WVU looks to avenge OT loss at Colorado
Buffaloes’ pay first-ever visit to Mountaineer Field on Oct. 1By JIM BUTTA, jbutta@newsandsentinel.com
BOULDER, Colo.-West Virginia plays the first of five games in the month of October against a University of Colorado Buffaloes team that ended any hope of a Mountaineer run for a national title by dumping a lethargic WVU squad by a 17-14 overtime score in 2008.
Senior quarterback Patrick White (19 carries, 148 yards) and sophomore runningback Noel Devine (26-133) became the first pair of backs to eclipse the 100-yard plateau in the same game against the Buffaloes since the 2002 season, but a missed 23-yard field goal by senior Pat McAfee to open the overtime period doomed the gold and blue to its second loss of the season.
Ironically, the two programs headed in different directions following that game as Colorado proceeded to drop seven of its final nine to fall out of any postseason play while WVU went on to capture a 31-30 win over North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
The following is a breakdown of what Mountaineer fans can expect to see from the Buffaloes in 2009:
Offense (Multiple Set)
The good news for fans of the University of Colorado football is that 10 starters return for the Buffaloes. The bad news is that they are the same ones that ranked No. 95 in total offense (318.5 yards per game) and No. 100 in scoring (20.2), averaging only 124.5 yards per contest rushing (No. 86) and 194.0 passing (No. 81).
Gone from last year's unit are center Daniel Sanders and wide receiver Patrick White, who started eight games in '08.
Returning for his junior season under center is quarterback Cody Hawkins, who completed 183-of-320 attempts for 1,892 yards and 17 touchdowns, but also tossed 10 interceptions, as well as sophomore Tyler Hansen (34-of-65, 280 yards), who finished the spring neck-and-neck with Hawkins for the starting nod.
The running game appears to be in great hands as well with the return of sophomores Rodney Stewart (132 carries, 622 yards) and Darrell Scott (87-343) as well as junior Demetrius Sumler (63-251) and sophomore Brian Lockridge.
Whoever wins the quarterbacking duties will also have an experienced group of receivers led by juniors Josh Smith (29 catches, 387 yards) and McKnight and will have a veteran front line to protect them anchored by junior left tackle Nate Solder (6-9, 300).
Defense (4-3 base)
A major, major concern for the Buffaloes' coaching staff as only five starters return from a unit thatranked No. 78 in total defense in 2008 (381.6 yards per game).
Colorado, which surrendered 166.3 yards per game rushing (No. 86), will have to replace all four starters up front and return cornerbacks Cha'pelle Brown, Jalil Brown and Benjamin Burney from a secondary which gave up an average of 215.3 yards per outing (No. 72).
A plus is the return of inside linebackers Shaun Mohler and Jeff Smart, but things could go bad very quickly for the Buffaloes against a Mountaineer offense which showed marked improvement during Bill Stewart's first year as head coach.
Special Teams
The hero of last year's overtime win, placekicker Aric Goodman, is back
But, other than the 25-yarder he connected on to beat the Mountaineers, the Buffaloes' specialist made good on only 5-of-14 attempts in 2008 and led CU in scoring with a measly 45 kicking points.
Gone is punter Tom Suazo leaving the duties to fifth-year senior Matt DiLallo, who averaged 40.49 yards per punt on 41 attempts a year ago.
The return game appears to be in solid hands with the return of junior Josh Smith
Next Opponent: The Orange from Syracuse University.
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withrowsp
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07-06-09 12:39 PM
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"The return game appears to be in solid hands with the return of junior Josh Smith" Eh.... Jim, I don't think so. Josh Smith is transferring to UCLA or USC.
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