WVLAWGEEK's West Virginia Sports

Big (XII) Expectations

2012-02-15T18:14:00.002-05:00

Now that it's official, the debating has already begun about WVU's expectations of success in the Big 12. The preseason pollsters have the football team in the top 10 for next year, but I don't see where anyone expects us to win the Big 12. (to be fair, Oklahoma is considered a national champion contender next year) I also read an article from Oklahoma that stated our basketball team was going to be rebuilding next year. (I thought that was this year)

Dana Holgerson has roots in Texas and was a coach for several years in the Big 12. That makes the question: Are conference foes tougher to play because they are familiar with the personnel or the system. We struggled in DH's first year against some pretty substandard teams (compared to Big 12 competition) in all aspects of the game. This isn't terribly surprising. USF always gives us a time and Syracuse has beaten us twice in a row when they shouldn't have been close. Will the Big 12 be ready for what may be the best offense in college football next year? I think we'll contend for the conference title next season, but it's hard to imagine we'll make it through that schedule better than Oklahoma and Texas. For the long haul, the move does nothing but benefit WVU for recruiting purposes. Texas will be more accessible for us to recruit from (in the way that Florida is) and the Big 12 is a much better draw for incoming players.

Though it's been exciting watching the basketball team this year, they are ending up about where it was expected at the beginning of the year. They're able to knock off a few better teams while losing to a few they shouldn't and remaining a bubble team. While it's true that we lose two huge contributors from this years team, we only lose two players. With all the freshman getting important minutes this year, they will be seasoned players as sophomores ready to pounce on increased offensive opportunities. Kilicli will be a force to be dealt with, and he'll be joined by transfer Aaric Murray who already has significant accomplishments on his resume from LaSalle. As good as people expect next season's football team to be, I think the basketball team will be just as good. And while it's an increase in strength of schedule for the football team, the basketball players have already been put to the task of playing against the best in college. Recruiting could be interesting given that a lot of our players have come from the NY area and the east coast. Without having The Garden as a draw, Huggins may have to recruit from other areas. I don't doubt he'll be quite successful wherever he gets his players given his past success at KState and Cinc.

Oddly enough, the Women's Basketball team could benefit the most from the move. Coach Carey has done another fantastic job with this years team and his schedule looks to get a whole lot easier. Currently, they battle against perennial powerhouses UConn and ND. (Congratulations to the ladies for the magnificent win at ND last week). Rutgers and Louisville also field strong teams on a yearly basis. That won't be a problem in the Big 12. Counting the teams that will be in conference next year and excluding WVU, the Big 12 currently has one ranked team and two receiving votes. (Baylor is #1, and KState is only receiving 1 vote) The Big East by comparison has 5 teams ranked and another receiving votes. While Baylor will still likely be a powerhouse next year, they should fall off after 6-8 Brittney Griner graduates. That will set the stage for WVU to be a perennial contender for the conference.

The future should be extremely exciting and there is plenty of reason to be optimistic. It's time to show the rest of the country what we have.

Valentines day gift ... WVU to Big XII here is the 2012 Football Schedule... Wowser

2012-02-14T11:54:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the Big East for terminating the relationship today... WVU will have to move on to much greener pastures. I thought that I would miss our "traditional" rivals more but quite frankly I am getting over that pretty fast. Take a look at what this season has to offer:

9/1 Marshall

9/8 Open Date

9/15 Neutral site DC: JMU

9/22 Maryland

9/29 Baylor

10/6 at Texas

10/13 at Texas Tech

10/20 Kansas State

10/27 Open Date

11/3 TCU

11/10 at OSU

11/17 OU

11/24 at Iowa State

12/1 Kansas

Some observations with the above slate. First off it may be the best schedule ever for a WVU squad. I would point out that WVU plays all games on Saturday for the first time in I can't remember how long. WVU gets to play a game in DC (fertile recruiting ground). Likely will be a WVU home-like crowd. 7 total home games. WVU shall have five conference home games. WVU shall get to play Texas Christian, Oklahoma in likely cold weather games. Extremely challenging schedule overall, but amplify that with back to back tilts in state of Texas. Oklahoma State on the road is no picnic. I am guessing the giant-killing Cyclones are looking forward to welcoming WVU as well. To say I am excited about this season would be a huge understatement.

Da Geek

Bryant is the key

2012-02-08T07:38:00.002-05:00

Well were down to 7. I'm thinking we need 20 to avoid much of the bubble situation. Currently the Mounties sit at 16-8.

Truck is the key because the rest of the team is essentially a known quantity. KJ's good for the double-double. Kilicli is good for half a dozen turnovers and 6-8 pts. Hinds will have a great steal one possesion and trail a cutting guard on D for an easy bucket the next. He'll hit a big shot and then throw up an airball. Gary Brown will drible too much and turn the ball over a couple of times but might give you offense when nothing else is working. Then there's Truck. Defenses have packed in the middle with a zone against KJ and taken advantage of Kilicli's poor hands. That leaves the perimeter a little susceptible to the three. When Truck's on, defenses have to come out to guard him, opening up the middle for the bigs. When he's not, they can focus on rebounding long balls which helps negate KJ's biggest advantage. This has been so much the case, we we're able to get by Providence despite KJs worst shooting effort in at least a year and a half.

Defensively, I can see them working on the changes. Teams look for a switching mismatch. This usually comes against one of the guards, Truck, Hinds or Brown. Unfortunately, Truck can make a 3 man look like an all american in the paint (reference Providence).

While I'll on D, hopefully someone is telling Kilicli he doesn't need to flash all the way out to half court on the screens. Teams will take advantage of his slow feet getting back to the paint!!.

Tonight Notre Dame is going to try to work over our guards on the perimeter with a lot of 3 point shots. Adkins and Grant are both shooting roughly 35-40%. They'll both take about 5 3-point shots a game and ND as a team averages 6-7 3-pointers a game. Beyond that, they're pretty balanced. All 5 starters are at or near double figures. They'll try to find the weak spot on our D and exploit it. They're not hiding anyone on offense.

We have to hold home court. Say we can beat Depaul and USF. At least we'll be favored in those games.

That leaves home and away against ND. Pitt on the road and Louisville and Marquette at home. We'll need 2 wins against the this group to make it to 20. 3 of them are home games. That makes tonights game very important.

I wouldn't want to be Providence today.

2012-02-05T11:14:00.004-05:00

After 3 straight losses and 5 days off, I expect the 'Eers to come ready to play. I'm predicting a 20 point win today.

Welcome to the incoming Frosh class (and early admits) Go Eers!!!

2012-02-02T10:40:00.003-05:00

The above video is another Dougity Dog masterpiece. Please visit his You Tube page. I thought you would like to see this. :)

With one exception, Kinsey, Coach Holgorsen in his press conference yesterday commented on the new commits. I thought his words would be better than anyone else regarding these newest members of the team.

Imarjaye Albury DT 6-1/280 (Early Admit) Coach Holgerson says: "Imarjaye Albury is a defensive tackle. He is a big, strong guy, who played at Northwestern High School down in Miami. He was a force for them for a couple of years, and we are excited to have him on campus."

Christian Brown DT 6-2/280 Coach Holgerson says: "Christian Brown is a defensive tackle out of New Jersey. He only played one year up in New Jersey. He is a big body. He is a strong kid. He played down in Florida for the majority of his career and then came up into Jersey as a move-in with his father and was able to play pretty good in about seven games. You can’t have enough big bodies on the defensive line. We are all aware of that. Probably one of the needs that we have heading into next year is to get some young guys who are able to play right away when it comes to defensive line."

Roshard Burney RB 5-10/205 Coach Holgerson says: "This kid rushed for 2,000 yards in high school. That doesn’t happen very often. He is a big, strong, powerful guy, who probably weighs 205-pounds already, and he is going to get bigger. He runs on his toes, the kid smiles a bunch and was all-state down in Florida. He is a guy that when you watch his tape, he is going to run you over, but then he is also going to bounce off of you and out-run people. He has got a really good combination of strength and size and can run around pretty fast as well."

