The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

November 26, 2008

Ivy right at home at Heinz Field

By Mickey Furfari

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia football notebook:

“I’m excited,” linebacker Mortty Ivy said during a break in preparations for Friday’s annual clash with old rival Pitt at Heinz Field. “Being from the Pittsburgh area, I’ll be at home playing before a lot of family and friends.”

The 6-foot-3, 236-pound senior from Monroeville, Pa., thinks it should be a great game not only for himself but all of his teammates. His only problem in getting ready for the game is finding enough tickets.

His supply admittedly won’t meet personal needs.

“This game means a lot to all of us. Everyone knows what this game is about — whether you’re from Pittsburgh, Florida or anywhere else.”

It’s something special to Ivy, though.

“I know a lot about what always has gone into this series,” he said. “And when you have a chance to go back, people bring up last year’s (13-9 upset) loss.

“That was 2007 and this is 2008. We’re both 7-3 and going to a bowl. So I don’t worry about last year’s game. We just have to worry about what we’re going to do on Friday.”

A crowd of about 65,000 is expected for Friday’s noon kickoff. ABC will televise the action, with Dave Lamont calling the play-by-play and Brock Huard the analyst.

The weather forecast is for partly sunny skies with a high of 41 degrees and a low of 27.

West Virginia is rated a 3 1/2-point favorite by Las Vegas oddsmakers.

Pat McAfee, who’s also from the Pittsburgh area, would love an opportunity to win the contest with a field goal at the end.

The kicker/punter excels generally in both functions. But he missed two attempts well within his range in last year’s Pitt game here, and he was harassed by many people.

Some went so far as to threaten his life. His father even went public and urged fans to exercise good common sense.

“That’s all behind us now, thank goodness,” said McAfee, who is one of three finalists for the Ray Guy award which goes to the nation’s best punter.

Quarterback Patrick White has been selected as the USA Today Player of the Week for his amazing performance in last week’s 35-21 victory at Louisville.

The record-breaking senior rushed 21 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

In the process, he became the all-time NCAA career leader in rushing yards by a quarterback (4,292) and also broke the Big East career record for most touchdowns-responsible-for (98).

Brandon Hogan obviously has become well adjusted to defense as a starting cornerback in his sophomore year.

He ranks seventh among tacklers with 45. He’s the leader in passes broken up with six, and he has intercepted two passes and recovered two fumbles.

“I just try look forward and help the team the best that I can,” he said. “I’m able to make some plays and, in so doing, I try to do everything to the best of my ability.

“Anytime you can force a turnover, it always gives you more confidence. Turnovers are big, so we get as many as we can.”

WVU leads the Big East in that category with plus-nine.

Tale of the Tape:

Pitt is averaging 29.9 points and 370 yards per game, West Virginia 26 points and 365 yards per game.

The breakdown: Pitt 144.2 rushing and 225.8 passing; WVU 231 rushing and 134 passing.

Defensively, the Mountaineers are allowing 16.5 points and 320.4 yards per game and the Panthers 25.1 points and 324.5 yards.

Both teams are toughest against the run, Pitt giving up 115.4 ypg and WVU 126.1.

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