Despite spending Wednesday indoors — and not on a practice field — in preparation for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith believes the team is ready to go.
“Just expect us to come out and be fired up and execute,” Smith said. “That’s all we really want to do.”
The Mountaineers’ Wednesday practice at Fordham University was moved inside to the team’s hotel, the Hilton New York, thanks to unpleasant conditions outside involving rain, snow, sleet, windy conditions and cold temperatures.
Smith, a guest on Wednesday night’s special edition of MetroNews Sportsline from the Big Apple, said the team is excited to play against Syracuse.
“I don’t think that Syracuse will be the most excited team to play,” said Smith. “I think, in fact, we will be just as, if not more, excited to play those guys based on the record that we have against them the past few events.”
The last time these two teams met was last year at the Carrier Dome, where Syracuse beat up on the Mountaineers 49-23. The Orange lead the all-time series 32-27.
Smith said this game is about gaining respect, not only for the team as a whole, but also for himself.
“Two of my worst games in college have been against Syracuse. You know that I want to go out there and give the greatest show,” said Smith. “I’m going to have that chip on my shoulder and be edgy and try to go out there and stick it to them.”
Smith said he believes he has been underrated throughout his college career, and in Saturday’s game he plans to prove to everyone just what kind of athlete he really is.
“It’s going to be on the national stage and it’s also going to be my last impression on the college football world,” said Smith. “So I want to make a statement and I want to make sure that everyone knows who Geno Smith was once that game is over with.”
The forecast for Saturday’s game calls for possible rain or snow with temperatures in the mid-30s. Kickoff from Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 3:15 Eastern and the game will be televised on ESPN.