Post by dehayes35 on Sept 27, 2007 9:58:24 GMT -5
I borrowed a friend's login ID to ESPN Insider to read a bit more about tomorrow's game.
West Virginia at South Florida Matchups
QB - WVU
RB - WVU
WR - SF
OL - WVU
DL - SF
LB - WVU
DB - SF
ST - WVU
Coach - WVU
Overall - WVU
West Virginia Offense vs. South Florida Defense
West Virginia's ground game is one of the most explosive and complex in the nation. It all starts with QB Pat White. White has a strong grasp of the blocking scheme, reaches his top speed quickly and can make defenders miss when he gets into the open field. In addition, it's essential to note that an ankle injury hindered White in the Mountaineers' loss to South Florida last year. White can keep the ball on options, when he rolls out, and on designed quarterback-keepers that can involve faking a handoff to the back. The only apprehension about his running is he is currently dealing with a sore thumb. He fumbled three times against Maryland earlier this year. At running back, Steve Slaton can go the distance every time he touches the ball and his backup true freshman Noel Devine, who is averaging 11.1 yards per carry, has wasted little time making his mark. FB Owen Schmitt may look like he is running in quicksand compared to the rest of the backfield but he's a powerful short-yardage runner who almost always falls forward. As if that's not enough for the Bulls to worry about, West Virginia also gets the ball in the hands of WR Darius Reynaud and he too is dangerous when he gets into space. As a result, a South Florida run defense anchored by ILB Ben Moffitt must play with discipline without sacrificing aggressiveness and that's easier said than done. The good news for Bulls fans is they have the talent at corner to match up in man coverage and move a safety up to strengthen the defensive front.
Don't expect White to repeat his 18-for-20 performance from last weekend against this secondary. Experienced DCs Trae Williams and Mike Jenkins can hold their own when South Florida leaves them on an island. West Virginia won't have much success creating favorable matchups for White to exploit when it spreads the field either since nckel back Jerome Murphy and No. 4 Tyller Roberts provide excellent depth. In addition, FS Nate Allen can play a centerfielder-type role (he has two picks on the year). Keeping that in mind, White should have hold onto the ball longer than usual and that's reason for concern. DE George Selvie has more sacks (8½) than any other player in the nation and the ability of the corners to hold up in man coverage gives defensive coordinator Wally Burnham the freedom to blitz. However, it's imperative that the corners don't get lulled to sleep by the running game and that they wrap up upon contact. If they get caught biting on play action or miss a tackle, Reynaud and No. 2 Dorrell Jalloh are fast enough to make them pay. With the receivers having problems getting open, White should continue to keep his backs involved and all three catch the ball fairly well.
South Florida Offense vs. West Virginia Defense
Few teams rely on one player as much as South Florida leans on QB Matt Grothe, who leads the team in rushing attempts and has thrown for 652 yards as well as four touchdowns. Grothe excels at using his eyes, feet and posture to sell the pass when running quarterback draws out of the Bulls' shotgun formations and spread sets. He also reads his blocks well and can make the first defender miss when running straight-up quarterback keepers so a talented linebacker crops that has played well thus far can't get caught out of position. Either Benjamin Williams or Mike Ford generally gets the carry when Grothe doesn't handle it. Williams is a balanced runner who makes crisp cuts but Ford is more explosive and has been more productive thus far. It's also worth noting that while the backs can run out of shotgun formations, the Bulls generally go to more traditional sets when they get the call. In fact, South Florida can go to the wishbone in short-yardage situations, especially when it gets close to the goal line.
