West Virginia vs. Rutgers: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Mountaineers Must Make

This is going to be an epic game. Forget the score—we're looking at Ice Bowl 2.0. It's crazy to watch the players trying to move around out there on the snowy field. Field goals are going to be nearly impossible; throwing and catching a slippery pigskin is no easy task either.

It may come down to the running games today, seemingly the only safe bet in weather like this. It's been a defensive battle for both teams so far.

Here are five adjustments West Virginia will have to make at halftime to beat the elements and knock off the Scarlet Knights:

1. Keep the Ball on the Ground

Have you seen what happens when you try to throw in this weather? You're asking for a miracle when you want the snap, the drop back, the route, the pass and the connection to all go right on a passing play in this weather. The receivers are going to have a tough time making cuts and catching the ball.

The QBs, as evidenced by Geno Smith's mystery fumble in the first quarter, will have trouble holding and throwing the ball. That's why it's got to be the running plays. Sometimes the game plan has to be adjusted for an extreme element like snow. Hand the ball off until you have no other choice, or risk turning the ball over.

2. Defend the Run

If the offenses have to keep the ball on the ground, then defending it will be imperative as well. These guys are going to mostly keep it on the ground, and the defensive coordinators have to realize that and play to defend the run. 

You can plan on stacking the box on most plays because the amount of passes that are going to be completed deep downfield are low with the blinding snow. You have to think that the run is coming primarily and recover to face any pass if that is the case.

3. Wrap Up

Tackling is going to be tough regardless of whether the ball is in the air or on the ground. Footing is going to be slippery and guys are going to be wet and cold. We've seen some awful tackling on big plays in the first half.

A lot of that is due to the conditions, but the defenses need to recognize this and focus even more than usual on wrapping up on tackles. Solid hits, wrapups and takedowns are far more important than a big, flashy hit today.

4. Screen Passes

Other than the occasional shot downfield like Rutgers got with their second touchdown, pass plays are going to be relegated to screen passes, check downs and slants. These are really the only safe plays to run with the wind and snow coming in so hard.

The key to success on offense will be alternating a smart game plan between running plays and short passes to move down the field and put points on the board. On defense, you should be able to play a shallow zone and get to the receiver as the ball is arriving.

5. Change the Kicking Game

One of the biggest aspects of this game will be the most underrated unit on the field—special teams. Booting a field goal is hard enough without wind, limited visibility and slippery footing.

Unless it's within 30 yards or so, there's not much point in trying to put one up in this weather.

Punting is going to have to change as well. Expect fair catches or just letting the kicks go. There's no sense in risking a muffed catch.

Both teams really should try a roll out, line-drive style punt. I usually frown upon these types of kicks, but this is a different kind of game.