Final Sugar Bowl Review...

Okay...I made my Sugar Bowl prediction about 3 weeks ago but I'll revisit it now that it is less than 24 hours away. Here's what I wrote back then:

Nokia Sugar Bowl - West Virginia (10-1) vs. Georgia (10-2) - Jan. 2nd @ 8:30 p.m.
There's just so much to say but I don't have time to do it all now. Of course, as this approaches, there will be more. Is Slaton and White ready for the big time yet? Can the WVU defense pressure Shockley? This is a huge game, not just for this year but for the future of both programs. Of course, it's hard to predict because of the huge emotional attachment to the game. I really believe that WVU can win this game though...and, I'm saying they will. West Virginia 24 - Georgia 20

Do I still stand behind that? Yes. The importance of this game has actually risen over the past week...not just for WVU but the entire Big East. With both USF and Rutgers falling, the Big East is 0-2 in bowl games and the Brohm-less Louisville definitely isn't a lock in the Gator Bowl. I win by WVU in the BCS would make up for the losses and really lead into something good next year.

For West Virginia to move the ball, the key is obvious...complete a couple passes and confuse the Georgia defense with the spread offense. If West Virginia can't run for over 150-yards, they won't win. But Pat White hasn't proved that he can pass the ball effectively, especially against a tough defense like Georgia is going to show.

Defensively, the 3-3-5 has to get pressure on Shockley. Additionally, the secondary can't be sitting back the entire game...third downs will be key and the WVU defense has not been good on third down. Shockley will slice up the soft coverage that WVU has shown all year.
Special teams? Well, that edge would go to Georgia too. Brandon Coutu has been much more consistent than Pat McAfee...so, if it comes down to a field goal that doesn't bode well for the Mounties. The crowd? Well, the game is in Atlanta and, despite how well WVU travels, they can't make up that difference so it should be a substantial Bulldogs crowd. And, West Virginia has a proven track record in bowl games...and it's not a good one.

Let's face it...Georgia is a higher profile team and, on paper, they should win this game. I still think WVU can do it though...I think White and Slaton will provide a dynamic enough attack to keep the Georgia defense off balance. And add Schmidt into that package to plow over a few defenders. I think the WVU defense will intercerpt a couple Shockley passes which will determine the outcome of the game. And, I think Coach Rod will add a few wrinkles to the offensive schemes that will confuse the Bulldog defense. Win or lose, it was a good season for the Mountaineers and you can't be down too much. But a bad loss will be a setback for the program and the entire Big East...