Ford Childress QB 6-4/210 (Early Admit) Coach Holgerson says: "We have Ford Childress, who played at Kinkaid school. He is a big, tall guy, who has been in a passing offense for the last three years and understands what we do offensively. We beat a lot of people out all the way from the west coast to the east coast. We are excited to have him up here."

Torry Clayton RB 5-10/190 Coach Holgerson says: "We were able to get a second running back out of south Florida, Torry Clayton. He is more like Roshard, then he is like Buie and Garrison. Buie and Garrison are guys that are shifty guys that can get in spaces and make you miss and start and stop on a dime. Torry is a little bit more of a slasher. He has some power to him. He is not a small guy. He is going to be able to give us some strength in the backfield. As we saw last year, we started camp with five backs, and we were down to two in the bowl game. That is a position that through wear and tear with those guys that you need to play a lot of bodies. We also played two or three bigger backs who are able to get in there and do blocking. With as much as we are in two back and three back sets, the more of those running backs we can have back there, the better. The more of those guys that can carry the ball, the better. So we are looking at a couple of backs that we got from down there that we are pretty excited about who can do a whole bunch of different things."

Travares Copeland ATH 5-11/175 Coach Holgerson says: "Travares Copeland, out of Port St. Lucie, probably has as good of feet as anybody on the roster that we have right now. The kid played quarterback for them. There is a whole bunch of different positions that he can play. He is probably more along the lines of a slot receiver. We can do a lot of different stuff with to get him the ball. He runs well and was a kid that again can play a whole bunch of different positions and those are the type of kids that we want to get. Guys that can play a whole lot of positions. He wants to play receiver so we will stick him in there and try to get him the ball as much as we can."

Kimlon Dillon DB 6-2/180 Coach Holgerson says: "KJ is a great kid. He is a good looking 6-foot-2, 195-pound guy that will smack you. He played both ways for Apopka, which is a really good program in Orlando, that has won a whole bunch of games. He is another guy that is long and lean and can run around and that will also strike you. And as you guys see, some of these highlights we put together for some of these guys, the one thing on that whole tape that stood out to me was when you put him on there, guys running a route across the middle catching the ball, the guy is knocking the heck out of them. KJ is able to cover a lot of ground. He is a physical kid, who is going to get bigger. He is going to get stronger, and he is going to be a guy who could come in and be able to play."

Mark Glowinski OL 6-5/290 Coach Holgerson says: "Mark Glowinski is the only junior college kid that we signed this year out of Lackawanna. He is an eastern Pennsylvania kid. He is a guy that gained on average 50 pounds over the last couple of years. Coming out of high school, he wasn’t very developed. He was tall and rangy. He went to Lackawanna and gained about 100 pounds, and you watch him come off the ball, he is a physical kid. He’s every bit a 6-foot-5, 6-foot-6, 300 pounds. He has got great feet, but he plays with an attitude. He has two years of college experience already under his belt, where he can come in and will have a chance to compete for the starting left tackle spot come next year. It was important to us to get one junior college offensive lineman. When you look at what we have coming back from an offensive line standpoint, we basically have four starters coming back, and then we are able to plug a guy like him in there to be the fifth starter or some guys that we will have in the spring to be the fifth starter. It will give us some depth, and it will be fun to watch that unfold."

Jarrod Harper DB 6-1/200 Coach Holgerson says: "Jarrod Harper is a safety from right down the road in Frostburg, Maryland. He was our first commit of the class and was our most solid commit of the class. There is nobody on our list that wants to be a Mountaineer more than Jarrod. He probably came to every home game. He played a lot of running back for Frostburg, and they won a bunch games. He has played a lot of football. He just wants to play on the defensive side of the ball, so we will play him at safety. He was one of the most solid kids that we had. He is just a pleasure to be around. He has a big old flying WV on the side of his head here for the last couple of days and will keep it here. Can’t wait to get him here. He would walk here if he could get into school and be down there in the weight room right now."

Korey Harris DE 6-4/230 Coach Holgerson says: "Korey Harris is a defensive end. He is a good-looking kid. He is 6-foot-4, 230 out of Jacksonville, Fla. He is a guy who will develop into a big boy. He is 6-foot-4, 230-pounds right now, but can come off the ball and get after the quarterback. Headed into the conference that we are heading into, it is going to be crucial that we have guys that can rush the passer, as we all understand that, and this is a guy that regardless of how big he is, you can see his tenacity when he comes off the ball and his desire to get to the quarterback."

Garrett Hope LB 6-3/220 Coach Holgerson says: "Garrett Hope, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound out of The Woodlands, Texas. Another program in that state of Texas in Houston that has won a tremendous amount of games. You talk about Pearland High School, Katy High School and The Woodlands High School, those three teams win as many games in the state of Texas as anybody else does. He is a guy who transferred in a couple of years ago out of Tulsa out of Jenks, which also is a program that won just a ton of games and so his background from what he has been used to is good. He came in and played at outside linebacker. He is a guy who can drop into the gap, but he is also a guy who can rush the passer and is a big physical guy, that to the point, where he is good against the run as well."

Will Johnson TE 6-7/245 Coach Holgerson says: "Will Johnson is a tight end out of Minnesota. He came on a visit in December and watched us practice and how we used Tyler Urban a lot as far as a bigger body, who can put his hand on the ground, and can come off and zone block. He can also run down field and catch the ball. Watching him run up and down the basketball court there at his high school in Minnesota, you can tell and based on what we saw on tape, he is a guy who we are not interested in just sticking his hand in the ground and watching him block. He is a guy who will be able to run a whole bunch of routes and be able to catch the ball down field certainly as much as Tyler did and probably even more than that. Physically, he is ready to do that right now."

Karl Joseph DB 5-11/190 (Early Admit) Coach Holgerson says: "[Karl] has been doing an unbelievable job in the weight room. It is not going to take him a long to adjust physically. He is 5-foot-9, 190-pounds and has got muscles sticking out everywhere. You can see on film that he will be able to come up and hit you and should adjust."

Darreal Joyner WR 5-11/180 Coach Holgerson says: "Dee Joyner is a receiver out of Miami Central. He moved in from Georgia and only played one year there in south Florida. Based on his junior tape in Georgia, we loved how he came in out of his cuts. He isn’t the biggest dude, but he is a playmaker. He can run down field and catch the ball. He is a really good return guy. Going into Miami Central where they have got just tons of talent, he was able to adjust quickly and be one of their most productive guys on the field. He helped them to a 13-1 record and made a lot of plays on a team that had a lot of guys that can make a lot of plays. He adjusted quickly."

Eric Kinsey DE 6-3/250 Coach Holgerson did't comment on Eric as his paperwork didn't arive until after the press conference.

Nana Kyeremeh DB 5-11/170 Coach Holgerson says: "Nana Kyeremeh might be the fastest guy in this class. He comes from Worthington, Ohio, where the guy did everything. You talk about a guy that can be a cornerback. He is a 6-foot, 6-foot-1 guy who can play cornerback, that can play safety and does an unbelievable job of rushing kicks and blocking kicks. He has probably blocked four or five of them this year. He can play a lot of different things. He is very, very smart kid. I don’t know what we are going to do with him yet. He can be a cornerback, he could be a safety, and he is going to keep continuing to grow. You watch him make plays as far as coming off the edge blocking kicks. He has got a burst and then you also see him pick a ball and take it back for a touchdown. There is not anybody who can catch him"

Sam Lebbie LB 6-2/240 Coach Holgerson says: "Sam Lebbie is a linebacker out of DeMatha over in Washington, D.C. He is a good sized kid, who was a three-year starter for DeMatha. He had 16,000 tackles over the course of his career. He has played a lot of ball, is a physical kid and obviously is not going to get any smaller. I look forward to seeing how he develops over the years."