One of Grothe's biggest strengths is also one of his biggest weaknesses and that's his ability to improvise. It's great when he has a defender draped over him and he finds a way to wing the ball to one of his receivers for an improbable completion. The problem is he takes too many chances and he will throw the ball up for grabs in an effort to make a big play. Though the gunslinger has yet to throw an interception, it's only a matter of time if he continues to be reckless with the ball, and West Virginia comes into this game with five interceptions. In addition, both OLBs Marc Magro and Mortty Ivy have four sacks this year. Their ability to provide pressure off the edge should force Grothe to step up and he is far less effective in the pocket because at just 6-foot tall he has a hard time seeing the entire field. All of that said, the Mountaineers need to stay disciplined and tackle well. Grothe throws well on the run so the linebackers cannot be overaggressive and fill before he crosses the line of scrimmage. WR Amarri Jackson is a tough open-field runner who can pick up yards while dragging defenders with him and both backs can create after the catch.
Special Teams
The South Florida punting duties belonged to Justin Teachey at the start the season but a sub-par average of just 35.4 yards forced the Bulls to turn to place kicker Delbe Alvarado and the move has paid off thus far. Alvarado has improved that average by more then nine yards per punt. Although Alvarado has improved the punting unit, there are concerns about accuracy on field goal attempts, especially in big games like this week's matchup. For the season Alvarado has connected on just five of his nine field goals. All four misses came against Auburn where Alvarado missed three, including one from 21 yards out and one that was blocked. Teachey still handles the kickoffs and has recorded one touchback in 18 tries. He will have to be at his best because West Virginia has three dangerous kickoff return men in Noel Devine, Darius Reynaud and Vaughn Rivers. Rivers also handles punt returns and is averaging 11.2 yards a return. This could be a cause for concern because the Bulls' punt and kickoff coverage is at the bottom end of the nation statistically.
Pat McAfee handles all of the kicking duties for the Mountaineers. As the place kicker, McAfee has knocked three of his four field goal attempt though the uprights. However, it's worth pointing out that the lone miss came from just 22 yards out. On kickoffs, McAfee displays a strong leg recording three touchbacks on 32 kickoffs this season. McAfee averages just 36 yards per punt attempt but displays good accuracy placing four of his 12 attempts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Don't expect many long returns from the Bulls whether McAfee is kicking off or punting. Jerome Murphy and Taurus Johnson handle the kickoff return duties for South Florida and average just 20 yards an attempt. Handling punt returns for the Bulls is Marcus Edwards, who averages close to nine yards an attempt. In addition, West Virginia's kick coverage has been up to par this season.
Scouts' Edge
South Florida held West Virginia to 132 yards on 37 carries last year so it has shown it can slow down the vaunted Mountaineer running game. However, don't expect history to repeat itself, as West Virginia's ground game will lead it to victory this week. First off, QB White is healthy making him more of a threat and that will help keep the Bulls honest rather than focusing on RBs Slaton and Devine. Secondly, West Virginia can now spell Slaton with Devine without losing any firepower. Thirdly, WR Reynaud broke a 57-yard run against South Florida last year and is running well. So though the Bulls' run defense won't get gashed it will surrender enough big plays for the Mountaineers to get the win. There is just too much talent to contain over four quarters.
Key individual matchup
West Virginia LOT Ryan Stancheck vs. South Florida DE George Selvie
Stancheck is capable of controlling the point of attack and driving Selvie off the ball when West Virginia runs behind him. That should come as no surprise considering he is 58 pounds heavier than Selvie, who has a tendency to stand up coming out of his stance. However, Selvie will turn the tables on Stancheck when the Mountaineers drop back to pass. Stancheck is an efficient pass blocker who can ride edge rushers past the pocket but the former guard isn't quite quick enough to prevent the speedy Selvie from turning the corner. Widening his split and/or kicking out wide at the snap of the ball will only open the inside for Selvie who has the explosiveness and smarts to shoot inside if he sees Stancheck trying to take away the outside. Look for West Virginia to frequently roll QB White away out to the right effectively forcing Selvie to cover more ground as a result. In addition, the left-handed White will be able to see Selvie coming at him most of the time. He has to be willing to tuck the ball or throw it away when Selvie closes in considering his recent fumbling problems.
Prediction: Mountaineers 27, Bulls 21
West Virginia at South Florida Matchups
QB - WVU
RB - WVU
WR - SF
OL - WVU
DL - SF
LB - WVU
DB - SF
ST - WVU
Coach - WVU
Overall - WVU
West Virginia Offense vs. South Florida Defense
West Virginia's ground game is one of the most explosive and complex in the nation. It all starts with QB Pat White. White has a strong grasp of the blocking scheme, reaches his top speed quickly and can make defenders miss when he gets into the open field. In addition, it's essential to note that an ankle injury hindered White in the Mountaineers' loss to South Florida last year. White can keep the ball on options, when he rolls out, and on designed quarterback-keepers that can involve faking a handoff to the back. The only apprehension about his running is he is currently dealing with a sore thumb. He fumbled three times against Maryland earlier this year. At running back, Steve Slaton can go the distance every time he touches the ball and his backup true freshman Noel Devine, who is averaging 11.1 yards per carry, has wasted little time making his mark. FB Owen Schmitt may look like he is running in quicksand compared to the rest of the backfield but he's a powerful short-yardage runner who almost always falls forward. As if that's not enough for the Bulls to worry about, West Virginia also gets the ball in the hands of WR Darius Reynaud and he too is dangerous when he gets into space. As a result, a South Florida run defense anchored by ILB Ben Moffitt must play with discipline without sacrificing aggressiveness and that's easier said than done. The good news for Bulls fans is they have the talent at corner to match up in man coverage and move a safety up to strengthen the defensive front.
Don't expect White to repeat his 18-for-20 performance from last weekend against this secondary. Experienced DCs Trae Williams and Mike Jenkins can hold their own when South Florida leaves them on an island. West Virginia won't have much success creating favorable matchups for White to exploit when it spreads the field either since nckel back Jerome Murphy and No. 4 Tyller Roberts provide excellent depth. In addition, FS Nate Allen can play a centerfielder-type role (he has two picks on the year). Keeping that in mind, White should have hold onto the ball longer than usual and that's reason for concern. DE George Selvie has more sacks (8½) than any other player in the nation and the ability of the corners to hold up in man coverage gives defensive coordinator Wally Burnham the freedom to blitz. However, it's imperative that the corners don't get lulled to sleep by the running game and that they wrap up upon contact. If they get caught biting on play action or miss a tackle, Reynaud and No. 2 Dorrell Jalloh are fast enough to make them pay. With the receivers having problems getting open, White should continue to keep his backs involved and all three catch the ball fairly well.
South Florida Offense vs. West Virginia Defense
Few teams rely on one player as much as South Florida leans on QB Matt Grothe, who leads the team in rushing attempts and has thrown for 652 yards as well as four touchdowns. Grothe excels at using his eyes, feet and posture to sell the pass when running quarterback draws out of the Bulls' shotgun formations and spread sets. He also reads his blocks well and can make the first defender miss when running straight-up quarterback keepers so a talented linebacker crops that has played well thus far can't get caught out of position. Either Benjamin Williams or Mike Ford generally gets the carry when Grothe doesn't handle it. Williams is a balanced runner who makes crisp cuts but Ford is more explosive and has been more productive thus far. It's also worth noting that while the backs can run out of shotgun formations, the Bulls generally go to more traditional sets when they get the call. In fact, South Florida can go to the wishbone in short-yardage situations, especially when it gets close to the goal line.
