LSU Vs. West Virginia: What’s Keeping Noel Devine?

I don't think anybody doubts Noel Devine's explosive ability -- so how is West Virginia only averaging 3.9 yards per carry?

CR: There are three reasons, really: offensive line, offensive line and offensive line. This is a unit that has struggled mightily the last couple years while transitioning from a zone blocking scheme to a more traditional scheme. It seems like on most of Devine's carries, there is a linebacker or defensive end waiting for him as soon as he gets the ball - and he's not the kind of back that can just pick up a few yards on his own in the trenches. If you look at his history, though, he consistently has a number of carries that go for between -1 and 3 yards, and then he will break a long one. He just hasn't broken many long ones yet this year, but it seems like he's about due. I also think teams have been loading up the box to stop him, which may change over the course of the year as Geno Smith continues to improve and burn teams in the passing game.