Trouble Spots For The Tigers…

QB Geno Smith: Now in his second year as a starter, the trigger man for coach Dana Holgorsen’s high-powered offense executes at a high level and has gained confidence over the course of the season. He passed for nearly 4,000 yards and threw 25 touchdown passes this season, and was intercepted just seven times. He has completed 65 percent of his passes.

WR-KR Tavon Austin: The Mountaineers’ most dynamic and versatile playmaker, he caught 89 passes for 1,063 yards during the regular season, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, and led the Big East in punt returns with a 14.1 average. He was honored as his conference’s special teams player of the year. A starter at wide receiver a year ago, he was moved to the ‘inside receiver’ position in Holgorsen’s offense.

WR Stedman Bailey: He’s become a consistent big-play, big-yardage option in the passing game. He has 67 catches for 1,197 yards and 11 touchdowns, and earlier this season set a school record with five consecutive 100-yard games. He recorded his seventh 100-yard game – a school record – against Louisville.

FB Shawne Alston: With Dustin Garrison out with a knee injury, he’s the Mountaineers’ leading rusher, with 339 yards and a 4.4 average, and has been a top option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

WR Ivan McCartney: He provides the third leg of West Virginia’s triple receiving threat, with 47 catches for 572 yards and three scores.

OL Don Barclay & Joe Madsen: Three-year starters at left tackle and center, respectively, they’ve provided the up-front punch to help make Holgorsen’s offense fly.

DT Julian Miller: He led the Big East in fumble recoveries and ranks No. 3 in West Virginia history in sacks, including six this season among his 11 tackles for loss.

LB Najee Goode: A two-year starter, he’s currently the team’s starting weakside linebacker and leading tackler with 84, including 12.5 for loss and four sacks. During his career, he’s started at all three linebacker spots.

DE Bruce Irvin: The senior leads the team in tackle for loss, with 14 among his 38 total tackles. He has 7.5 sacks and has forced two fumbles.

LB Jewone Snow: The redshirt freshman starting middle linebacker has 42 tackles, plus an 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

DB Keith Tandy: A three-year starter, led the Big East in passes defended with 9 PBUs and three interceptions.

PK Tyler Bitancurt: He’s consistent from 45 yards in, with 16-of-22 field goals this season, including the last-play game-winner against South Florida that clinched West Virginia’s spot in the Orange Bowl.