Paging Dr. Phil
October 31, 2003 10:14 AM | General
When West Virginia and Central Florida hook up this Saturday on the AstroPlay surface at Mountaineer Field, the game will more than likely be decided mentally instead of physically.
 |
|
| Tony thinks Central Florida might be able to benefit from having a few sessions with Dr. Phil McGraw. (www.drphil.com photo) |
At first glance it appears you’ve got a tale of two teams going in different directions. Central Florida has been unable to live up to its preseason expectations -- a team that has been hit hard by injuries (specifically to its quarterback Ryan Schneider) and a team that has had some infighting this season.
Dr. Phil, please pick up the red courtesy phone.
Despite winning its last game against MAC cellar dweller Central Michigan, Central Florida is not a team on an upward tick.
UCF just updated its depth chart on Thursday, making five changes on a defense that’s among the most porous in the nation.
Conversely, you’ve got a West Virginia team that was on the autopsy table less than two weeks ago and now is dancing around with the spring of Lazarus in its step. West Virginia has plenty of reasons to play well and the Mountaineers are healthy and appear to be gelling. They clearly have the mental advantage in this game.
However, don’t think for a moment that this is a gimmee. Central Florida could still spring a trap for West Virginia because of Schneider’s arm.
The Golden Knights offense is schemed very well. They’ll try to dink and dunk you all afternoon. Stopping UCF is not just a job, it’s a nuisance. There is no way a defense can get Ryan Schneider when he takes the ball out of the gun, holds it for a second, and fires a pass out in the flat to either his slot receiver or running back.
WVU’s defense needs to be patient and hope he makes a mistake. The problem that he’s had this year is interceptions. He’s thrown 14 picks compared to 12 touchdowns. You just need to wait for your opportunity as the field gets shorter.
UCF does try to throw it down field some, but leading receiver Tavaris Capers is averaging less than nine yards per reception.
So because Schneider is capable of putting up big numbers in the passing game, West Virginia must play keep-away by establishing a dominant running game that’s become the key to the Mountaineers success under Rich Rodriguez.
There is some speculation that Central Florida may figure in to a new Big East football conference in some form when the league officially announces its expansion plans. Whether the Golden Knights are a part of the first wave of expansion or are considered later as a provisional member remains to be seen.
But if you think that the Central Florida players are using Saturday’s game as an audition for the Big East, think again.
Now there may be some administrators that may have a keen interest in Saturday’s game, but the players could care less about its impact on a future Big East. Most of those on the field for Saturday’s game won’t even be around when the new teams join the Big East, so I don’t see that as being a factor at all.
One item that has been discussed at length this week is West Virginia’s mental state after posting one of its biggest wins in school history against Virginia Tech on Oct. 22. More specifically, is West Virginia ripe for a big letdown Saturday against Central Florida?
WVU coach Rich Rodriguez believes there has been enough space between the Virginia Tech game and doesn’t think a letdown will be a factor. He has been very happy with the way his team has practiced and the way they have focused.
Rich really made it a point to get after his team this week in preparation for Central Florida. Generally speaking, coaches are tougher on their team after a big win than they are after a loss. The Mountaineer coaching staff now knows that when the team plays at its peak level it’s good enough to beat just about anyone in the country (reference the Miami and Virginia Tech games).
Rich said Wednesday on his statewide talk show that players sense how important a game is based on how they are being coached during the week in practice. If the coaches go out there with a casual attitude, the team will take a casual attitude toward its opponent.
Besides, there are enough senior leaders on this year’s team to keep the younger guys focused on the task at hand. Guys like Grant Wiley, Quincy Wilson, Moe Fofana, Brian King and Lance Frazier will make sure everyone has their eye on the ball.
Those seniors know that their fate rests in their own hands. As a result of that, I’m not concerned whatsoever with their effort Saturday.
One thing is for certain, you can help make sure there is no letdown this weekend by coming out and being loud and vocal when Central Florida has the football. Why not make it impossible for UCF to communicate on offense? It’s up to you to keep up Mountaineer Field’s reputation as being one of the toughest environments in college football.
We’re looking at great weather this Saturday so if you haven’t already done so, get your tickets, gather up the family and hop in the car and drive up to Morgantown and support an improving football team on Homecoming.
Remember, there is no live television locally so bring along your radio and tune in the MSN broadcast.
Enjoy your weekend and we’ll see you back here next Thursday.
