Norfolk State @ West Virginia preview

THE STORY: After winning their season opener in a weather-shortened contest with in-state rival Marshall, West Virginia jumped into the national rankings at No. 24. More importantly, quarterback Greg Smith appeared to have a firm grasp of new coach Dana Holgorsen’s offense, passing for 249 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just over three quarters. FCS school Norfolk State won its season opener against rival Virginia State but will be taking a big step up in competition with the Mountaineers.

West Virginia is 11-0 all-time against FCS schools.

TV: ROOT, Big East Network. LINE: None

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (1-0): Holgorsen’s offense at Oklahoma State led the nation in 2010 and looked like it will transfer well to the Mountaineers in the opener -- at least through the air. Smith completed passes to nine different receivers and finished 26 of 35. But West Virginia never got much going on the ground, totaling 42 yards on 26 carries against the Thundering Herd. The defense did not allow a touchdown but the special teams showed some holes, as Marshall returned a punt for a touchdown and racked up 102 yards on five kickoff returns. The game was halted for good with 14:36 left in the fourth quarter after two weather delays totaling four hours, 22 minutes.

ABOUT NORFOLK STATE (1-0): The Spartans are not even ranked in the FCS but did look impressive last weekend in trouncing Virginia State 37-3. Norfolk State outgained the Trojans 438-161 and quarterback Chris Walley went 25-of-29 for 255 yards and two touchdowns. The Spartans were picked to finish fifth in the MEAC after losing six starters to graduation, including three-time all-MEAC running back DeAngelo Branche.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Norfolk State head coach Pete Adrian played three seasons at West Virginia and was the freshman football coach for the Mountaineers in 1969. Defensive line coach Mark Thurston also played at West Virginia.

2. Walley, who added 42 yards rushing to his passing total against Virginia State, was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week. His 86.2 completion percentage marked the second-best game in NSU history.

3. West Virginia is 68-2 since 2000 when scoring more than 30 points.

PREDICTION: West Virginia 45, Norfolk State 7. Smith will get another tune-up in Holgorsen’s offense before the Mountaineers take their foot off the gas in the second half to avoid embarrassing their alumnus on the other side.