CFB Football Previews – Louisiana State Tigers vs West Virginia Mountaineers
It’s pretty clear that the No. 2 LSU Tigers are national title contenders. The question this week is whether or not No. 16 West Virginia throws its name into the hat, too. A road win over Maryland was impressive for the Mountaineers but beating LSU this week, even at home, would mean much more.
NCAAF Week 4: LSU vs West Virginia
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Venue: Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, West Virginia
Broadcast: ABC HD
Louisiana State Tigers at West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Lines from BetOnline.com
Money Line: LSU -220, West Virginia +190
Spread: LSU -6
Over/Under: 48
(2) LSU Tigers (3-0)
Is LSU the country’s best team? Let’s rephrase. Is LSU the country’s best defensive team? I think yes. The Tigers rank sixth in the nation in total defense despite facing Oregon in Week 1 and Mississippi State in Week 3. If they had faced some remotely average offenses, they’d be first in total “D” easily.
The Tigers’ run defense has been particularly impressive, holding opponents to just 47.7 yards per game, but the pass defense is no slouch either, allowing just 160 yards per contest.
Offensively, LSU has found something that works. For the most part, the Tigers have pounded the ball in the running game using Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. In the passing game, they’ve given Jarrett Lee the quarterback reins, finally, and they’re a better team for it. He’s played a solid caretaker role so far, completing 67.8 of his passes for 444 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
(16) West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0)
Watching West Virginia dominate in the passing game this season, it’s enough to wonder if Noel Devine was holding the Mountaineers back before he graduated. Maybe they felt they were supposed to give him the rock and run more? [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Now, this is quarterback Geno Smith’s offense. Through three games, he looks like a Heisman Trophy candidate, throwing for 1,008 yards, seven touchdowns and one pick.
It’s hard to gauge how good or bad West Virginia’s defense is so far. Maryland was the first above-average attack it faced and, while the Mountaineers won, it wasn’t because they stopped Maryland from moving the ball. They allowed 477 total yards, 188 rushing and 289 passing, getting beaten either way.
The pick:
Smith looks great but, overall, I’m not a believer in West Virginia just yet. The Mountaineers have battled Marshall, Norfolk State and Maryland, not exactly a who’s who of stingy defenses. LSU will be an astronomical step up and I’m not sure if West Virginia will be prepared.
I don’t think LSU will romp, as its offense isn’t dominant, but it’s efficient enough to minimize mistakes and do enough to win.
Look for LSU to give West Virginia a wakeup call in Week 4.
LSU vs West Virginia prediction: LSU 24, West Virginia 13
Money Line: LSU -220
Spread: LSU -6
Over/Under: UNDER 48
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