Devonte Mathis WR 6-2/205 Coach Holgerson says: "Devonte Mathis is another guy from Miramar, who was a very instrumental kid when it came to being on a team that won 13 games and was 13-1 and played safety for them, inside receiver for them, played wideout for them, played quarterback for them and did a whole bunch of things. When you talk about getting as many guys as you can with that type of a body type who can play that many different positions, you got a guy that is going to be extremely productive."

Tony Matteo OL 6-5/280 Coach Holgerson says: "Tony Matteo is out of Manchester High School in Ohio. Tony is another one of these guys who came over to about five different camps and came over to about five different games. He was solid from the very beginning and is a very smart kid who can play center, can play guard and is athletic enough to play tackle. He is going to play in the all-star games over in Ohio. He is a big, tough, country kid who will come over and work hard and be able to take the abuse that he gets from coach Bedenbaugh."

Deontay McManus WR 6-2/215 Coach Holgerson says: "We are excited about Deontay. He was one of our early commits and is one of the most highly rated guys that we have. He is very productive guy, and he was a very highly recruited guy. He committed in the summer and was solid since day one. We are fired up about getting him over here as soon as we can to teach him what to do and get him out there. Physically, I can tell you right now that he is ready to play at the next level. We have got to get him here and teach him what to do, and we have got to get his skills right to the point to where he can get out there and compete at this level. We are excited about Deontay, and we can’t wait to get him here."

Brandon Napoleon ATH 6-0/175 Coach Holgerson says: "Brandon Napolean is from St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey. He comes from a great family. His dad is Eugene Napolean, who was a great player here back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is a wonderful guy. Brandon is a great player. He played quarterback for them, and they won a whole bunch of games like they have for years over in Jersey. He is a guy who can do a whole lot of different things. He can play on either side of the ball. We have kind of settled right now to start him playing at cornerback. He has enough athletic ability to be able to play cornerback and has played a whole bunch of football."

Noble Nwachukwu DE 6-2/240 Coach Holgerson says: "Noble Nwachukwu is a guy out of Dallas, Texas. He has only played for a few years. He is an outside linebacker type of guy who you see coming off the ball with some pop and can rush the passer. He is a guy who has played at Wylle. That is a high school that they have won a whole bunch of games and played very good competition to the point he is going to be used to the competition. It is just about being able to come in and be able to adjust to the speed of the game. He does do a great job of coming off the ball and rushing the passer."

Tyler Orlosky OL 6-4/290 Coach Holgerson says: "The other guy that coach Bedenbaugh spent a whole bunch of time recruiting is Tyler Orlosky, another big, strong guy. Bill likes football quite a bit. We are talking about coach Bedenbaugh. He likes football, and he likes to go home and eat dinner and bounce his little kid on his knee. Tyler Orlosky and Tony are the same two types of kids where they like to play football and lift weights and go home and sleep and wake up and do the same thing over and over again. Tyler played at St. Edward High School over in Cleveland. He is a great kid. His work ethic is unbelievable and is a big, strong, powerful guy who the more of those guys that you can have up front, the better."

Adam Pankey OL 6-5/290 Coach Holgerson says: "Adam Pankey is the fourth offensive lineman. We wanted to get four, and we got four. We are pretty excited about the four guys that we got. He is an enormous dude. He is 6-foot-5, 290 and runs up and down the basketball court, throwing elbows, getting rebounds and changing directions. He is a guy that was pretty highly recruited that we got in on late and was able to seal the deal here in the last few days. He is really a good kid. He comes from a fun family, is a fun kid to be around, and he has got some younger siblings that might even be bigger than him it looks like to me. So we are excited about the offensive line class that we put together, and he was the one that rounded that out."

Devonte Robinson WR 6-2/175 Coach Holgerson says: "Devonte Robinson is taller than 6-foot-1. It says 6-foot-1 from Delray Beach and Village Academy. He had a great senior season and probably went from 6-foot-1 to closer to 6-foot-2, possibly 6-foot-3 over the course of his senior year. He had a great year. Almost 1,000 yards receiving. He is a wideout. You talk about the different types of receivers that we have. Bigger guys, shiftier guys, taller, leaner guys. The taller, leaner guys are the ones that we stick out wide, and he fits the mold as a pure wideout who is able to get down field at the speed but also be able to catch the ball over the shoulder."

Jordan Thompson WR 5-9/163 (Early Admit) Coach Holgerson says: "[Jordan] is a slot (receiver). He comes from Katy High School, which has won about 95 percent of their games over the last decade or two, but comes from a very good program. He was the second leading receiver in the city of Houston. He is not a very big guy, but as we have found out last year with Dustin, you come in and get into a program, you are going to gain weight, and as long as you can play, you are going to be able to play. We look forward to him being able to go through the spring.

Sean Walters DB 6-2/195 (Early Admit) Coach Holgerson says: "We have Sean Walters, who is a big, tall, lean safety. He is 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds. He didn’t play his junior year. He came back from that and had a heck of a senior year. He is a rangy guy who can cover a lot of ground, play safety. He will probably gain some weight and be able to move down to an outside linebacker at some point as well."

Welcome home to this class of young men who are charged with carrying on the legacy of WVU football.

Da Geek

Recruiting News of note: Yup this stuff is year round... WVU has its first verbal commitment for the class of 2013. Toledo Central Catholic (Oh.) safety Jayme Thompson committed to the Mountaineers. He already garnered offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska, Bowling Green and Buffalo.Welcome aboard Jayme!

More on the Roundball

2012-01-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

(15-5) This team looks more and more like a 20+ win team. I had us at 21 at my last review and we're 1 ahead of that mark at this point. You never know in the Big East, particularly on the road. Notre Dame over Syracuse. I didn't see than one coming. Pitt continues to act like Pitt should. But every team, including Depaul, has at least one player that can go off on a given night. I didn't think we could beat Cinci with Truck throwing up bricks, but that is testament to the character of this team. They work hard and find ways to win. Jabari Hinds and Kevin Noreen had exceptionally good weeks. Noreen playing a key role. Hinds has "fantastic" buried inside just bursting to get out. I think he's going to be special. I think G Brown is channeling a little De'sean. He now has 2 last second 3's to send the game into overtime. Both of which we won. Damn, I just love watching these guys. Their chemistry is something special.

So, here my latest run down of what's left:

at St Johns - W (8-12) Their only impressive victory was a 57-55 over Cinci

at Syracuse - L (20-1) The key phrase is the @. They are still the class of the conference

Pitt - W (11-9) 8 game losing streak. Unbelievable! Still have dangerous talent but NO chemistry

at Providence - W (12-8) Cotton can score, but WVU plays defense!

Notre Dame - W (12-8) Most Schizo team in the league with Big wins and BIG loses

Louisville - W (15-5) Haven't really won any BIG games. Under performing, and its @WVU

at Pitt - W (11-9) they're playing bad enough that i can see a sweep this year

at ND - L ND tough at home, I'm flipping because i know we can't win them all. Still HATE ND

Marquette - L (16-4) they seam like a legit top #25 team. Should be a good game at home!

Depaul - W (10-9) Stop Melvin, you stop Depaul. WVU is good at shutting down 1 man teams

at USF - W (12-8) Cant underestimate this team. The can win some games. have to stop Gilchrist

Yeah, that's now 23 wins. I expect we'll lose a couple I have as W's and still end up with 21-22 wins.

Note: We're standing at #26 in the AP and #28 in the coaches but Lunardi has us penciled in as a #3 seed. Not a misprint, #3 seed. Maybe he has us at 23 wins as well!

Go Eers!

Tourney Birth On The Horizon

2012-01-22T11:58:00.002-05:00

Barring a major injury or total meltdown, the Mountaineers are well on their way to a NCAA tournament invite. Kevin Jones again led the squad to an exciting and fortunate victory over a very good Cincinnati team yesterday. KJ could earn POTW honors this week and is still well on his way to POTY in the Big East. Along with Kilicli, a couple of freshman also came up big. G. Brown and Hinds did a tremendous job of picking up the backcourt given the freshman-like performance of Truck. It's quite a testament to beat a good team when one of the leaders doesn't show up to play.

