Will pressure become a factor if we make it to the 4th quarter within striking distance? IMO WV could be vulnerable for several reasons.
1.Their fans, media, and players are drinking the kool-aid
You could argue that I have no idea what the team thinks and you are correct.
however, having been 21 years old myself (years ago) I know they do pay
attention to what the fans and media say and think. It's hard to be humble
when everyone tells you how great you are.
2. Their fans expect to hang 50+ on our defense.
Again, it's hard to be humble when expectations are so high. Most of their fans
see the numbers from last year and can't see how their high octane offence can
be stopped. They don't realize we are a team not void of talent. We won 9
games two years in a row. Our talent didn't leave. Besides being mismanaged,
last year was an anomaly related primarily to poor coaching, S & C and injury.
3. Their, less than humble, QB is launching his Heisman campaign.
Winning the highest honor in CFB is a big deal. While I am aware of WG's
mature nature, if things start out rough ( like maybe a couple of first half INT's
by our new found toughness and very much under estimated talent on
defense) he may start to push too hard toward the end of the game.
4. While formidable at home WV is less than magical otherwise.
Last year was a very typical example of WV away from home. While they were
3-1 on the road their wins included beating Kansas giving up 34 points,
beating Baylor giving up 36 and beating Kansas State by only 5. They lost their
only neutral site bowl game to Utah scoring just 14 points.
That all said, pressure will start to rise when game week gets here. The big
question, IMO, will be how high and how long can turn up and maintain the
pressure.
GBO
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1.Their fans, media, and players are drinking the kool-aid
You could argue that I have no idea what the team thinks and you are correct.
however, having been 21 years old myself (years ago) I know they do pay
attention to what the fans and media say and think. It's hard to be humble
when everyone tells you how great you are.
2. Their fans expect to hang 50+ on our defense.
Again, it's hard to be humble when expectations are so high. Most of their fans
see the numbers from last year and can't see how their high octane offence can
be stopped. They don't realize we are a team not void of talent. We won 9
games two years in a row. Our talent didn't leave. Besides being mismanaged,
last year was an anomaly related primarily to poor coaching, S & C and injury.
3. Their, less than humble, QB is launching his Heisman campaign.
Winning the highest honor in CFB is a big deal. While I am aware of WG's
mature nature, if things start out rough ( like maybe a couple of first half INT's
by our new found toughness and very much under estimated talent on
defense) he may start to push too hard toward the end of the game.
4. While formidable at home WV is less than magical otherwise.
Last year was a very typical example of WV away from home. While they were
3-1 on the road their wins included beating Kansas giving up 34 points,
beating Baylor giving up 36 and beating Kansas State by only 5. They lost their
only neutral site bowl game to Utah scoring just 14 points.
That all said, pressure will start to rise when game week gets here. The big
question, IMO, will be how high and how long can turn up and maintain the
pressure.
GBO
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