Defensive line
Connecticut has a four-man defensive front that began the season with 93 offensive starts. The Huskies are currently eighth nationally against the run, and much of that can be attributed to 6-4, 295-pound tackle Kendall Reyes, one of the Big East's best. West Virginia's three-man front of Julian Miller, Jorge Wright and Bruce Irvin has been solid, but not spectacular. The team is 48th nationally against the run.
EDGE: Huskies
Linebackers
UConn has exactly what one looks for in a linebacker corps: the three starters lead the team in tackles. Jory Johnson, a 6-1 junior, and Yawin Smallwood, a 6-2 freshman, have 44 and 42 tackles, respectively. For WVU, now strong-side linebacker Najee Goode is tied with corner Pat Miller with 36. Jewone Snow is getting his feet wet at middle. Give UConn a slight advantage because of that.
EDGE: Huskies
Secondary
If you're seeking the Achilles heel of Connecticut's defense, well, here 'tis. Perhaps it's appropriate one cornerback is named Gary Willburn. Because if you have a good QB, you will burn this unit. WVU, led by Pat Miller, Terence Garvin, Darwin Cook and Keith Tandy, is 19th nationally in pass efficiency defense, while UConn is 41st. In pass defense, WVU is 17th, while UConn is 83rd.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Special teams
UConn's Dave Teggart entered the season as this game's more highly acclaimed kicker, but he's 6-of-10, while WVU's Tyler Bitancurt is 9-of-10. Connecticut has been better in punting, kickoff defense and punt defense. But West Virginia has a lethal weapon in return man Tavon Austin, who outshines any Husky in punt and kickoff return duties.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Quarterbacks
Connecticut quarterback Johnny McEntee was a YouTube sensation with his passing tricks. Passing this season, however, has been a bit tricky for the 6-foot-3, 224-pound junior. WVU's Geno Smith has a better pass efficiency rating (147.96-118.99), completion percentage (64.8-50.4) and a better touchdown-to-interception rate (12-to-3 to 6-to-4). Also, Smith averages 341.8 passing yards to McEntee's 182.6.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Running backs
Connecticut suffered a blow here when senior D.J. Shoemate, a transfer from Southern Cal, was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. So, like WVU, the Huskies are going with a freshman in Lyle McCombs, who is averaging 100.4 yards a game. Impressive. The story of the Big East last week, however, was WVU's Dustin Garrison, who rushed for a whopping 291 yards against Bowling Green.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Receivers
If you're looking for Moore in your receiving corps, go to Connecticut. The leading two receivers are seniors Isiah Moore (52.8 yard average) and Kashif Moore (44). The former had 143 against Iowa State, while the latter had 112 against Western Michigan. But WVU just has, well, more. Tavon Austin is a star and Ivan McCartney is getting there. McCartney is now second on the team in receptions.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Offensive line
UConn suffered a setback when left tackle Jimmy Bennett was injured for the season. Still, the Huskies have plenty of experience in fine center Moe Petrus, now-left tackle Mike Ryan and junior right guard Adam Masters. Cross Lanes native Tyler Rader and his WVU line teammates have improved on pushing for the run and are protecting their quarterback better than the Huskies against better opponents.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Defensive line
Connecticut has a four-man defensive front that began the season with 93 offensive starts. The Huskies are currently eighth nationally against the run, and much of that can be attributed to 6-4, 295-pound tackle Kendall Reyes, one of the Big East's best. West Virginia's three-man front of Julian Miller, Jorge Wright and Bruce Irvin has been solid, but not spectacular. The team is 48th nationally against the run.
EDGE: Huskies
Linebackers
UConn has exactly what one looks for in a linebacker corps: the three starters lead the team in tackles. Jory Johnson, a 6-1 junior, and Yawin Smallwood, a 6-2 freshman, have 44 and 42 tackles, respectively. For WVU, now strong-side linebacker Najee Goode is tied with corner Pat Miller with 36. Jewone Snow is getting his feet wet at middle. Give UConn a slight advantage because of that.
EDGE: Huskies
Secondary
If you're seeking the Achilles heel of Connecticut's defense, well, here 'tis. Perhaps it's appropriate one cornerback is named Gary Willburn. Because if you have a good QB, you will burn this unit. WVU, led by Pat Miller, Terence Garvin, Darwin Cook and Keith Tandy, is 19th nationally in pass efficiency defense, while UConn is 41st. In pass defense, WVU is 17th, while UConn is 83rd.
EDGE: Mountaineers
Special teams
UConn's Dave Teggart entered the season as this game's more highly acclaimed kicker, but he's 6-of-10, while WVU's Tyler Bitancurt is 9-of-10. Connecticut has been better in punting, kickoff defense and punt defense. But West Virginia has a lethal weapon in return man Tavon Austin, who outshines any Husky in punt and kickoff return duties.
EDGE: Mountaineers
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