West Virginia @ Connecticut preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 24, 2009 ) Connecticut 24, West Virginia 28

One week ago West Virginia looked to be the class of the beleaguered Big East Conference. Now the Mountaineers are just another Big East team desperate for a win.

Coming off a stunning upset, the Mountaineers look to get back on track Friday night when they visit Connecticut in a key conference encounter.

The Mountaineers (5-2, 1-1 Big East) were knocked off, 19-14, by Syracuse last week in Morgantown. While the Orange are improved, they were coming off a 45-14 thrashing at the hands of Pittsburgh and did not appear ready to challenge the conference’s top teams.

Now West Virginia’s challenge is proving it is one of those teams that can contend for the conference title and an automatic BCS bowl bid.

It may be that a matchup with the Huskies is just what the Mountaineers need. West Virginia has dominated the series, 6-0, including a 28-24 comeback victory last season in Morgantown.

Last season’s close call against UConn was an exception and not the norm as West Virginia has outscored Connecticut 238-101 in the short-lived series. WVU has done it mainly by running the ball.

The Mountaineers have run for 234 and 216 yards against the Huskies in the last two meetings and will need to have the ground game going again Friday to keep the heat off of quarterback Geno Smith, who had a rough game against Syracuse.

Smith was sacked five times and pressured countless others by a number of blitzes by the Orange. He threw three interceptions and will undoubtedly see the Huskies come after him, especially if UConn can contain running back Noel Devine and the Mountaineers’ rushing attack.

Connecticut (3-4, 0-2) is a team in turmoil and pretty much making its last stand Friday night.

The Huskies were expected to contend for the Big East crown but have been inconsistent and a disappointment. Connecticut needs three more wins to become bowl eligible and will likely be an underdog in each of its remaining games, including matchups with Pitt, Syracuse and a trip to South Florida.

UConn was blanked 26-0 by Louisville last week as Jordan Todman was limited to 80 yards and Mike Box, the third starting quarterback of the season for the Huskies, completed only 4 of 12 passes for 35 yards and an interception.

Zach Frazer began the season as the starting quarterback and then was demoted when the job was handed to Cody Endres. The Endres era lasted two games before he was suspended, moving Box to the starting spot.

Whoever is under center for the Huskies, they will need to make some plays to keep the Mountaineers honest. Todman still ranks fifth in the nation in rushing at just over 140 yards per game, but will likely be bottled up once again if the West Virginia defense doesn’t have to respect the pass.