Post by elp525 on Sept 16, 2011 4:46:25 GMT -5
September 15, 2011
By Mitch Vingle
The Charleston Gazette
Quarterbacks
Neat comparison here ... Maryland's Danny O'Brien played at the end of last season's game against WVU and didn't attempt a pass, but he went on to win ACC Rookie of the Year honors after passing for 2,438 yards and 22 touchdowns. Against Miami, he completed 31-of-44 passes for 348. Still, give the nod to WVU's Geno Smith, who leads the Big East in passing yards, total offense and pass efficiency.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Running backs
West Virginia still seems to be sorting out its tailback situation. Freshman Vernard Roberts has 24 carries for 76 yards in two games, while Andrew Buie has 37 on 19 tries. Dustin Garrison and Trey Johnson are also in the mix. Maryland, meanwhile, gives 5-foot-9, 215-pound Davin Meggett most of the load. He had 92 yards on 21 carries against Miami.
EDGE: Terrapins
Receivers
Both teams spread the ball nicely to their receivers. Maryland is led by 6-2 junior Kevin Dorsey, who has eight catches for 124 yards. Running mates Quintin McCree and Ronnie Tyler, though, have seven and six, respectively. Don't forget tight end Matt Furstenburg, who has four catches. WVU, though, has more talent in Tavon Austin, Ivan McCartney, Devon Brown and Stedman Bailey.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Offensive line
There's not much of a comparison here. While WVU's pass protection has been fine (two sacks allowed in two games), Joe Madsen, Don Barclay and the rest of the Mountaineer linemen are pushing for an average of but 72 rushing yards. Maryland's line isn't big by today's standards, but left tackle Max Garcia and company pushed for 151 rushing yards and allowed no sacks against Miami.
EDGE: Terrapins
Defensive line
Maryland has a couple nice linemen along its four-man front in Joe Vellano, a 6-2, 285-pound tackle, and A.J. Francis, a 6-4, 295-pound tackle. End Dave Mackall had two tackles for loss against Miami. WVU's Bruce Irvin and Julian Miller have accounted for only one sack (Irvin), but the line is allowing an average of 80 rushing yards.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Linebackers
Kenny Tate is Maryland's "star" or strong-side 'backer. And, lo and behold, he's the defense's star, nominated for many national honors. As one would hope, UM's trio of linebackers -- Darin Drakeford, Demetrius Hartsfield and Tate -- lead the Terps in tackles. WVU's leading linebacker is Najee Goode, fourth on his team with 10. Casey Vance and Doug Rigg have a combined 11.
EDGE: Terrapins
Secondary
As always, one has to consider the opposition. Against Marshall and Norfolk State, WVU's secondary allowed an average of 156 passing yards. Against Miami, Maryland allowed 195. Call that a push. The Terrapins have a nice cornerback in Cameron Chism, who had a pick and 54-yard return against Miami. WVU, with no interceptions, has been led by safety Darwin Cook (15 tackles).
EDGE: Terrapins
Special teams
Both teams have hit 4-of-5 field goal attempts. The punting is even. Maryland has been better in kickoff and punt return defense. West Virginia, however, has the Tavon Austin factor. He's averaging 22 yards a punt return and 48 yards per kickoff return. Maryland's Justus Pickett is averaging 15.6 yards on five kickoff returns.
EDGE: Mountaineers
By Mitch Vingle
The Charleston Gazette
Quarterbacks
Neat comparison here ... Maryland's Danny O'Brien played at the end of last season's game against WVU and didn't attempt a pass, but he went on to win ACC Rookie of the Year honors after passing for 2,438 yards and 22 touchdowns. Against Miami, he completed 31-of-44 passes for 348. Still, give the nod to WVU's Geno Smith, who leads the Big East in passing yards, total offense and pass efficiency.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Running backs
West Virginia still seems to be sorting out its tailback situation. Freshman Vernard Roberts has 24 carries for 76 yards in two games, while Andrew Buie has 37 on 19 tries. Dustin Garrison and Trey Johnson are also in the mix. Maryland, meanwhile, gives 5-foot-9, 215-pound Davin Meggett most of the load. He had 92 yards on 21 carries against Miami.
EDGE: Terrapins
Receivers
Both teams spread the ball nicely to their receivers. Maryland is led by 6-2 junior Kevin Dorsey, who has eight catches for 124 yards. Running mates Quintin McCree and Ronnie Tyler, though, have seven and six, respectively. Don't forget tight end Matt Furstenburg, who has four catches. WVU, though, has more talent in Tavon Austin, Ivan McCartney, Devon Brown and Stedman Bailey.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Offensive line
There's not much of a comparison here. While WVU's pass protection has been fine (two sacks allowed in two games), Joe Madsen, Don Barclay and the rest of the Mountaineer linemen are pushing for an average of but 72 rushing yards. Maryland's line isn't big by today's standards, but left tackle Max Garcia and company pushed for 151 rushing yards and allowed no sacks against Miami.
EDGE: Terrapins
Defensive line
Maryland has a couple nice linemen along its four-man front in Joe Vellano, a 6-2, 285-pound tackle, and A.J. Francis, a 6-4, 295-pound tackle. End Dave Mackall had two tackles for loss against Miami. WVU's Bruce Irvin and Julian Miller have accounted for only one sack (Irvin), but the line is allowing an average of 80 rushing yards.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Linebackers
Kenny Tate is Maryland's "star" or strong-side 'backer. And, lo and behold, he's the defense's star, nominated for many national honors. As one would hope, UM's trio of linebackers -- Darin Drakeford, Demetrius Hartsfield and Tate -- lead the Terps in tackles. WVU's leading linebacker is Najee Goode, fourth on his team with 10. Casey Vance and Doug Rigg have a combined 11.
EDGE: Terrapins
Secondary
As always, one has to consider the opposition. Against Marshall and Norfolk State, WVU's secondary allowed an average of 156 passing yards. Against Miami, Maryland allowed 195. Call that a push. The Terrapins have a nice cornerback in Cameron Chism, who had a pick and 54-yard return against Miami. WVU, with no interceptions, has been led by safety Darwin Cook (15 tackles).
EDGE: Terrapins
Special teams
Both teams have hit 4-of-5 field goal attempts. The punting is even. Maryland has been better in kickoff and punt return defense. West Virginia, however, has the Tavon Austin factor. He's averaging 22 yards a punt return and 48 yards per kickoff return. Maryland's Justus Pickett is averaging 15.6 yards on five kickoff returns.
EDGE: Mountaineers