And the rest of the schedule looks manageable for an invitation. UConn and Georgetown are in the mirror and with Pitt playing terrible and Marquette and Louisville at home, the 'Eers have a fair chance of winning every game left except possibly at Syracuse. That should easily get them the 6 or so wins in 11 games to be tournament worthy. I commented a few weeks ago that 21 wins seemed optimistic. I was happily mistaken and now that forecast seems a little conservative. Let's Go Mountaineers!

Keep Smiling Eer Fans!!!

2012-01-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

The truth is that WVU athletics is moving along quite nicely. How can we not be excited about the future in all of our sports. The football team just won the Orange Bowl for crying out loud. Think about that for a second. We just won an elite bowl, again. Six years go by and we have participated in, and won 3 major bowl games. That places us, once again, in elite company. Since 2005 we have been to a final four an elite eight 2 times and the sweet sixteen several times as well in hoops. We are closer and closer to closing the deal with the Big XII and closing the book on the Big East. As a fan who has followed this team religiously for 30 + years I just needed and wanted to reflect on that for a moment. WVU sports is on a very sweet path.

Lambert Honors to Morgantown again!!!

2012-01-10T13:03:00.000-05:00

The ECAC placed WVU atop the final Poll Otherwise known as the Beast of the East!
Division I - Bowl Subdivision Record Points Prev.
1. West Virginia 10-3 240 1
2. Cincinnati 10-3 208 3
3. Rutgers 9-4 180 5
4. Penn State 9-4 172 2
5. Louisville 7-6 140 4
6. Temple 9-4 136 7
7. Pittsburgh 6-6 96 6
8. Connecticut 5-7 44 8
9. Navy 5-7 40 NR
10. Syracuse 5-7 28 NR
Also Receiving Votes: South Florida, Boston College

Da Geek's (individual) Final Poll

2012-01-10T12:06:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma State
LSU
Alabama
Oregon
USC
Boise State
West Virginia
Michigan
Arkansas
Houston
South Carolina
Wisconsin
Michigan State
TCU
Baylor
Kansas State
Oklahoma
Clemson
Southern Mississippi
Cincinatti
Georgia
Florida State
Nebraska
Virginia Tech
Rutgers

This poll was just Da Geek's final poll. I am certain that the other authors on this blog will differ in there outlook. I am curious to see where everyone comes out.

Da Geek

Not On KJ's Watch

2012-01-08T07:48:00.003-05:00

Not here. Not now. Kevin Jones didn't care about Georgetown's 11 game winning streak. He wasn't about to let something happen that hasn't happened since he's been in Morgantown. He wasn't going to let the Hoyas take down WVU.

If you haven't been watching Mountaineer hoops, you need to check them out before Kevin Jones is gone. Yeah it's true. Everyone expects next years team to be special as the young talent on the current team develops. But Kevin Jones is playing inspired basketball that could lead him to be player of the year in the Big East and possibly a national candidate as well. I think of names like Tyrone Sally, Frank Young, Darris Nichols, and Da'Sean Butler. Senior leaders who defined the personality of their teams.

Additionally, the new guys continue to gel. I don't think we're going to see any consistency from the scoring numbers out of any of these guys. But last week, the mistakes were very limited. 32 turnovers in the last two games doesn't sound very impressive, but 18 of them were from our trio of veterans.

Right now, KJ and company have themselves looking like a tourney team. With loads of inexperience and tons of hiccup potential ahead, it's still to early to say they'll cruise on to a successful resume. But we can certainly enjoy and appreciate some magnificent basketball that was played this week and hope that it continues next week against UConn and the rematch with Rutgers.

Orange Bowl GAME DAY IS UPON US... Da Geek's Prediction

2012-01-04T14:30:00.001-05:00

So at the beginning of the season I said that WVU would be playing in a BCS Bowl. WVU is in fact in the Orange Bowl. The season began with excitement and anticipation to see just what Coach Holgorsen and this team could do. WVU had a few bumps in the road that would eventually arrive in Miami, but the fact is that the Eers have arrived and are ready to mix it up with Clemson.

There have been very few locations where WVU is even mentioned throughout the bowl season. ESPN "experts" have all but written the Eers off in this game. The same can be said for the Orange Bowl itself. I have watched just about all of the "pregame" shows. I simply haven't seen a lot of love for the Eers or this game. In fact, I learned today from Brad Nessler that WVU is actually in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (That brought to you by the same network that hired Craig James.) But negative energy seems to be a positive when it comes to Bowl Game outcomes for WVU. I would note that UGA and Oklahoma both remember how they were going to dominate WVU. Well that didn't happen. Tonight's game promises to be entertaining. Regardless of the outcome, I am damn proud to be a Mountaineer!!!

Yes, I am going to make my ever bold prediction: WVU 38 Clemson 35.

I plan on doing a seasons end recap following tonight's game with the Tigers. But in the meantime go Eers!

Da Geek

(I have been waiting to make this post so that I could give a shout out to my good buddy Orangefan who so diligently pointed out that Syracuse nation would be laughing at WVU playing in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl while they enjoyed their BCS fun. As it turns out my wonderful friend your team is going to get to watch all of the games from good ole New York. Please laugh it up.)

Roundball Update

2011-12-29T09:20:00.003-05:00

If you're not following the action on the hard court now would be a good time to start!

WVU is currenty sitting at 10-3. Kevin Jones is playing on a Player of the Year (POY) level in the Big East (20.4 ppg, 11.5 reb). Truck has found his shot at the #2 spot (17.7 ppg) and there's a lot of talent in that freshman class.

I think we're better than a bubble team. With a win over a 10-1 K State team and the OT loss to Baylor, this team has proven they can play with anybody.

Syracuse is the class of the league, but there's a drop off after that. Despite the early rankings, some of those teams have under-performed. *Pitt should be dropping from the rankings this week.

So here's my thought's on how the Big East schedule shapes up

at Seton Hall - Could be a key game for both teams SH is playing very well, slight edge to WV

at Rutgers - W

Georgetown - Hope the coliseum is rocking for an upset, L

at UConn (Hartford) - L

Rutgers - W

Marshall (Charelston) - Beat Cinci, stayed with Syr. tough game, L

Cincinati - Playing better since the brawl, but edge to WV

at St Johns - W

at Syracuse - L

Pitt - Haven't got their act together yet, W

at Providence - W

Notre Dame - Other than Pitt, playing has been poor w/or without Abromaitis - W

Louisville - Winnable game but Louisville will be the favorite -L

at Pitt - L

at ND - ND tough at home, but I hate ND - W

Marquette - Playing well, surprised they dropped to LSU after beating Wisc - L

Depaul - W

at USF - W

That would put us at 21-10 and my early guess would be about an 8 seed.

This team is getting better every game. They seem to have good chemistry, more important in basketball. Role players seem to be accepting and embracing their roles. Kevin Noreen has giving a lot of good minutes and continues to develop. Aaron Brown is a very good shooter coming off the bench. Rutledge is very athletic. So there are role players for all the looks Huggs wants or needs.

Now that the BE schedule has started we're really going to separate the haves and have nots.

Da Geek is getting a new oppertunity.

2011-12-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

I have recently agreed to do some posting on HailWV.com regarding the goings on with the 2 law suits concerning WVU and the Big East. Please if you get a chance check out that site. It is a fan-based WVU website. My first article, A tale of two Jurisdictions WVU vs. Big East/ Big East vs. WVU was just posted.

Da Geek

Edging Closer To Top 25

2011-12-11T11:45:00.002-05:00

It was a good week for WVU hoops. The win over KState this week gives them a quality nonconference win. Almost as importantly, the 2 overtime periods was like getting an additional practice or another quarter game of much needed game experience for the young guys. That was followed by a nice win over Miami on short rest. While this certainly isn't going to vault them into tourney favorites, I expect they will see some votes for the top 25 this week.

