Game Preview: WVU vs. Bowling Green

WVU is looking to bounce back after losing their first game to LSU.  Luckily for the Mountaineers they are playing Bowling Green who has yet to beat a formidable opponent.  This is also a chance for the Mountaineers to get their defense back on track as well as work on some of their special teams play.

  Last week against the Tigers the Mountaineers were unable to force a turnover or get a sack.  This week seems like they will get back on track, since Bowling Green is not the same caliber team as LSU.  Bowling Green quarterback Matt Schilz has already thrown four interceptions this year and the Mountaineers will have to take advantage of that.  Bowling Green’s main running back Anthon Samuel who has 428 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.  So backup Jordan Hopgood might be getting most of the carries for the Eagles, he too has 3 touchdowns on the season.  Last week the Mountaineers almost allowed 100 yards to each of LSU's running backs so hopefully they have focused on bringing down players in the backfield.  Tackling was also an issue as the Mountaineers struggled to record a sack or drop players where they stood. 

Another area the Mountaineers have to improve on is their special teams play.  Last week they allowed a 99 yard kick return by Morris Claiborne.  Claiborne had a total of 154 return yards in the game.  The Mountaineers’ offensive special teams play was decent with Tavon Austin getting 100 yards off kick returns.  Both the special teams and defense have to improve on their tackling as many missed tackles lead to the 99 yard kick return.     

One positive aspect to look forward to is how well Geno Smith has done at adjusting to the offensive system that Dana Holgorsen brought with him.  Smith has already thrown for 1471 yards and 9 touchdowns.  Against Maryland Smith threw for a career high 388 yards then just last week broke that record by throwing for 463 yards.  While that is hard to beat Smith should have no problem either tying it or surpassing it since Bowling Green has allowed pretty big passing yards to less superior teams.  The Mountaineers will also have to run the ball more as they are currently ranked 115th gaining only 76.5 yards a game on the ground. 

 If the Mountaineers want to bounce back in a big way they will have to run the ball in order to breakdown Bowling Green's defense so that they can destroy them in the later quarters with the pass.  Smith should be able to bomb some passes deep so that the Mountaineers’ receivers can burn the Bowling Green secondary.  Their defense will also have to create turnovers, get sacks, and make big tackles if they want to keep Bowling Green’s offense off the field and off the scoreboard.          

 Prediction: WVU-34  Bowling Green-14

 Player of the Game: Geno Smith  19-25  375 yards  3TDs