The Smoking Musket: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: SB Nation MMA Rankings for August 2010

WVU vs. Duquesne: Can We Beat A Team Whose Name We Can Not Pronounce

Du-quez-ney? Duke-e-ness? Donatello? Du-cane? Du-cane? How the fuck, do you get Du-cane from, Duquesne? That makes absolutely no sense, unless you are French and everyone knows I hate French people.

Now that we can correctly pronounce Duquesne, let's see if we have a chance (wink, wink) to win.

As will be the case for almost every game this year, WVU will only need to play its game to win. With our talent, size, and strength, we should not be forced to do anything out of the ordinary to win.

Star-divide

Of course, nothing is out of ordinary for us because Bob Huggins coaches for all possible scenarios. We need a quick run? He will throw a full court press or 1-3-1 at a team to force pressure. We need to maintain a lead? No worries, we just run our offense and let our play-makers go to work.

Thinking I'm speaking too generally (ed. - or too rhetorically?)? Well you are right -- let's get to the specifics.

  • Rebounding: If WVU dominates the glass, this game should be a blowout but that is easier said than done.  For a smaller team, the Dukes rebound fairly well, averaging 35.1 boards per game. That is more than WVU's 31 board average.  This discrepancy is likely due to the fact that WVU has actually played teams with a pulse so far this year.  The one quality opponent The Dukes have played, Pitt, out rebounded Duquesne by 10. 
  • Defense: Huggins loves to play tough defense but so far this season, teams have been shooting an abnormally high 45% against us.  We have been able to overcome that stat, by forcing almost 18 turnovers a game.  WVU needs to do a better job of closing out on shooters, while continuing to force turnovers to control this game.
  • Offense: The Dukes are holding opponents to an extremely low 37% from the field.  They also force 17 turnovers a game.  While it would appear that Duquesne could be tough on defense, I have no worries. WVU's assist to turnover ratio is at 1.5 right now, and we are shooting 47% from the field.  Expect those numbers to go up after this game.
  • Depth: No comparison, especially with The Dukes loss of Melquan Bolding.  Duquesne's starters average over 32 minutes a game.  Our pressure defense and the constant motion on offense, will equal tired legs and bad decisions. Huggs will run 10 - 11 guys in and out all night.  I almost feel bad for them.
  • Prediction: WVU 83 - Duquesne 63
  • Remainder of the season: I hope to do a little breakdown before every game. However, we all know I can be extremely lazy 99% of the time.  If you like it, let me know.  If you hate it, let me know, so I don't waste my time.

0 recs  |  Comment 6 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

My two cents

on the game – I only saw the 2nd half, when it was mostly in the bag. Our D was great but our offense was lousy – lousy passing, lousy shots. Hope it’s just cause of being ahead so much.

5YS – there are already a lot of pre-game analysis posts out there, don’t feel obliged to do one every game. Maybe listing the opponent, time, where to find it on TV, would be more than sufficient.

Or, you could single out a “opposing player to dislike”, finding the most despicable player we can pick on as we watch the game. (For the Pitt game, this won’t be necessary.)

by phucoffaholic on Dec 9, 2009 10:33 PM EST reply actions  

I like hating on people.

I think I will do that. Thanks

Player to hate…I like it

Leave no doubt tonight! Leave no doubt tonight! No doubt! They shouldn't of played the Old Gold'n Blue.

by 5th Year Senior on Dec 10, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

I already do this on the S/T, you don't read it? :(
Maybe listing the opponent, time, where to find it on TV, would be more than sufficient.

by WVUIE97 on Dec 10, 2009 8:11 AM EST reply actions  

oops

didn’t hit the reply button

by WVUIE97 on Dec 10, 2009 8:12 AM EST up reply actions  

YOU'RE FIRED

Leave no doubt tonight! Leave no doubt tonight! No doubt! They shouldn't of played the Old Gold'n Blue.

by 5th Year Senior on Dec 10, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

distracted by Miss Throwdown, more than likely

Another (nameless, and far less superior) blog mentioned the other television opportunities, inc. MASN, Versus, etc, that were picking up the game. Rather than just saying MSN.

However, you are listing the time and place and general network(s) listing it, and that should be enough. Mea culpa.

by phucoffaholic on Dec 10, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about the West F'n Virginia Mountaineers.
Start posting about the Mountaineers »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
Over or Under?
Small
It's Official!
Geno_conn_smyth_small
FIRE BILL STEWART NOW...
T1350721_58_small
PRE-SEASON COACHES METER
T1350721_58_small
QUINTON SPAIN, TRAVIS BELL
Small
The Mountaineers need these guys...
Small
Mike Gansey Article on NBA-D League Site
Small
Cool Vintage WV Tees on Sale for Fans!
Tdp02_small
Devine tabbed top 'Home Run' threat on Bleacher Report
437_small
ESPN's INSIDER article on Noel Devine

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Photo link

In Progress: Southern Miss At South Carolina

Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis (28) runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, in Piscataway, N.J.  Lewis ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh ended four years of frustration against Rutgers with a 24-17 victory on Friday night. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) +1 updates

College Football Kickoff: Utah Plays Host To No. 15 Pittsburgh Thursday Night

South Carolina's quarterback Stephen Garcia celebrates with fans after defeating Vanderbilt 14-10 in their NCAA college football game  Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

College Football Opening Night Rootability Index: Telling You Which Teams To Like

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Charley_west_web_small Dr. Charley West

Editors

Bridge_small 5th Year Senior

Authors

N25805496_33037777_8001_small The 25314

P1000573_small DougityDog

Helmet_small WVUIE97

Johndenver_small Country Roads

Stiles2_small Stiles