West Virginiaat
Colorado
Colorado
(Thursday, 7:30 pm, ESPN)
West Virginia seems to be suffering from an identity crisis so far in the Bill Stewart era. Not only are the Mountaineers averaging a very un-West Virginia-like 164 yards rushing per game, they have been outgained by East Carolina and Villanova(!) in their two games this season. The defense hasn't been very good and for some reason they seem to be trying to turn Pat White into a pocket passer.
Colorado quarterback Cody Hawkins enters the game on a hot streak, completing over 70% of his passes so far in this young season. He's a gamer who has a bolstered rushing attack behind him thanks to the addition of highly touted true freshman Darrell Scott. Scott hasn't had that breakout game yet, but the West Virginia defense and a thursday night ESPN audience might be just the right time.
The bottom line is this: if West Virginia returns to the same offensive game plan that won them 33 games over the last three years, Pat White and Noel Devine will lead a speedy ground attack that will stay one step ahead of the Buffaloes on the scoreboard. If not, Colorado will have every opportunity to win it in front of what is sure to be a rowdy, drunken home crowd. I'll err on the side of what I've seen so far this season (offensive game plans by the WVU staff that don't take advantage of the talent on hand) and go with the home team.
J.Pike's Pick: Colorado 31, West Virginia 27
Colorado quarterback Cody Hawkins enters the game on a hot streak, completing over 70% of his passes so far in this young season. He's a gamer who has a bolstered rushing attack behind him thanks to the addition of highly touted true freshman Darrell Scott. Scott hasn't had that breakout game yet, but the West Virginia defense and a thursday night ESPN audience might be just the right time.
The bottom line is this: if West Virginia returns to the same offensive game plan that won them 33 games over the last three years, Pat White and Noel Devine will lead a speedy ground attack that will stay one step ahead of the Buffaloes on the scoreboard. If not, Colorado will have every opportunity to win it in front of what is sure to be a rowdy, drunken home crowd. I'll err on the side of what I've seen so far this season (offensive game plans by the WVU staff that don't take advantage of the talent on hand) and go with the home team.
J.Pike's Pick: Colorado 31, West Virginia 27
2 comments:
I didn't get here in time but have to do the honor system. I had Colorado -3, if you know anything about me its that W Virginia is overrated and Pat White is soft, and I am on board with Cody Hawkins.
I also had Kansas St. -4 and Louisville actually showed up. So the record for Week 4 stands at 1-1.
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