Wow, there have been some epic battles between these 2 teams at the Dome in the last 20 years. I will be there on Sat for what promises to be another in a long series of great games.
Some observations :
1. In past years the outcome of lots of these games has been determined by outstanding QB play. I remember the great battles between Don Macpherson and Major Harris and Donovan McNabb and Marc Bulger.That will not be the case on Sat as I see a battle between 2 terrific RB's in Walter Reyes ( 1090 yds, 5.3 ypc ) and Quincy Wilson ( 1226 yds, 4.9 ypc ). Who can forget the way Quincy ran over the Mia secondary.
2. Most know that the Mounties are a great rushing team. Few know that Syracuse rushes the ball almost as well overall and even has the edge in this home tilt.
WVa on road rush Off 190 ypg
rush Def 153 ypg
Syr at Dome rush Off 252 ypg
rush Def 103 ypg
Granted Syr hasn't played the likes of Va Tech and Pitt at home, but still pretty good numbers.
3. QB's...RJ Anderson doesn't have anywhere near the talent that Rasheed Marshall has, but he is an experienced Senior not prone to mistakes. I think he will manage this game well.
4. Mounties are 1-7 ATS last 8 years in game after the " Backyard Brawl "
5.With W Va being a "hot" team ( last 5 won SU and ATS ) the public is on them hard and already moving the line.
6. The Dome. The energy and emotion are back after taking a few years off. I think it's a combination of the Orange hoopsters success and the football team playing well in what was supposed to be a down year for them. The place was even rocking at the Temple game ( 45,000 ) in what is usually a half full, quiet crowd for that game. I know one thing, the place will be bonkers for this Saturday's game with the Mounties and should be worth a TD to the home squad. I can hardly wait.My play is :
SYRACUSE +2 ( 4-1 this year in Syr games posted here )
This is shaping up to be a great weekend for my 2 sons and myself as we go to this great game on Sat, and then to the Ralph on Sunday for Bills - Colts.
GLTA
i'm with you here FL...this game goes with a theory that my bro and i like to use...last week it put us on w virg against pitt...this week it's all about the CUSE!!!!!
good luck man!!!