Syracuse is on to game 4 of 6 straight at home. We hope the crowd attendance is better than last week. I know there were 41K announced but it looked more like 35K in the seats. Read along with Reyes39 and LvilleOrange for the skinny on this week’s game.

When: Saturday October 10th, 2009 – 12:00 PM Eastern

Where: Syracuse, New York in the Carrier Dome

Capacity: 49,262

Television: ESPN Regional – Time Warner 26

Tailgating information: TexanMarks Tailgate Guide

WV Reading Material: Via pacusefan

The Spread: West Virginia -10.

Rivalry info: This is one of Syracuse’s longtime rivals. The Orange lead the overall series 30-26. West Virginia has won the last 7 games including last season’s 17-6 win in Morgantown. Alltime: WV 676-447-45. Syracuse: 676-475-49 (Same number of alltime wins!)

Coaches: WV – Bill Stewart – 2nd season at WV (13-5 overall.) Syracuse- Doug Marrone – 1st season at Syracuse (2-3 overall.)

Syracuse Offense vs WV Defense: As we all know – the story to last weeks game was turnovers. All seven of them. Although the Orange continually shot themselves in the foot – overall they actually had one of their better outings of the season. In the Orange’s first four games of the season the offense was only able to convert a grand total of nine third down conversions. On Saturday against the Bulls they were able to match that number going 9/15 on third down against probably the best defense they’ll face all season. Once again the Orange were unable to find many holes running the ball and only gained 75 yards on the ground. This week the Orange face another tough Run D that ranks T-13th in the nation yielding only 87.75 per game. Both Colorado and Auburn were able to find a few holes in DL Scooter Berrys absence – but he is listed as probable this week against the Orange. Sophomore DL Julian Miller is another ‘Neer to keep an eye on as he averages a tackle for loss a game and has tallied three sacks on the season. Carter continues to run well and break off first contact – but the Offensive Line just isn’t giving him much to work with. Bailey has had some success on the edges both running the ball and on screens. I don’t like the thought off taking carries away from Carter – but giving the speedy Bailey an additional 4-5 carries could only help open up a few gaps between the tackles.

It seems the key to the Syracuse offense this week lies in the hands of Greg Paulus. In two of the Orange’s losses he has thrown critical interceptions. The one in OT against Minnesota and five against South Florida – one which was returned for a TD and completely handed all momentum to the Bulls.  I’m not pinning him for those losses – but you aren’t going to win games trying to force things that aren’t there. Not many QB’s in the college game can fit the ball where has has tried to. He might have been able to pull off those types of passes in High School – but he needs to stay within his capabilities and take what he can. However little that may be. An incomplete pass or even an intentional grounding at least gives you another opportunity. Luckily – he could get away with a few of those mistakes against a ‘Neer secondary that ranks 94th giving up almost 250 pass yards per game. Williams has quickly reasserted himself as one of the nations top receivers in the nation – ranking in the top 5-10 in almost every WR category. Expect the Orange to stick with their game plan which basically consists getting Mike Williams the ball.

WV Offense vs Syracuse Defense: The Mountaineers were really trying to change their image offensively this season. Bill Stewart wanted to take advantage of QB Jarret Brown’s rocket arm and open up the offense. Well the experiment has had mixed results. Yes the Mountaineers are still piling on yards, averaging a robust 465 yards per game. However the team has been plagued by turnovers, especially by Brown who has 5 INTs and WV is -8 in turnover margin, worst in the conference. Fortunately Noel Devine is still on the team. Devine has finally seen his touches increase and he leads the conference in rushing at 135 yards per game. He already has 6 TDs and a long run of 77 yards. He salted away last season’s win with that 90 yard scamper to foil any chance of an Orange upset. This week’s WRs sure to torch the Orange secondary are Jock Sanders (32 catches, 327 yards, 2TDs) and Bradley Starks (12 catches, 243 yards 1 TD). West Virginia also likes speedy frosh Tavon Austin. If Brown can keep the Syracuse Dline from corralling him like BJ Daniels was able to do last week, the Mountaineers should have no trouble moving the ball this week.

Syracuse gets a bit healthier on defense this week as Brandon Sharpe should return to the DE rotation. There has been pressure on QBs but not much in the way of sacks by the front four. Sharpe should be a boost there. Da’mon Merkerson could see some time in the secondary replacing Nico Scott or not. Both Nico and Kevyn have been targeted for deep throws by opposing teams as Syracuse’s safeties have been committed to run support and not to deep coverage. I don’t expect Scott Shafer to change philosophy at this point. Maybe with a lead, but I still expect the defense to be aggressive first. It would be great if Derrell Smith, Doug Hogue and Ryan Gillum were able to contain Devine without Holmes and Suter always rushing in. DT Art Jones may be less of a factor this week as WV likes to run to the edges more than testing the belly of the defense.

Why Syracuse will win: The ‘Neers continue to turn the ball over and the Orange don’t. The Orange live up to their top 15 rush defense rating and keep Devine under wraps. Paulus is back with a vengeance after last weeks performances and Mike Williams continues to put up gaudy numbers (well, that’ll probably happen win or lose.)

Why WV will win: The Mountaineers are able to pile up the yards against the Orange defense and for once doesn’t destroy itself with turnovers. Noel Devine busts open a few big runs. The Orange continues to struggle running the football and is unable to put the game away.

Syracuse player to watch: Well – every week this should be Mike Williams – but thats a given. This week we’ll keep an eye on the “Scott Brothers” in Kevyn and Nico Scott. DaMon Merkerson is back at CB and threatens to nab a starting roll after the two Orange corners have repeatedly been burnt. Hopefully the threat of Merkerson taking their job lights a fire under their butts this weekend.

WV player to watch: Scooter Berry should be back on defense for WV. An active Dlineman with a nose for the QB, he should have a chance to rack up a sack or two. On offense Jarret Brown’s ability to limit turnovers will be a key factor in this week’s game.

Reyes39 Prediction: This series is starting to even out a little bit but WVU still a few steps ahead. WVU 31 ‘Cuse 17

LVO Prediction: Should be a very exciting game in the dome. I want to pick the Cuse but can’t. The Ben trophy stays with the Mountaineers. WV 27 Syracuse 24.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 2:06 am by Sean N. . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.