West Virginia vs. Syracuse: Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Prediction

No. 15 West Virginia (5-1, 1-0) looks to continue their winning ways as they travel to Big East foe Syracuse (4-2, 0-1). The Mountaineers come into this game after a big win versus Connecticut. A win here keeps West Virginia at the top of the Big East.

Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York

When: Friday, Oct. 21 at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN and ESPN-3.com 

Listen: 99.5/105.5 FM WTKW/WTKV (Syracuse) or 1440 AM WAJR (West Virginia)

Betting Line: West Virginia -14.5

Who Might Not Play For West Virginia: No major injuries to report of.

Who Might Not Play for  Syracuse: DE Chandler Jones expects to start this week, but is still suffering from a lower-body injury

Key Storyline

How does West Virginia handle knowing that one loss in the Big East could derail their chances at a BCS bowl game?

BCS Implications

For West Virginia a loss here ruins any outside shot at a BCS championship game. But a big win over a 4-2 Syracuse team should move the Mountaineers up a few spots from their No. 15 ranking. 

West Virginia Player to Watch: QB Geno Smith

Geno Smith is the best player in the Big East. He can find a way to get receivers the ball who aren’t open. He is a threat to put up four to five touchdown passes a game, every time he starts a game for WVU.

Syracuse Player to Watch: QB Ryan Nassib

Nassib will have to throw a lot, as the Syracuse offense will have to put up a lot of points against this high-scoring WVU offense. 

If Nassib has even the slightest off game, it will ruin the Orange’s chances at winning this game and pulling a major upset. 

Key Matchup: RB Dustin Garrison vs. the Syracuse defense  

The true freshman is the starting tailback in this West Virginia offense. This will be his biggest conference matchup to date. How does the freshman handle the pressure of the 50,000+ screaming fans inside of the Carrier Dome?

Prediction: West Virginia 45 - Syracuse 27

Twitter: @tjmcaloon