Filed under: Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Florida, Syracuse, West Virginia, Big East
And a pair of sophomores shall lead them. That is the unexpected battle cry for Pittsburgh and West Virginia heading into Friday's "Backyard Brawl" that could determine the take-what-you-can-get Big East. The Mountaineers' Geno Smith has been the cool game manager capable of quietly dropping a quartet of touchdown passes when he's on. Pittsburgh's Tino Sunseri is more the quick-strike artist attacking the deep midfield when not connecting with lengthy receiver Jon Baldwin on play-action passes further downfield.
Not that either program absolutely needs its quarterback to carry the team. Admitted Panthers' coach Dave Wannstedt to Big East media Monday, "To this point, both teams have been a little more effective from the defensive side." The Panthers have ridden a dominant defensive line that has been so solid they haven't had to blitz much. West Virginia makes its case with its unusual 3-3-5 alignment. "Schematically they know what they are responsible to do. It's a combo of strength up front, speed on the edges, and they've got good players," said Wannstedt.
Although defense is expected to carry the day, these are arguably the two most explosive offenses in the conference outside of Cincinnati. West Virginia looks to a trio of smallish backs/receivers who are dangerous in the open field. Everyone knows about Noel Devine but Jock Sanders has been the steady receiving threat Smith looks to, while sophomore Tavon Austin has made the most splash getting open downfield.
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Source: http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/11/24/big-east-report-backyard-brawlin/
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