Truck Bryant was quite impressive last night and could receive POTW honors in the BE for his performances. Kilicli was also a force on a diminished frontline for Miami. After struggling with Miami's backcourt play in the first half, the 'Eers opened up the 2nd with a 25-3 run holding Miami without a field goal for the first 9 minutes. Good shooting and dominance on the boards were the main factors for the turnaround. For the young guys, Gary Brown hit a couple key 3 pointers early in the contest to keep WVU close as well as doing a much better job of distributing and limiting his TO's. Aaron Brown had some nice offensive possessions in the second half and Noreen was impressive for his limited minutes. Hinds saw his minutes diminished for at least the second consecutive game, but I still suspect he will be one of the most explosive young guards in the BE by the end of the season.

For the next few games, the Mounties should be able to gain some momentum and get on a roll. Contests against Texas A&M CC, Tenn Tech, and Missouri State should be pushovers. They'll need to take advantage of those matchups cause they'll close the pre-conference schedule with #7 Baylor.

WOW just WOW!!! WVU Hoops defeats K State in Double Overtime.

2011-12-09T11:02:00.000-05:00

Kevin Jones and Truck Briant were true leaders both in terms of production on the floor and in terms of getting production from the rest of the team. K-J led all scorers with 30 points he added 11 rebounds to record yet another double double in his career. Truck put 24 points on the board against just one turnover. Those type of games are going to be hard to duplicate but, suffice to say, it got the job done last night. Though not mistake free we got to see the two Browns play very well too. Aaron Brown in particular was clutch on 3 separate occasions. The one glaring downer is the free-throw-shooting. But on the whole I think that this game will prove to be one of the measuring posts for the growth of the team this season.

It was an interesting storyline before the tip-off even occurred as Huggs and Martin were having a reunion of sorts. It was clear to me that Martin is a chip off the old block as the two of them brought similar amounts of intensity and profanity. I found this game to be one of the most entertaining to watch in a very long time. Clearly, this game can go a long way in terms of team confidence down the road. Finally, I think it is fantastic that a brand new rivalry may have just been born. K-State and WVU played in a preview of things to come in the future. Excitement, effort and growth are words I would use to describe last nights action. I think that Huggs demonstrated a willingness to go to his bench and utilize the talent rich though experience lacking pool of players. The future looks very bright indeed but last night was extreemly fun for the present incarnation of the Mountaineers!!!.

Go Eers!

Da Geek

Bowl Lineup for 2011-2012 Who do you pick?

2011-12-07T15:56:00.012-05:00

December 17, 2011

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

Temple (8-4) 37 vs. Wyoming (8-4) 15 Da Geek's Pick: Wyoming; Weezie's Pick: Wyoming +7

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Ohio (9-4) 24 vs. Utah State (7-5) 23 and Da Geek's Pick: Ohio; Weezie's Pick: Ohio +1.5

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

San Diego State (8-4) 30 vs. La Lafayette (8-4) 32 Da Geek's Pick La Lafayette; Weezie's Pick: La Lafayette +4

December 20, 2011

Beef O’ Brady’s Bowl St. Petersburg Bowl

FIU (8-4) vs. Marshall (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: Marshall Weezie's Pick: Marshall +4

December 21, 2011

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

TCU (10-2) vs. La Tech (8-4) Da Geek's Pick: TCU Weezie's Pick: TCU -9 1/2

December 22, 2011

MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

Arizona St. (6-6) vs. Boise St. (11-1) Da Geek's Pick: Boise St. Weezie's Pick: Boise St. -14

December 24, 2011

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Nevada (7-5) vs. Southern Miss (11-2) Da Geek's Pick: Southern Miss Weezie's Pick: Southern Miss -8 1/2

December 26, 2011

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

Missouri (7-5) vs. UNC (7-5) Da Geek's Pick: UNC Weezie's Pick: N. Carolina +6

December 27, 2011

Little Caesars Bowl

Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Purdue (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: Western Michigan

Belk Bowl

Louisville (7-5) vs. NC State (7-5) Da Geek's Pick Louisville

December 28, 2011

Military Bowl—Pres. By Northrop Grumman

Toledo (8-4) vs. Air Force (7-5) Da Geek's Pick Air Force

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

California (7-5) vs. Texas (7-5) Da Geek's Pick: Texas

December 29, 2011

Champs Sports Bowl

Florida State (8-4) vs. Notre Dame (8-4) Da Geek's Pick: Notre Dame

Valero Alamo Bowl

Washington (7-5) vs. Baylor (9-3) Da Geek's Pick: Baylor

December 30, 2011

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

BYU (9-3) vs. Tulsa (8-4) Da Geek's Pick: BYU

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Rutgers (8-4) vs. Iowa State (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: Rutgers

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Mississippi St. (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: Wake Forest

Insight Bowl

Iowa (7-5) vs. Oklahoma (9-3) Da Geek's Pick: Oklahoma

December 31, 2011

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

Texas A&M (6-6) vs. North Western (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: North Western

Hyundai Sun Bowl

Georgia Tech (8-4) vs. Utah (7-5) Da Geek's Pick: Georgia Tech

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: Cincinnati

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

Illinois (6-6) vs. UCLA (6-7) Da Geek's Pick: Illinois

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5) Da Geek's Pick: Virginia

January 2, 2012

TicketCity Bowl

Houston (12-1) vs. Penn State (9-3) Da Geek's Pick: Houston

Outback Bowl

Michigan State (10-3) vs. Georgia (10-3) Da Geek's Pick: Michigan State

Capital One Bowl

Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (6-2) Da Geek's Pick: South Carolina

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl

Ohio State (6-6) vs. Florida (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: Florida

Rose Bowl Game Presented By Vizio

Wisconsin (11-2) vs. Oregon (11-2) Da Geek's Pick: Wisconsin

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Stanford (11-1) vs. Oklahoma State (11-1) Da Geek's Pick: OSU

January 3, 2012

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Michigan (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2) Da Geek's Pick Michigan

January 4, 2012

Discover Orange Bowl

West Virginia (9-3) vs. Clemson (10-3) Da Geek's Pick: West Virgina

January 6, 2012

AT&T Cotton Bowl

Kansas State (10-2) vs. Arkansas (10-2) Da Geek's Pick: Kansas State

January 7, 2012

BBVA Compass Bowl

SMU (7-5) vs. Pittsburgh (6-6) Da Geek's Pick: SMU

January 8, 2012

GoDaddy.com Bowl

Arkansas State (10-2) vs. Northern Illinois (10-3) Da Geek's Pick: Northern Illinois

January 9, 2012

AllState BCS Championship Game

Alabama (11-1) vs. LSU (13-0) Da Geek's Pick: LSU

WVU Football ranks 6 in New America Foundation Accademic Bowl this year!

2011-12-07T14:09:00.002-05:00

WVU Places 6th!

The New America Foundation pull the academic records from the schools found in the final BCS Poll of the regular season and then compiles this list. I think it is telling that WVU had spent most of the expansion saga dealing with Academics being the (lie for an excuse) reason for exclusion from the ACC and SEC. I look at this poll and WVU is 5 places better than any ACC team, only one SEC team ranks higher than WVU and that is by a mere 3 points. Kind of interesting that the two Orange Bowl participants are the highest ranked from their respective conferences in academics. A further point should be that we would rank near the top of our new conference trailing only the other new comer TCU.

Eer Nation is proud of this accomplishment. This indicates that these football players are excelling in the classroom too. Way to go fellas. This is a testament to the commitment of the coaching staff and academic support staff at the University towards athletics. It is my hope that Eer Nation will remind everyone that WVU competes in the classroom.

Da Geek

The Big East expands, covers its losses, and persists in trying to stifle WVU's exit.

2011-12-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

WVU is in a battle with the Big East regarding the term of its stay. The two pending lawsuits are in a turf battle. Both of the Courts are going to try to determine who has Jurisdiction in the matter. The hearings on the motions to dismiss filed in both Courts by the respective plaintiffs will be heard later on this month. This matter is in the hope of WVU fast tracked. But as anyone who practices or has participated in a law suit understands, the court system moves slowly. It is not likely that this matter will be concluded prior to the late Spring even on the fast track. WVU doesn’t have that kind of time to prepare for participation in Big XII sports. Therefore, WVU has to get moving on with the scheduling of all participation sports for next season. It is with that in mind that WVU AD Oliver Luck traveled to New York City to meet with other members of the Big XII conference.

