Do not be tempted by the double digit dog. WV is superior in every phase of the game. Both teams look to run first, with Cinncy averaging 155 yds/game on the ground and WV averaging a whopping 229! The thing is, WV will not have a hard time hitting that number against Cinncy's run D, which gives up an average of 145 yards/game on the ground, but Cinncy will find it very tough going against WV's stingy run D, which is only giving up less than 95 yds/game. When you have one team that shouldn't have a problem running the ball coupled with another one that will, the result of that is a big time of possession advantage for the succesful running team, and that's what I look for here. WV also boasts a pretty decent passing D as well, giving up only 175 yds/game. That may sound a little high, but keep in mind that they have been stuffing the run and getting out to a lot of leads in games, so teams have had to throw a whole lot against them and still haven't had all that much success. Cinncy, on the other hand, has quite a porous pass D, giving up over 240 yds/game through the air. WV only averages about 130 yds/game passing but I think that is more of a function of how much success they have had running the ball than their inability to pass.
I don't look for a letdown tonight, with WV having their mind on a BCS game. I look for WV to get out to an early lead and grind down the defense. As long as they avoid costly turnovers, this one should be over by the half.
WV -13.5 (bought the hook but shouldn't need it) 5 units.
GL tonight!
I don't look for a letdown tonight, with WV having their mind on a BCS game. I look for WV to get out to an early lead and grind down the defense. As long as they avoid costly turnovers, this one should be over by the half.
WV -13.5 (bought the hook but shouldn't need it) 5 units.
GL tonight!
