Another Big 12 opponent will try another way to stop WVU’s potent offensive attack when the Mountaineers battle Texas Tech Saturday afternoon in Lubbock, Texas.
MetroNews Sports Director and Mountaineer Sports Network play-by-play announcer Tony Caridi says the 4-1 Red Raiders play defense with an extra defensive back with the goal of narrowing the field. The plan is to push WVU’s inside receivers more inside and then defend the outside receivers with man-on-man coverage.
"That could open up the opportunity for long passes down those sidelines," Caridi said Friday on the MetroNews Morning News.
Mountaineer quarterback Geno Smith has thrown from just shy of 2,000 yards for the 5-0 Mountaineers. He has completed 81 percent of his 204 passes and thrown 24 touchdown passes without an interception.
Caridi says Mountaineer coach Dana Holgorsen has made a point this week not to focus on another trip to the Lone Star State. WVU won at Texas last week 48-45.
"He said to his guys, ‘Are you tired? Am not tired,’ Caridi said. "And they said, ‘No.’ So I don’t think that will be an excuse at all."
Texas Tech quarterback Seth Doege is a fifth-year senior who runs a similar-style offense. The Red Raiders use eight different receivers.
"Seth Doege their quarterback is good but he’s not Geno Smith. Their receivers are good but they’re not Stedman Bailey or Tavon Austin," Caridi said.
West Virginia is favored but a homecoming crowd in Lubbock could cause problems.
"If we go out there and play as we’ve been playing–efficiently–that will be fine, but if we go in there with less than that and we start turning the ball over we could be in trouble," according to Caridi.
Kick-off is set for 3:30 with pregame coverage on MetroNews beginning at 11:30. Comprehensive pre and post game coverage at wvmetronews.com.