Norfolk State-WVU matchups

Quarterback Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound redshirt senior, had a better outing in his first game than West Virginia's Geno Smith. Walley hit 25-of-29 passes for 255 yards and two scores, while Smith hit 26-of-35 for 249 and two. But Smith did it against a C-USA team in three quarters. Walley did it against a team that will play West Virginia State this Saturday.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Running backs

As with the quarterback position, Norfolk State's leading tailback fared better than his WVU counterpart in this game. Junior Takeem Hedgeman, a 5-10, 195 pounds, had a team-high 65 yards against Virginia State. WVU's Andrew Buie led the Mountaineer rushing attack with a mere 30 yards on 15 carries. Odds are, however, Hedgeman wasn't recruited by Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Michigan. Buie was.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Receivers

Norfolk State has some size at its starting receiver positions. Xavier Boyce is 6-4, 220 pounds; Reggie Garrett is 6-3, 195 pounds; and tight end Joe Hawkins is 6-3, 225 pounds. Garrett had seven catches for 74 yards in Game 1. WVU, however, counters with an array of talent that includes Stedman Bailey, Ivan McCartney, Devon Brown and, oh yeah, Tavon Austin.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Offensive line

West Virginia's offensive line has come under some heat since the Mountaineers rushed for just 42 yards - a 10-season low -- against Marshall. Leaders along the line like Don Barclay and Joe Madsen are expected to produce more. But WVU will shine compared to NSU. The Spartans lost four of five starters from last season. Kendall Noble, 6-4, 290 pounds, is the team's best at left tackle.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Defensive line

Like West Virginia, Norfolk State sports a three-man front. The best along the Spartans' line is 6-foot, 315-pound nose guard Josh Turner, who had 12 tackles for loss last season. In a comparison, however, there's no comparison. WVU now has four players one can consider starters in Julian Miller, Jorge Wright, Will Clarke and standout rush specialist Bruce Irvin. Expect the ends to shine.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Linebackers

Norfolk State's defense ranked sixth in the nation in the FCS a year ago. Check out linebacker Corwin Hammond, who had 11 tackles for loss and is on a national watch list for FCS linebackers. He had nine solo tackles in the opener. WVU's corps played fairly well against Marshall. As expected, senior Najee Goode led the way from his middle spot with seven tackles in a game that went three quarters.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Secondary

Norfolk State's secondary performed well against Virginia State, allowing the opposing quarterback to complete 14-of-27 passes for a mere 109 yards. Strong safety Ricardo Volcin, a 6-2, 210-pound senior, had an interception. WVU's secondary was also solid against Marshall, allowing 15-of-21 completions, but only for 115 yards. Cornerback Pat Miller had six tackles.

EDGE: Mountaineers

Special teams

West Virginia received a spark against Marshall when Tavon Austin returned a kickoff for 100 yards. WVU did give up a score on a punt, but received nice punting from Corey Smith, nice punt returns from Austin and 2-of-2 on field goals from Tyler Bitancurt. NSU's Troy Muenzer has one punt for 28 yards. Kicker Ryan Estep made all three field goal attempts.

EDGE: Mountaineers