
DEFENSIVE LINE: Both units are especially stout against the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Syracuse is better in each category, though, with one more sack on the season and allowing almost five yards fewer on the ground per game. Syracuse has the advantage, but needs Art Jones at full health.
It was bound to happen, a disastrous performance by Greg Paulus. After being away from the game for four years, a five-interception game like last weekend was bound to happen. Syracuse hopes he got it out of his system. Outside of a similar implosion against Auburn, Jarrett Brown has been very efficient for West Virginia. Both quarterbacks have one go-to receiver and are very accurate. Call this one a draw.
Advantage: Even
Running Backs
After a disappointing first half last week against Colorado, Noel Devine gave his head coach a message - "Give me the rock." Roger that. Devine finished with 220 yards and WVU won 35-24. Delone Carter has been solid, if not spectacular, but Devine gets the nod here. In two years he has made Steve Slaton nothing but a distant memory.
Advantage: West Virginia
Wide Receivers
Single coverage, double coverage, zone, it really hasn't mattered. Mike Williams keeps getting open and keeps making plays. After last week's 14-catch performance, the junior wideout now leads the Big East in receptions and receiving yards. Five-foot-seven Jock Sanders had a similar explosion two weeks ago against Auburn (12 rec., 115 yards, 1 touchdown), but he's no Williams. Expect Syracuse to go to Williams throughout Saturday's game. It'd be nice if Alec Lemon, Donte Davis or another wideout stepped up, but it might not matter.
Advantage: Syracuse
OFFENSIVE LINE: West Virginia is averaging 208.5 yards on the ground and it's offensive line has paved the way for 10 rushing touchdowns. It has also only yielded six sacks. Syracuse's offensive line, while improving, has given up 12 sacks and only averages 94 yards on the ground. SU needs its running game and o-line to get going.
Advantage: West Virginia
DEFENSIVE LINE: Both units are especially stout against the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Syracuse is better in each category, though, with one more sack on the season and allowing almost five yards fewer on the ground per game. Syracuse has the advantage, but needs Art Jones at full health.
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