2012 College Football Bowl Picks: Syracuse vs West Virginia Odds and Predictions – Free New Era Pinstripe Bowl Picks

New Era Pinstripe Bowl Odds and Picks: Syracuse vs West Virginia Predictions – Free College Bowl Picks 12/29/12:A couple of high-powered passing attacks will go head to head in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl when the West Virginia Mountaineers (7-5, 4-5 Big 12) take on the Syracuse Orange (7-5, 5-2 Big East) Saturday. Both teams have had their ups and downs throughout the year. The Mountaineers opened the year with five straight wins but followed it with five straight losses before winning their final two regular season games. Syracuse on the other hand overcame a rough start to win five of its final six games and grab a share of the Big East crown. In a battle of inconsistent teams, the Mountaineers are 3 ½-point favorites.

For West Virginia, a powerful offense has been trying to cover up an atrocious defense all season with mixed results. On the plus side, quarterback Geno Smith has 40 touchdowns and more than 4,000 yards for the fifth-best passing attack and seventh-best scoring offense in the country. His two favorite targets are Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin, and the duo has combined for 216 catches, 2,760 yards and 35 scores thus far. Unfortunately for West Virginia, its defense ranks 117th in the country in points allowed, giving up more than 38 per game on the year. In fact, the unit has surrendered at least 45 points on six separate occasions.

The Syracuse passing attack emerged this year thanks to a strong year from quarterback Ryan Nassib. He has already topped 3,600 yards for the 21st-rated passing attack in the country and has 24 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. With more than 1,000 yards, Jerome Smith provides some balance on the ground, and overall, the Orange are scoring just less than 30 points per game. Defensively, Syracuse has been average, allowing 25.7 points per game.

The Mountaineers Win If:

Can the West Virginia secondary stop Nassib? If the Mountaineers defense can disrupt the Syracuse offense for even a couple of possessions, Smith and the high-powered West Virginia offense should take care of the rest. Of course, West Virginia’s offense can help its defense by controlling the clock a bit if the pace of the game is getting out of hand. Yes, the Mountaineers have won their share of shootouts, but they have lost their share, as well. Syracuse actually has the better defense in this matchup, and West Virginia’s defense certainly isn’t going to hold up if it is worn out and tired. Smith and the offense are going to show up and score points, but their ability to manage the pace and protect their defense will determine whether or not they win the game.

The Orange Win If:

Points should be plentiful in this one, and Nassib and company can’t afford a slow start if they are going to keep pace. One or two bad possessions could be all it takes for West Virginia to take control of the game. On the flip side, the Orange actually have a solid defense, and if they can match the Mountaineers point-for-point in the early going, they have a much better chance of making a few stops as the game goes on. Nassib will have to play mistake free and match the always-efficient Smith, but as long as Syracuse stays close, the Orange can make the one or two plays on defense that tips the scales in their favor.

The Bottom Line:

Smith may be the bigger name is this QB battle, but Nassib can pile up some numbers, as well. In fact, he was stellar in several out-of-conference games, throwing for almost 500 yards against Northwestern and for more than 300 yards against USC and Missouri. Not to mention the fact that he has thrown just a single interception in his last six games. Yes, Smith’s numbers are better, and he has the more explosive receivers to work with. However, the West Virginia secondary hasn’t been able to cover anyone all season, and it isn’t going to start now. With Nassib playing nearly flawless football these days, I trust the Syracuse defense to make the extra stop needed to win a high-scoring, entertaining shootout.

Prediction: Syracuse Orange (+3 ½) Cover the Spread 

Syracuse vs West Virginia Vegas Odds and Total
Date: 12/29/12
Line: West Virginia -4
Total: Over/Under 71.5
Television: 3:15 PM EST on ESPN2

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