Truth is, Football is about match-ups, and most of this comparative crap we've been yick-yacking about misses the point. I suppose in terms of conference superiority, its a fair enough analysis... but in any head to head tilt, it's much more important to think about match-ups.
WVU is similar to Illinois, except that they're (That is, WVU) more experienced. If Pat White struggles, WVU struggles. Thus, containing him would be key. I think the key to stopping White is to shut down his options. That is, take Darius Reynaud out of the game (Read: Malcom Jenkins). White is still shifty enough to make plays, but if he can't throw it, it makes the job easier.
Slaton can run, even if this year his numbers are down. But, unless he's able to get outside, I like
OSU's LBs in that matchup. They use their FB effectively, and all in all, I'd be surprised if
OSU shut em down. I doubt they would.
Turning to the other side, however, Ohio State would be able to move the ball against the 3-3-5. Beanie, Beanie and more Beanie. This, of course, has two purposes. Wells should find the running easier against WVU's scheme plus running the ball keeps White off the field. I guess what I'd say is, if
OSU is built to stop the "traditional" type Os, then WVU is built to slow down gimmicks (since you get more of those type Os in the BE).
OSU doesn't run a gimmick.
I don't know.. maybe we'll not even get the chance to see it, but I like
OSU's chances to stop WVU more than WVU stopping the Bucks. But, of course, I also didn't think Illinois would get it done, so....
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