Bold Predictions Follow-Up: Baylor
By Ken Durbin
September 29, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Andrew Buie (13) runs 1 yard for a touchdown against the Baylor Bears in the third quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. West Virginia defeated Baylor 70-63. Mandatory Credit: Rob Christy-US PRESSWIRE
A quick glance at our predictions reveal that lo and behold, we did a pretty good job overall at predicting big games for Geno, Stedman, and the offensive line. Pishko even came pretty close to predicting stats for the secondary. What none of us did predict was that the offense would explode for 807 yards and 70 points. We also did not think that the secondary would play so terribly against the Bears. Oh well. A win is win, right?
Now lets take a closer look at those predictions:
Ken Durbin’s Prediction: I’m predicting that the offensive line will clear room for the Mountaineers to rush for 125 yards and will keep Geno sack free.
The offensive line exceeded my wildest expectations in this game. Geno was sacked once in the first quarter, but other than that, he was kept upright for most of the game. Baylor eventually abandoned the pass rush, only sending three rushers after Geno for most of the afternoon.
The running game clicked well. Buie carried the load for the Mountaineers, contributing 82 yards and 2 touchdowns. As a team, the Mountaineers rushing attack gained 151 yards on the ground, providing balance to Geno’s high flying passing display.
Outside of the sack, I was dead on with this prediction. My score prediction (51-40) was a little low, but I had no idea that the secondaries of both teams were content to play two-hand touch.
Brandon Miller’s Prediction: Geno Smith is going to have a huge game and cement himself as the #1 contender for the Heisman. I predict he’ll be 35-42 with 415 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 INTs.
Bold prediction recap: Hit the nail on the head again, as Geno Smith had a great month yesterday. He certainly is light years ahead of everyone else in the Heisman race. If ANYONE even attempts to argue that he is not the best QB in the country or is not the leader in the Heisman race, please refer that person for mental help. I’m not even going to touch my score prediction- no one could have called that. I will say that the game today is probably the most fun and exciting game I’ve ever been to.
Now it’s off to Austin in search of defense and a road victory…
Alan Searles’ Prediction: I would look for Stedman to have a similar week to what Tavon had last week on less touches. A pair of TDs and 150-170 yards.
My response: I was right.
Patrick Pishko’s Prediction: Karl Joseph: 2 pass break ups, 6 tackles, 1sack. Pat Miller: 1 pick, 9 tackles, 2 qb hurries.
My predictions were pretty consistent with what actually transpired. S Karl Joseph had 6 solo tackles, 2 ast. and one pass break up, albeit he did get burned for a long TD.
Now I turn my attention to Pat Miller, who had the lovely task of trying to guard the smooth operations of #2 Williams. Needless to say, it was a long afternoon for Miller. He registered 4 tackles and 4 Qb hurries, but could not cover Williams who set the Big 12 single game receiving record.
This secondary must right the ship before their trip to the Lone star state this coming weekend.