Breakdown for Huskies' Tilt

First and foremost the game takes on a somber note with the passing of UConn d-back, Jasper Howard. As said below, everyone here at DaGeek's Blog will keep his family and the UConn team in our thoughts and prayers.

Now for an evaluation of this game. It appears that JB will be a game time decision. And the status for Scooter Berry is likewise uncertain. Otherwise the Eers are relatively healthy.

UConn clearly has one of the classiest and talented coaches in the Big East, Randy Edsell. He knows how to win games and continues to field teams that have done very well in the Big East play. His basic philosophy appears to be to do it the old fashioned way, run it down your throat and beat you with defense.

Until last week, UConn had a stingy rushing defense but they got gashed for a bundle of yards against Louisville. However, they continue to boast the two running back, 5 yards per carry threat of: Andre Dixon who has 123 carries this season with 616 yards scoring 7 touchdowns, and Jordan Todman who has carried the ball 100 times for 502 yards scoring 6 touchdowns. That should get Coach Casty's attention. While UConn has been pretty "one dimensional," they do that very, very well. WVU boasts the number 7 Rush Defense. Clearly something has to give.

As for the less used passing attack look out for senior WR Mar­cus Easley (#29). He has emerged as their most impressive receiving talent. He has 10 receptions for 234 yards and 2 TDs. UConn also has a serviceable Kicker who has placed 6 footballs through the goal posts for field goals and a perfect 22 of 22 on extra-points. His long this year is 49 yards. Bottom line UConn has the type of team that can grind you out and win the close one.

I would opine the key to success against them would simply be to score early and often. While not an easy task, we have the skill players to do just that. The one thing that we simply can't do is give them short fields because of penalties and turnovers. They will make us pay for those transgressions. Historically we are undefeated against UConn.

This game is a scary game on the schedule. It should be a bruiser slobber knocking type of game that any Steeler fan would love. I am excited to see how the Mountaineer team will perform with this kind of challenge.

DaGeek