BIG EAST FOOTBALL PREVIEW: WEEK #2 WEST VIRGINIA

September 4, 2008


This might be the most interesting game on the schedule for the second weekend amongst Big East teams as West Virginia heads to East Carolina to take on the upstart Pirates.

ECU got the nation's attention last week with their upset of nationally ranked Virginia Tech by giving the Hokies a little taste of their own medicine with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown that provided the winning points in the 27-22 upset.

This match-up is an annual rivalry that has not been that competitive in recent seasons. West Virginia has won the last six encounters by an average score of 39-12, including 48-7 last season. However, looking over the Sportsbook listings for the 2008 edition of the WVU/ECU rivalry, most oddsmakers believe the Pirates are ready to give WVU more of a game with the line coming in around 8 points in favor of the Mountaineers.

ECU limited Va Tech to just 243 yards of total offense and 12 first downs last week. While it is really tough to judge the WVU offense in week #1 against 1-AA Villanova, there is definitely a philosophical change from the Rich Rod era to the play calling of coach Stewart. QB Pat White took to the air 33 times, completing 25 passes, as the Mountaineers only ran the ball 22 times. In their opening win over Western Michigan the previously season, the run:pass ration was the complete opposite with 67% of the plays staying on the ground.

It will be very interesting to see if the Mountaineers can be successful in a new offensive scheme. Pat White is too good to keep under wraps and in the pocket, if the game gets tough, which it probably will, look for him to make the big play when needed with his legs to help WVU to the win.

Prediction:

West Virginia 31
East Carolina 24