One of Grothe's biggest strengths is also one of his biggest weaknesses and that's his ability to improvise. It's great when he has a defender draped over him and he finds a way to wing the ball to one of his receivers for an improbable completion. The problem is he takes too many chances and he will throw the ball up for grabs in an effort to make a big play. Though the gunslinger has yet to throw an interception, it's only a matter of time if he continues to be reckless with the ball, and West Virginia comes into this game with five interceptions. In addition, both OLBs Marc Magro and Mortty Ivy have four sacks this year. Their ability to provide pressure off the edge should force Grothe to step up and he is far less effective in the pocket because at just 6-foot tall he has a hard time seeing the entire field. All of that said, the Mountaineers need to stay disciplined and tackle well. Grothe throws well on the run so the linebackers cannot be overaggressive and fill before he crosses the line of scrimmage. WR Amarri Jackson is a tough open-field runner who can pick up yards while dragging defenders with him and both backs can create after the catch.
Special Teams
The South Florida punting duties belonged to Justin Teachey at the start the season but a sub-par average of just 35.4 yards forced the Bulls to turn to place kicker Delbe Alvarado and the move has paid off thus far. Alvarado has improved that average by more then nine yards per punt. Although Alvarado has improved the punting unit, there are concerns about accuracy on field goal attempts, especially in big games like this week's matchup. For the season Alvarado has connected on just five of his nine field goals. All four misses came against Auburn where Alvarado missed three, including one from 21 yards out and one that was blocked. Teachey still handles the kickoffs and has recorded one touchback in 18 tries. He will have to be at his best because West Virginia has three dangerous kickoff return men in Noel Devine, Darius Reynaud and Vaughn Rivers. Rivers also handles punt returns and is averaging 11.2 yards a return. This could be a cause for concern because the Bulls' punt and kickoff coverage is at the bottom end of the nation statistically.
Pat McAfee handles all of the kicking duties for the Mountaineers. As the place kicker, McAfee has knocked three of his four field goal attempt though the uprights. However, it's worth pointing out that the lone miss came from just 22 yards out. On kickoffs, McAfee displays a strong leg recording three touchbacks on 32 kickoffs this season. McAfee averages just 36 yards per punt attempt but displays good accuracy placing four of his 12 attempts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Don't expect many long returns from the Bulls whether McAfee is kicking off or punting. Jerome Murphy and Taurus Johnson handle the kickoff return duties for South Florida and average just 20 yards an attempt. Handling punt returns for the Bulls is Marcus Edwards, who averages close to nine yards an attempt. In addition, West Virginia's kick coverage has been up to par this season.
Scouts' Edge
South Florida held West Virginia to 132 yards on 37 carries last year so it has shown it can slow down the vaunted Mountaineer running game. However, don't expect history to repeat itself, as West Virginia's ground game will lead it to victory this week. First off, QB White is healthy making him more of a threat and that will help keep the Bulls honest rather than focusing on RBs Slaton and Devine. Secondly, West Virginia can now spell Slaton with Devine without losing any firepower. Thirdly, WR Reynaud broke a 57-yard run against South Florida last year and is running well. So though the Bulls' run defense won't get gashed it will surrender enough big plays for the Mountaineers to get the win. There is just too much talent to contain over four quarters.
Key individual matchup
West Virginia LOT Ryan Stancheck vs. South Florida DE George Selvie
Stancheck is capable of controlling the point of attack and driving Selvie off the ball when West Virginia runs behind him. That should come as no surprise considering he is 58 pounds heavier than Selvie, who has a tendency to stand up coming out of his stance. However, Selvie will turn the tables on Stancheck when the Mountaineers drop back to pass. Stancheck is an efficient pass blocker who can ride edge rushers past the pocket but the former guard isn't quite quick enough to prevent the speedy Selvie from turning the corner. Widening his split and/or kicking out wide at the snap of the ball will only open the inside for Selvie who has the explosiveness and smarts to shoot inside if he sees Stancheck trying to take away the outside. Look for West Virginia to frequently roll QB White away out to the right effectively forcing Selvie to cover more ground as a result. In addition, the left-handed White will be able to see Selvie coming at him most of the time. He has to be willing to tuck the ball or throw it away when Selvie closes in considering his recent fumbling problems.
Prediction: Mountaineers 27, Bulls 21