It is the opinion of da Geek, that with the Big East acquiring replacement plus two for Syracuse, Pitt and WVU, the conference is moving on and should simply let the teams who wish to leave, go. “All of our thoughts, quite honestly, have been about the Big XII as we go into the 2012-2013 academic year and prepare all of our sports, from football down to volleyball and swimming, for Big XII competition," Oliver Luck said Wednesday when asked about the newest teams to sign on to the Big East Conference. Luck is correct in the fact that he doesn’t have time to gander at the changing landscape of WVU’s old conference.

What is it that the Big East gains from keeping WVU around? WVU returns the vast majority of its offense. The offensive line is bound to improve (one would hope.) This young defense is going to have Bowl prep/ spring ball and fall ball to improve. The special teams (okay I concede I have no idea what will happen there.) The point is that with all of the returning talent, and the additional talent WVU is to acquire, WVU’s likely going to repeat as Big East Champions for the third straight year, if we are forced to stay. What does that do to help the credibility of the conference if WVU is ultimately leaving? The answer is that it will take away from the new “plan” (as oxymoronic as that sounds in conjunction with anything Big East.) They want to promote their new standard bearers, Boise State and Houston. They can’t do that if WVU is around to cloudy that picture. The point I am making is that the Big East needs to tell us what they want in terms of money, get paid a percentage of that and move on.

On a related note, I find it interesting that the travel for the “New Big East” aka the “Jet Blue Conference,” would have been more taxing on the WVU budget as the travel in the Big XII. Trips to California and Idaho would be considerably further than that of any games in the Big XII. Trips to Houston, South Florida, SMU, and Central Florida would be awash in terms of travel expense. Point is that WVU may have ultimately saved on travel costs by leaving the Big East.

As I have said on other occasions, WVU will be in the Big XII next season. It is my hope that said transition will be smoother than it appears to be at this time. Alas, it shall happen whether smoothly or not. As more information is released either regarding future schedules or lawsuits I shall post on this blog.

Go Eers,

Da Geek

Da Geeks Final Big East Power Rankings and Bowl Invites...

2011-12-05T12:52:00.006-05:00

1. West Virginia University won 3 games in exciting fashion after all but blowing the season at home against Louisville. Coach Holgorsen has done what no prior coach has done and that is take the Eers to a BCS Bowl game in his first season of coaching. That was the expectation of the fan base, and though it was a rocky road to get there, he was successful in leading the team to this most important goal. I see only a very bright future for this team under his leadership. This team is the best team in the Big East. They are one of the few teams to begin the season at the top of the conference and end the season there as well. The Mountaineers are off to face the Tigers in the Orange Bowl on January 4th at 8:30 on ESPN.

2. The University of Cincinnati had two hiccups against WVU and Rutgers that did ultimately cost them a trip to the BCS. No question that losing Zach was costly to this team. They played the most consistent football throughout the Season and until they faced the Eers at Paul Brown were poised to finish atop the conference standings. Alas, they must settle for Co-champion with the Mountaineers and the Cardinals. They were awarded a trip to the Auto-Zone Liberty Bowl for their efforts. They square off against Vanderbilt on December 31st at 3:30 on ABC.

3. The University of Louisville were a surprise Co-Big East Champion this year. They certainly had a turbulent season wherein they lost to FIU and Marshall but were able to go 5-2 in the Big East with a signature win over WVU at home. This series of events really stirred the pot in the Big East race, forcing both Cincinnati and WVU to win their last two games to force a 3 way tie. I would point out that Da Geek had higher hopes for this team than just about anybody else. In my preseason poll I picked Louisville to finish 2nd in the conference. (My predictions take a hit after that as USF, Syracuse and sPitt underachieved in huge ways while Rutgers and Cincinnati played better than I expected.) Charlie Strong is to be commended on this season. He took a bunch of no-names and made them Conference Co-Champs at season's end. For that success they are awarded the Belk Bowl. They drew NC State as their opponent and will play this game December 27th at 8:00 pm on ESPN.

4. The University of Rutgers played 3 spots better than I thought they would. An up and down season with this team but the "wood-choppers" played well enough to be a Big East Co-champion up until being dismantled by a game Connecticut team. This lead to a finish of 4th in the League Standings. As has been stated on here since before Rutgers became bowl eligible, the Scarlet Knights will be the Big East representative in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. They will play, the team that cost Oklahoma State a bid to the National Championship, Iowa State on December 30th at 3:20 pm on ESPN.

5. sPitt, as is usually the case, underachieved this season. They took some costly injury hits, but the biggest deficiency of this team was Coach Graham's insistence that Tino be his man at quarterback. But alas they did what they tend to do, let everybody down. Well I guess not everybody, because their demise is a good thing in my mind. For their stellar bowl eligible season they are awarded a trip to the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham Alabama. They shall face off against Conference USA champion Southern Mississippi at 1 pm on ESPN.

6. University of Connecticut finishes the season they way they played all season without a back to back win. Though, they gave it the ole college try in second half of the game against the Bearcats they simply couldn't get it done. For their efforts they get an invite to nowhere. Only a year after being the Big East BCS representative they are not even bowl eligible. Coach P's second Big East go-around is not looking to be as successful as his past efforts, I am not ready to throw him completely under the bus as he has had no time to recruit. But his first season must be judged as unsuccessful. As stated before no bowl for UConn.

7. University of South Florida. Wow what a let down of a season. Skippy just didn't seem to have this team's interest after the win over Notre Dame. To say that this team underachieved with the athletes they had is a huge understatement. Several preseason publications picked South Florida to win the Big East this year. In stead they were able to muster just 1 conference win. As such they get to reside in a co-chumpion position with the 8th place finisher of this poll. No Bowl for the Bulls.

8. Syracuse aka who cares. This team lead by Coach M. had high hopes for the season. For his efforts he was awarded a one win season in the Big East. As I understand their fans though, as long as it is against WVU the season is a successful one. You see I was informed by at least two of their fans (that represents what 1/2 of them?) that by beating WVU they are in point of fact better than WVU. As Iowa State is better than Oklahoma State and countless other examples. It was only after this education in "score-board" rules that I came to understand the Orangefan's elite understanding of college football success. I believe it was stated after that one conference win that WVU would be playing in Beef O'Brady's Bowl, while Syracuse and its laughing faithful would be playing in a BCS Bowl. (I guess he meant the other team from West Virginia would be playing in that bowl. See below.) Well since they were able to win their October bowl game at home, they obviously were slighted by the Bowl selection committees, and like UCLA deserved a pass for being under 500. I am sure that the Orangefan(s) of the world will be snickering with glee come New Years when they are watching the Eers play Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Enjoy.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't make mention of the fact that Marshall is playing FIU in the Beef O'Brady's Bowl, aka the "we beat Louisville too Bowl." Congrats to the Herd on this Bowl Bid. Enjoy your trip to Tampa Herd fans everywhere. It should be noted that Marshall defeated both a Big East Co-champion and the Conference USA champion. Doc must have this team going in the right direction.

Additional Mountaineer related notes:

Junior wide receiver Taovon Austin has been named the BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week, and sophomore wide receiver Stedman Bailey and senior linebacker Najee Goode have been named to the Weekly Honor Roll for their performances against USF on Thursday night.

Austin had 208 all-purpose yards, including 141 yards on three kickoff returns, to help West Virginia to its 30-27 win at USF, giving the Mountaineers a share of their record seventh BIG EAST championship.
He returned a third-quarter kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, giving him two touchdowns on kickoff returns this season. He also had a team-high seven receptions for 54 yards and added a 30-yard punt return for the Mountaineers.

Bailey had seven receptions for 80 yards, including a pivotal 26-yard catch on fourth down in the game-winning drive, and Goode had seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a key forced fumble in the fourth quarter.

