Thursday Night Football: West Virginia @ Colorado

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON - BIG EAST INSIDER

Time: 7:45; Location: Folsom Field (Boulder, Colorado)

TV: ESPN; Play-by-play: Chris Fowler
Analyst: Craig James, Jesse Palmer; Sideline: Erin Andrews

West Virginia Mountaineers: 1-1; Colorado Buffaloes: 2-0

Coach Bill Stewart and his West Virginia Mountaineers come into this week's Thursday Night football game at Colorado with a lot on the line. Two weeks ago, the West Virginia offense looked sloppy and ineffective. Now, with a week off, they must come out sharper in their first ever meeting with Colorado. The Buffalo defense is strong against the run led by defensive tackle George Hypolite but the Buffs have struggled defending the deep passing game so far this season against lesser competition. The key to this game will be how Colorado's defense does against the spread attack of West Virginia, which this season is expected to be more balanced.

This game will be a shoot out between two teams with good offenses and questionable defenses. Mountaineers senior quarterback Pat White must step up and lead his offense. White, who threw for only 72 yards at East Carolina, has to keep his completion percentage high and utilize his ability to run. Lastly, White must make sure they convert some third downs after going 3-for-12 versus the Pirates. Noel Devine, who caught the attention of all college football fans with his performance against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, is off to a good start (141 yards, 6.7 yards per carry), but the Colorado rush defense will be a great test. Junior middle linebacker Jeff Smart leads the Buffaloes with 20 tackles two games into the season. But does Colorado have enough team speed to slow down White and Devine?

Super Senior: Pat White, QB, West Virginia

Star of Tomorrow: Darrell Scott, RB, Colorado (Fr.)

Big East vs. Big 12:

Sept. 6 - Oklahoma 52, Cincinnati 26
Sept. 12 - South Florida 37, Kansas 34
Sept. 17 - Louisville 38, Kansas St. 29
Sept. 18 - West Virginia @ Colorado (Tonight)
Sept. 19 - Baylor @ Connecticut (Tomorrow)

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication