Scouting West Virginia: how the Mountaineers win

Scouting West Virginia: how the Mountaineers win…

Confound and confuse: The premise of West Virginia’s 3-3-5 Odd Stack defense is to confuse the opponent’s defensive front. Clemson was susceptible to such tactics early in the season, and struggled against odd fronts on several occasions throughout the fall. The Tigers will need both brains and brawn against the Mountaineers, who will be out to create confusion and breakdowns that lead to big defensive plays.

Play takeaway: The regular season proved that there’s no better way to derail Clemson’s offensive juggernaut than to force the Tigers into turnovers. West Virginia will play aggressively, hoping to separate Clemson from the football.

Spread the ball around: One of the strengths of West Virginia’s offense has been its ability to vary the point of attack, via a mix of screens, quick-release passes and deep shots. Quarterback Geno Smith has had an outstanding season not only because of his strong and accurate arm, but because of his ability to see the field and make the right choice among multiple receivers. Although coach Dana Holgorsen’s offense differs in some respects from the Air Raid style he cut his teeth on, the main objective of the offense continues to be to get the ball into the hands of playmakers capable of turning short passes into long gains.

Protect the quarterback: Geno Smith’s quick release is another of his strengths, but for West Virginia to find its offensive groove, the Mountaineers need to give Smith adequate protection. He’s not a runner, scrambling only when necessary to elude the rush and buy time. When a team throws the ball 45 times a game by design, as West Virginia will likely do in the Orange Bowl, pass protection is essential.

Keep Tajh Boyd on the run: West Virginia’s defense provides multiple pass-rush options, and the Mountaineers have proven themselves to be good at attacking the quarterback from a variety of angles. West Virginia will be trying to force Tajh Boyd to make plays, and mistakes, on the fly.

Be stingy on the scoreboard: The Mountaineers would prefer not to get into a shootout against the Tigers – they’re 0-3 when they allow more than 35 points, and 9-0 when they don’t.