West Virginia vs. Syracuse: Key Matchups to the Carrier Dome Showdown

The West Virginia Mountaineers travel to Syracuse tonight to take on the Orange in a Big East battle.

The Mountaineers still have BCS aspirations and while Syracuse looks to ruin those aspirations for the second year in a row, here's a look at three keys to the game. 

Geno Smith vs. Syracuse's Secondary

West Virginia throws the ball on over 60 percent of their plays, and why wouldn't they with Geno Smith behind center? He's completed 64 percent of his throws for 16 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

He has a ton of weapons at wide receiver. Stedman Bailey and Tavin Austin have produced the most, but the Mountaineers have five or six guys that can beat you.

On the other side of the ball, the Orange haven't been great defending the pass, but the numbers are a bit skewed. They've been so good against the run that opponents have been forced to throw a ton against them. 

West Virginia doesn't run the ball a whole lot, so we should expect to see more of the same. Syracuse has been much better against the pass at home, so that benefits them in this matchup, but they have a tall task in front of him in Geno Smith. 

Revenge For the Mountaineers?

Last year, Syracuse came into Morgantown and shocked the Mountaineers, 19-14. Quarterback Ryan Nassib threw for just 63 yards, but the Orange defense shut down Geno Smith and company, forcing three interceptions.

It's unlikely West Virginia has forgotten about that game, and as a result Syracuse probably won't be able to sneak up on them like they did last year. The Mountaineers are going to be ready.

Close Game Favors Syracuse

If this one goes down to the wire, you have to think Syracuse has the advantage. In six games this season, the Orange have have went to overtime three times and have had five total games decided by a touchdown or less. 

They are 4-1 in those five games. They may not have the most talent in the nation, but they clearly have a backbone that helps them in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Mountaineers, on the other hand, have only had one game decided by less than 21 points, which they won. 

It's unfair to hold this against West Virginia, as they've simply blown out most of their opponents, but you have to wonder how they'll hold up in a close game on the road.