Da Geek

Da Geeks End of Season Poll

2011-12-05T11:25:00.002-05:00

1. LSU
2. Oklahoma State
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan
7. Boise State
8. South Carolina
9. Clemson
10. Stanford
11. Virginia Tech
12. USC/Houston
14. Texas Christian
15. Michigan State
16.Southern Mississippi
17. Baylor
18. West Virginia
19. Nebraska/Kansas State
21. Oklahoma/Arkansas
23. Cincinnati
24. Georgia
25. Penn State
Others receiving votes: Northern Illinois, Rutgers,Wyoming

Win #700 for the program.

2011-12-02T15:01:00.002-05:00

WVU entered elite company with its win last night. With that exciting-last-second 30-27 win over the Bulls, WVU became one of only 14 teams with 700 wins. Think about that for a second. 700. WVU is also one of only 3 teams to have had at least 9 wins in the last 7 seasons (the other two are VPI and Boise State.) As we are sitting in our favorite seats for tomorrow's game let us not forget what our beloved Eers have accomplished dating back to the time they were referred to as the Snakes. We have participated in 2 Sugar Bowls, 2 Fiesta Bowls, 7 Gator Bowls, and 4 Peach Bowls. We have had wins in all four of those storied games. We have had wins over Oklahoma, NC State, Texas Christian, Georgia, Florida, and Georgia Tech on New Years+ Bowl dates. Though some on here think it is appropriate to continue to disparage the Old Gold and Blue the truth is that our program is in pretty exclusive company when it comes to the 700 win milestone. The members of the 700+ Club: Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Nebraska, Southern California, Alabama, Tennessee, Penn State, Georgia, LSU, Auburn and West Virginia.

Tomorrow we need all of Eer Nation behind those silly Bearcats. May they acquire their 5th conference win and send us to another New Years Day+ Bowl just in time to begin our next 700 wins.

Da Geek

Go BearCats Go!!!

2011-12-02T08:00:00.003-05:00

Eer Nation will have two priorities come Saturday.

Win in Starkville for Hoops team.
Cincinnati getting it done on the field against U-Conn. I am guessing that this game will have a ratings boost from the 1+ million new viewers of interest. TV sets shall be tuned in at noon from all points in WV, as well as the Orange Bowl selection committee all of which are huge and I mean huge Bearcat fans.

Things learned from last night. Tavon Austin is unreal. Stedman Bailey is a superstar. Najee Goode is tough as nails. Tyler Bitancurt has ice flowing through his veins. I need to buy some stock in cardiac medicine as the entire State of West Virginia is in jeopardy of heart failure as a result of watching these cardiac kids. Coach Holgorsen now has some time to count his incentive money while watching the Cincinnati, UConn game.

More to come Saturday after the Bearcats take care of business.

Da Geek

Brief on the Bulls

2011-12-01T10:50:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the night to be remembered according to coach. Unfortunately a win doesn't guarantee an Orange Bowl birth. I wish Cinci played before us. The last thing I would want is to demotivate Cinci with a win or worse, motivate them with a loss. That being said, here's how I think it plays out.

I fully expect a heavy dose of Darnell Scott. If Daniels plays, he can run. But I don't expect to get beat by either QB.

Stop the rush of the D line. Turnovers, bad decisions, and no rushing game is the goal of this Def line. To win this game, we must win this battle. D backs are suspect and Geno with time, can have a big game.

I was surprised watching the Bulls D against Louisville. They looked uninspired. That's not how they usually play us. A prime time game and a shot at a bowl game should be plenty of motivation.

I look for a close game with some big plays. Deep throws by WVU and a couple of turnovers by the Bulls D. WVU covers the -2.5 and wins by 10 going away.

Season to date average statistical breakdown per game... Is this where we thought we would be?

2011-11-29T15:44:00.000-05:00

In the schools first 11 games yielding 8 wins:

WVU has scored an average of 35.4 points per game, while giving up an alarming average of 26.2 points per game. West Virginia is 20th nationally in scoring offense and 16th in total offense while being 59th in scoring defense and 25th in total defense. I must admit I was expecting to be substantially better in all of these areas.
WVU turns the ball over on average 1.6 times per game, while forcing turnovers at a rate of 1.55 times per game. Making this a statistical dead heat. Basically WVU is even in turnover margin with its opponents. West Virginia ranks 71st in turnover margin nationally.
WVU has averaged 31.27 rush attempts for 116.91 yards on the per game, while giving up an average of 138 yards per game on the ground. Coach Holgorsen has indicated that the rush numbers are going to be indicative of what the defenses give us. As long as the team can rush the ball they have seemed to be successful.
Through the air WVU has averaged 41.82 attempts at an average rate of 27 completions for an average of 351.36 yards only giving up an average of 0.56 interceptions per game. The defense gives up on average 197.2 yards per game through the air. This statistic is in line with what was expected at the beginning of the season. WVU's version of the Dana Holgorsen "air-raid" have yielded significant numbers. Geno Smith is 5th in the nation in passing yards. He is however only 20th in the nation in touchdowns and 22nd in the nation in third down conversions. Both Stedman Bailey (who ranks 13 nationally in receiving yards) and Tavon Austin (who ranks 1st in all purpose yards and 26th in receiving yards) are over 1000 yards in receiving this season with two games to play. This has never been done before. It really is a mixed bag for grading out this part of the offense. The defense has been impressive nationally on third down conversions allowed WVU graded out at 23rd. (It seems like teams have greater success than that but alas we are decent at getting off the field on third down.)
WVU averages 140.4 return yards per game while giving up an average of 164.7 return yards per game. Our return team grades out at 41st nationally. Our punt return team grades out at an impressive 18th really being the best part of our special teams. Our kickoff coverage team as expected is awful, nationally we rank 108th. We aren't much better on punt coverage team were we grade out at 100th nationally.

At the beginning of the season Da Geek predicted big numbers from Geno Stedman and Tavon. Well those guys delivered. I was hopeful for a more solid defensive performance and thought that our Offensive line and Special teams had to improve well alas that didn't happen.

So what does all of this mean in terms of seasonal success? Well I think it means that the Holgorsen experiment is still in its infancy. We are a work in progress and there is plenty of work to do. The measure of this season's success may be determined by 2 games both played this week. If WVU can go do what it struggles to do in Tampa and win, and if Cincinnati can get a home win over Connecticut then this season is a success if not it simply wasn't. This is more a statement of how bad the Big East is rather than how good WVU is. The standard set by Oliver Luck and Dan Holgorsen was conference championships and BCS Bowl births. If we aren't on track to do that then we aren't on track. The only statistics that really matter are W's. We need enough of those to get our invite to the BCS. This year 9 wins may or may not be enough. (Ironically, for Louisville, 7 wins may be enough in this lousy conference.)

Would love to read your thoughts...

Da Geek

Da Geeks Power Rankings for 11/28/2011 Bowl Predictions...

2011-11-28T16:38:00.001-05:00

1. West Virginia Louisville and Cincinnati share the top spot in this weeks poll. These 3 teams are the only ones that have any shot at the BCS and thus are the only relevant teams. Everyone else has fallen into complete obscurity. To break this down simply it is like this Louisville is already at worst a co-champion of the Big East and shall be the BCS representative with a Cincinnati loss. They are a pedestrian 7 and 5, but of those 7 wins including one over the Eers in Morgantown, they have won 5 conference games. The best that Cincinnati and West Virginia can hope to do is to win 5 conference games for a share of the Big East Crown. Cincinnati wins the nod to play in the BCS game with a win over UConn (bringing their record to 9 and 3) and a WVU loss. They have won the head to head match with Louisville, thus they would win the first tie breaker. WVU would get the BCS nod if the Eers can notch a victory over the always challenging Bulls in Tampa (which would bring their record to 9 and 3), and a Cincinnati win over UConn. Were this to happen the 3 co-champs would then be placed into a mini-conference. Since all of the teams won one and lost one against the others (Louisville beat WVU lost to Cincinnati; Cincinnati beat Louisville and lost to WVU; and WVU beat Cincinnati but lost to Louisville.) This means that the representative would be the team ranked higher in the BCS poll. As it currently stands WVU is 23rd in the BCS poll being the only team ranked in the top 25 (Cincinnati is 30th and Louisville is 41st.) Though stranger things have happened I simply don't see Cincinnati jumping WVU in this poll were both teams to win this weekend and Louisville has no team to beat to move them up in the poll this weekend, thus WVU shall get the nod in the 3rd tie breaker and therefore shall be the representative in the BCS bowl game this year in the event that WVU and Cincinnati take care of business. Bowl predictions for these teams: WVU in the Orange Bowl; Louisville in the Belk Bowl; Cincinnati in the Papa Johns Bowl. Notre Dame is Bowl eligible and I think that this is all that matters to the Champs Sports Bowl, thus the second pick of a Big East team would fall to the Belk and Louisville is a proven traveler to bowl games for this reason I think they would get the edge over Cincinnati.

