While the Mountaineers slowed down in the second half, there is no disputing that Geno Smith has played well in the new offense. He already has passed for more than 1,000 yards this season -- and three receivers had more than 100 yards receiving against the Terps.
That is a first at West Virginia.
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Mitch Stringer/US PresswireTavon Austin leads West Virginia's receivers with 20 catches for 236 yards this season.But this week brings a new challenge. The LSU defense is as stingy as can be, especially when it comes to giving up long plays in the passing game. LSU has allowed only two completions on throws of 15 yards or longer this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Meanwhile, West Virginia has 14 such completions, including five touchdowns.
But there should be opportunities to loosen up the LSU secondary. ESPN Insider Teddy Mitrosilis writes:
As an offense progresses down the field against LSU, the Tigers' rush defense becomes tougher to move the ball against, while its pass defense softens up a bit.Starting at the opponent's 1-yard line and moving forward in 20-yard increments, LSU ranks 42nd, 20th, fourth, sixth and 32nd, respectively, against the run in those sections of the field (with the last section being the red zone).
Against the pass in the sections of the field described above, LSU's rankings go in the opposite direction: ninth, 39th, 38th, 69th and 82nd.
What could work in West Virginia's favor is the way Smith is distributing the ball. Twelve different players have caught at least one pass this season, and six different players have at least one touchdown reception. Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Ivan McCartney and Devon Brown have 10 catches each. It was Austin, Bailey and McCartney who went over 100 yards in the win over the Terps.
"We're still looking for a couple more," coach Dana Holgorsen said. "We've done this for a long, long time with Hal (Mumme) and Mike Leach and spreading the ball around to specific people has always been one of our goals. If you can put five skill guys out there, the goal is to spread the ball to all five and make them as productive as you can. We have to continue to develop the running back positon to get one of those guys in position as well."
Many expected for Austin to come in and emerge from the group of receivers. He does lead the team with 20 catches for 236 yards. But perhaps the most pleasant surprise has been the emergence of Ivan McCartney, who only had one catch as a true freshman last season. Holgorsen says now that McCartney should have been redshirted, and he has seen tremendous growth from his young player. McCartney is second on the team with 17 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns.
"We're definitely coming together," Austin said. "Hopefully we can keep that up. The biggest key has been when people get their chance, they make the most of it. Coach has had us at the right positon at the right itme, and we just used our athletic ability after we played the ball. On any given night, any guy can do it."
LSU dynamo cornerback Tyrann Mathieu most likely will be on Austin. Mathieu replaced NFL pick Patrick Peterson and there has not been much of a drop off at the position. One of the big keys will be trying to spread the receivers and hit some quick passes, in order to try and neutralize the pass rush LSU is sure to bring.
That means the receivers have to help Smith out without any drops, making route adjustments and taking advantage of mismatches in coverage. Smith also has to do his part as well. That means trusting what the coaches tell him.
"We have a lot of big games coming up and big-time guys step up in big-time games," Bailey said.
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