SYRACUSE — It's important for the Syracuse University football team to keep West Virginia from running the Orange into exhaustion this afternoon.

When SU and West Virginia tangle in a Big East matchup at noon in Morgantown, W. Va., the Orange must prevent the Mountaineers' offense from possessing the ball for long stretches. For this to happen, Syracuse needs to convert on third down.

Offensively, SU has converted just over 26 percent of its third-down attempts. Quarterback Cameron Dantley said its takes more than athletes to earn a first down.

"It's really just about focus," Dantley said. "It's not anything differently than we do on offense, it's just that we need to get a first down. There are a lot of things in the passing game that we know we need to do."

The putrid showings on third down began in Syracuse's stunning loss at home to Akron on Sept. 6. The Orange went 3-for-9 on third down against the Zips. The hapless effort continued with a 2-for-17 effort the following week against Penn State. As Pittsburgh capitalized on SU's second-half collapse two weeks ago, the Orange managed one third-down conversion in the final 30 minutes.

In order to give Syracuse punter Rob Long less work, the passing attack needs to be more effective. Dantley said receivers need to be more of a threat and know where the first-down marker is when running routes. But don't be mistaken. It's Dantley's responsibility to deliver perfect throws.

"It comes down to pin-point accuracy, and it's my job to get them the ball in the position they need in order for us to move the chains," Dantley said.

The onus on third down doesn't rest solely on the Orange offense. Opponents have been successful on 62 percent of their third downs against Syracuse's defense. The situation doesn't get any better with West Virginia's spread offense waiting to stretch the field.

Mountaineers quarterback Pat White might be the most feared offensive player Syracuse will face this season. As a sophomore, White rushed for a Big East quarterback record of 247 yards in a 41-17 win over SU. West Virginia finished with 457 rushing yards in the game — the highest total yielded by any Orange team.

"Quite frankly, this is the Cadillac of spread offenses over the last number of years," Syracuse coach Greg Robinson said. "I think people have worked hard to emulate what they do, and this has taken on a new dimension. ... I think their passing game is different."

White's jack rabbit speed has belied his passing proficiency this season. He's completed over 72 percent of his passes in five games and thrown one interception. Orange senior linebacker and captain Jake Flaherty said the defense must bottled up White, the Mountaineers' athletic playmakers and tackle like never before.

"We have to have that mindset definitely," Flaherty said. "We have to get off the field to get the offense on the field to score points. We have to give the offense a chance."

CARTER DOUBTFUL TODAY

Delone Carter encountered the sad reality of how fragile hamstring injuries can be.

Carter was poised to return to Syracuse's backfield today after missing the last two games with a pulled left hamstring. Coach Robinson was asked earlier this week if Carter would be ready for the Mountaineers, and Robinson said, "I believe he is."

A simple tweak of Carter's hamstring in practice Thursday, however, is likely going to keep the sophomore running back on the sidelines. Robinson told the Syracuse Post-Standard that Carter is doubtful to play against West Virginia. It leaves the Orange with starting tailback Curtis Brinkley, sophomore Doug Hogue and true freshman Antwon Bailey.

Carter was averaging 6.6 yards per carry before injuring his hamstring in the first half against Penn State.

BOWDEN BENCHES QB HARPER

Clemson coach Tommy Bowden is changing quarterbacks, benching preseason Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Cullen Harper in favor of backup Willy Korn.

Bowden says he made the decision Friday afternoon after watching tape of the Tigers 12-7 loss at Wake Forest the night before.

The Tigers play next at home against Georgia Tech on Oct. 18.

Bowden said he had to do something to spark the team, which is 3-3 with two conference losses. The coach said Korn is more mobile than Harper and gives the Tigers more options on offense.

Bowden stood behind offensive coordinator Rob Spence, despite the team scoring only one touchdown the past seven quarters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.