West Virginia Mountaineers @ North Carolina State Wolfpack CHAMPS Sports Bowl

West Virginia Mountaineers @ North Carolina State Wolfpack CHAMPS Sports Bowl: This is an interesting one because when you think of West Virginia you think of a heavy rushing attack with a quarterback that makes more plays with his feet than his arm and how he leans heavily on a good run-game to get points on the board – but actually Geno Smith has put together one heck of a season through the air, throwing for over 2,500 yards, completing 66% of his throws, all while throwing 23 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. In other words, the guy is a threat through the air – big time.

When you think of North Carolina State, you think of Russell Wilson and his big arm and his awesome college career with all those touchdown passes and big plays. But the most efficient and productive quarterback this season has been WV’s Geno Smith. He trails he TDs and yards, but Geno has been much more efficient, throwing just three fewer touchdown passes by 8 fewer interceptions. Completing nearly 8% more of his passes and getting more yards per attempt. The Wolfpack will have to worry about the Mounties’ rushing attack, no doubt, but leave it in the hands of Geno Smith and they might get beat up just the same.

Wilson has done some good things, definitely – throwing lots of touchdowns and having his team lean on him during an 8-4 campaign. But he makes bad decisions from time to time, and that could hurt NC State.

West Virginia won 4 straight games and finished within a late October overtime loss to UConn from winning the Big East and playing in a BCS Bowl game. They’ve really picked up their rushing attack lately, out-gaining their last 5 opponents by nearly 600 total yards. Their defense has been stout as well, giving up 14 points or less in each of their last 8 games. That’s dirty, by the way. Their 12.8 points allowed per game is one of the best in all the land. I think WVU ends up winning by two touchdowns.

#22 West Virginia Mountaineers (-2.5) @ North Carolina State Wolfpack