Devine, Austin, and Sanders are three to watch!
The nationally televised contest between Marshall and West Virginia is just a few short hours away and we're going to hit you with the big three impact players on offense for West Virginia that you should keep an eye on.
Noel Devine, Senior, Running Back, #7
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Noel Devine is easily one of the best running backs in all of college football. He's already piled up over 3,492 yards and 24 touchdowns during his prolific career in Morgantown and will look to add to that total tonight when he faces off against Marshall.
Blessed with blazing speed and uncanny acceleration, Devine is truly a threat to take the football the distance on any given moment and must be accounted for at all times.
Marshall's defensive unit will have their hands full with the talented senior and if they wish to pull off the upset, it clearly begins and ends with containing the superstar running back.
Tavon Austin, Sophomore, Running Back/Wide receiver, #1
The 5'9, 173 pound sophomore hauled in five catches for 90 yards in the Mountaineers opening win over Coastal Carolina. Austin is a running back with superb hands who will likely get the ball in a variety of ways, both as a running back and a receiver.
While he might not be as well known as Devine, Austin is every bit as explosive and will be utilized in the Mountaineers kick return game. Last season, Austin had 17 kick returns for 426 yards, an average of 25.1 yards per return.
Clearly, Austin is a home-run hitter who must be accounted for at all times. The Marshall defense must limit his big play potential if they want to slow the West Virginia offensive attack.
Jock Sanders, Senior, Wide Receiver, #9
Jock Sanders is a receiver first, running back second type of player, but his versatility is part of what makes him so difficult to defend.
Small, speedy, and shifty--West Virginia will get the ball to him in a variety of ways on offense to ensure they can get the most out of his playmaking ability.
The WVU coaching staff will get him the football in end-arounds, sweeps, and try and get him the ball in space and let him use his biggest asset--his speed.
Last week against Coastal Carolina, he hauled in 8 catches for 71 yards and 1 touchdown, while also rushing for 31 yards on one carry.
He hauled in 72 catches for 688 yards and 3 touchdowns last season for WVU and will be a man that will be closely watched by MU defensive coordinator Chris Rippon.
HerdNation will have full breakdown and analysis after the game!! Plus some quotes and interviews with players courtesy of Dick Ash.