For those new to the site, this is our sixth week of “The Student Section Supportsâ€, where CHJ takes a look at one specific matchup that has the potential to either be a surprising upset or an extremely tight game between two evenly matched teams. Generally speaking, this segment will steer clear of the top, marquee matchups due to the fact that there will be plenty of press about those games anyway. For this weekend, I’ll delve into my second West Virginia game of the season, as they host a Syracuse team that is trying to come into its own without its starting backcourt.
When: Sunday, 2:30 ET.
SYRACUSE (12-4): They’re coming off of a loss to Cincinnati on the road, which dropped them to 2-1 in conference play. If they hand West Virginia a loss, the Mountaineers would lose some serious ground, falling to 1-3 in Big East play. Everyone knows the two story lines with the Orange(men) this year: A) The talented freshmen who are still developing, but have flashes of brilliance and B) The loss of Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins to season-ending ACL injuries. I think most ‘Cuse fans would take a 10-win season in conference, given the circumstances. It seems likely, too.
Could win because…They have the speed and the athleticism to beat West Virginia in their own gym. Freshman Donte Green leads the team in smiles and points (both are about 19/game), while Jonny Flynn is dishing about six dimes per game and becoming a nice playmaker in Boeheim’s offense. When these guys are hot, they’re really hot. Without a doubt this is the most exciting Syracuse team to watch since their title season in ‘02-03.
Could lose because…Of the coaching matchup. Don’t be upset, ‘Cuse fans, because we all know that Boe has a title and Huggins has a size 38 waist. But the fact remains that Huggins’ style can be disruptive towards the 2-3 zone that ‘Cuse has nearly trademarked. A lot of the traits that made WVU dangerous to opponents when Beilein was there still remain true. Namely, their shooting from long range can keep them in a game when you think you should be beating them by 20.
WEST VIRGINIA (11-4): I think West Virginia expected to walk into Louisville’s house and leave with a win in hand on Thursday. Well, that wasn’t the case at all, as Louisville romped West Virginia, who was definitely outhustled and out-muscled by the Cards. The ‘Eers have a lot of quality in their starting five, but at the same time, they lack a go-to-guy—that can be damaging in pressuring times.
Could win because…They feel humbled following the Louisville loss. It is also a home game for West Virginia and they are scoring well over 80/game at home. Given the opponent (‘Cuse also really knows how to score), that probably won’t be the decider, but Darris Nichols’ play might be the X-factor to WVU getting a win on Sunday. If he plays within himself and his able to guide this team up-and-down the floor, not allowing Syracuse to really set their defense, then that’s where West Virginia could find their groove.
Could lose because…They fooled us all. Remember how West Virginia was predicted to finish 10th in the Big East in the preseason poll? Well, what if it’s true? Bob Huggins’ squad played over their heads early, so a win here is almost crucial, because if they lose, it could be getting close to panic time in Morgantown.
Lots of love for the Big East I guess, huh? Anyway I think West Va should win this game coming off of that loss…though they could be up and down this year, so who knows.
The real question is this:
The guys that Beilien recruited… will Bob Huggins have enough time to screw up their chances at graduating? Or is it too late?
Oooh, good question. Some even think that Huggins has changed his ways in regards to that! I still believe in him though.