Pinstripe Bowl 2012: West Virginia vs. Syracuse game preview, location, history and more

The Syracuse Orange finishes its 2012 campaign as it faces the West Virginia Mountaineers in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl in New York on Saturday.

Syracuse finished its regular season with a record of 7-5 after winning its final three games, including an upset of No. 9 Louisville and a road win at SEC foe Missouri. The Orange offense moves on the arm of senior quarterback Ryan Nassib, whose 63% completion rate led to 3,619 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

It's been a mediocre season for the Syracuse defense, a unit that faces a tough challenge in West Virginia's top-ten offense. Syracuse blogger Sean Keeley indicated to West Virginia blog The Smoking Musket that the Orange's strength is its front-seven, who will likely be blitzing often.

Despite his offensive prowess, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has yet to claim a victory over Syracuse. The prolific passer has lost twice in as many tries to the Orange as the two schools once squared off as Big East opponents.

Smith's senior season was remarkable despite leading the Mountaineers to a record of 7-5. Smith threw for 4,004 yards and 40 touchdowns while throwing only six interceptions and completing 71% of his passes. That line puts the West Virginia passing offense at sixth nationally at 341 yards per game.

Syracuse leads the all-time series between the two schools, 32-27.

Game date and time

Sat., December 29, 3:15 p.m. ET

Location

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

Spread

West Virginia is favored by 4 points

TV schedule

ESPN

Watch online

WatchESPN

Radio schedule

ESPN Radio affiliates

Last year’s game

Rutgers Scarlet Knights 27
Iowa State Cyclones 13

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