4. Rutgers at 8 and 4 takes this spot even with that abysmal loss to Connecticut. They fall here ahead of Pitt for 2 reasons first they beat them head to head and secondly and far more importantly they have a better conference and overall record. While, Pitt can still end up tied with Rutgers in the Conference standings this week they trail the Knights. The New Era Pin Stripe Bowl has been salivating over inviting Rutgers basically since the season began and thus will give Rutgers the invite as soon as it is their turn to make a selection.

5. Pitt holds down the number 5 spot. They fought hard but refused to accept the many gifts that WVU passed their way in terms of turnovers. Pitt won the turnover battle 3-1 and still couldn't find it in themselves to beat the Eers. As far as Brawl's go this one was certainly a classic. Particularly because the Panthers were under the misguided impression that they were going to win this game right down to the last sack/fumble. But alas, it was not meant to be so the Panthers had to hightail it 77 miles back home losers again. They like the rest of the teams in this Power Rankings are not currently Bowl eligible. They are currently 5-6. They face the completely irrelevant Orange to find out who is going to get the invite to the Beef O'Brady's Bowl. Yup everybody is going to be glued to the sets to see the outcome of this game. My prediction is that the Panthers defeat the hapless Orange thus they shall be heading to Tampa over the holidays.

6. Connecticut is next on the list as they have at least won a game recently. They gave Rutgers a good-old- fashioned-butt-kicking this past weekend. Who would have seen a 40 point explosion (a) happening for Connecticut and (b) being given up by Rutgers, suffice to say, it happened. With that win they have earned the right to go to Cincinnati and likely get pasted and eliminated from Bowl Contention. I realize that they are playing for their Bowl lives but the Bearcats are playing maybe for a shot at the BCS. Even without this motivation the "Flying Munchies" with Isaiah Pead are simply a better team and should get this win. Therefore, The Huskies will end this season Bowl-less.

7. South Florida currently at 5 and 6 have a lot to play for as they too can become bowl eligible with a win. However, they usually don't need any more motivation to progress than to know that WVU is going to be on the other side of the ball. They have a nack for rising to the occasion against the Eers particularly in Tampa. It appears that they shall have the services of their starting quarterback for Thursday nights game so I expect a battle. I predict however that the Bulls will come up short as the Eers simply have too much to play for on Thursday. This game in the words of Coach Holgorsen, is "season defining." As a result of this game, the bowl hopes of the Bulls come to an end. They will end the season 5 and 7 and more importantly 1 and 7 in Big East play.

8. Syracuse, wow does this team really even deserve a mention in the top 8 of an 8 team league? They had one moment in the season where they cashed it all in against WVU and then thud came the season. The utter futility of this seasons effort makes the ACC proud. I mean let us look at this for a second the ACC invites one of the worst teams in the Big East and the team that just did marginally better in Pitt. Enjoy! With Syracuse's loss to Pitt this weekend they shall join South Florida with a 5 and 7 record with just one win in conference play. So no bowl for you. Hmm. Sure looks like that performance against WVU earlier this season really mattered in the grand scheme of things. I am sure that there fan base takes solace in the fact that they will have beaten one of the eventual conference champions but any fan that is satisfied with this seasons' performance should really reexamine their sports loyalties. It is a FINE time to be an Orangefan.

PITT Weak

2011-11-22T16:49:00.003-05:00

Vegas has this game WVU -6.5 with an over/under of 57.

Translation WVU 31.75 Pitt 25.25 or roughly 32-25

I can see that. Both teams should be able to score. Both have been inconsistent.

I would lean toward the over (which I never bet the over) and WVU by 6

Louisville +3 at USF O/U is 43 => 23-20

Cant understand why Louisville isn't getting the respect. BJ Daniels is likely out. Maybe that's WHY. I like Louisville here but hope USF pulls it out.

Rutgers -3 over UConn. No O/U because no one cares.

Rutgers' Jamison running well. Rutgers by 10

Cinci -3 over Syracuse No O/U becuase no one cares.

Should be interesting with no Collaros vs no heart. Apparently season goals were met by Syracuse and the team packed it in after the WVU game. (At least according to their fans)

I like Cinci and that defense by 3

Is Huggins a Magician?

2011-11-19T10:27:00.003-05:00

Hoops season is finally upon us. Just 3 games in and we've already seen evidence of the roller coaster ride that is to come. I've only been fortunate enough to catch the Kent State loss, but hope to watch many games in the weeks to come. Nobody is quite sure of what to expect from all the new faces, (including Huggins) and there is quite a wide margin of speculation about where WVU will finish among the fans I have spoken with. My personal opinion is that there isn't much to be optimistic about.... this year.

Historically, at WVU, Huggins' teams have not had impact players in their first season. Devin Ebanks is the only exception. Even highly touted JuCo transfer Casey Mitchell took a year before becoming a significant contributor. That combined with the fact that we are an extremely offensively challenged team leads me to expect a difficult season. However, in watching the Kent State game, there were flashes of great talent among new players like Aaron Brown and Jabarie Hinds. I also understand that Kevin Noreen had some great minutes against Alcorn State. Among the returners, Kevin Jones should be more consistent this year and earn BE honors again at the end of the year. I expect Kilicli to be much more aggressive and more comfortable playing an important role. Truck should come into his own as a top performer as his responsibilities as point guard diminish throughout the season. Nonetheless, the inexperience still shows heavily and it will be a hurdle all year long.

Huggins has said the success of the team this year will depend on how quickly the new players pick up the system. I would certainly agree and add that it also depends on how well the new guys are at taking a physical beating. Players under Huggins transform from boys to men after a year of conditioning and weights. Right now, the freshman aren't massive or strong enough to endure the constant pounding of a BE schedule and the only thing that will change that is time.

My prediction for the team is 17-14 (8-10) and a trip to the NIT. That may be considered a disappointing season, and it's quite possible that some of the talent outshines the inexperience and we're able to pick up a few more wins and make a run at the NCAA tourney. If it happens, I would consider Huggins quite the magician.

Big East big picture... What does this weekend bode for everyone involved? Da Geek's predictions...

2011-11-17T08:58:00.002-05:00

This weekend is an off weekend for the most important team in this league, WVU. So, I thought I would address what the rest of the league is doing this weekend and what impact each of those games have on the big picture. As we all know, at least those who actually pay attention, the league has never been won by a team with 3 losses as Syracuse and South Florida each have lost 4 conference games, they are only playing for bowl eligibility and I suppose spoiler but otherwise are irrelevant in the discussion.

The rest of the league is actually mathematically alive for the crown. The only team that currently lays claim to the outright title possibility is Cincinnati. If the Bear Cats can overcome the blow of losing Zack and Munchie proves to be a winner the rest of the way out they will be playing in the BCS. The rest of the league 2 loss teams are going to be anxiously watching the action in New Jersey. Rutgers, WVU, Louisville, Pitt and even Connecticut all have a shot at winning the league if the Scarlet Knights do their part and hand Cincinnati a loss this weekend.

Were Cincinnati to lose to Rutgers this weekend, this is the breakdown of the conference picture: Rutgers would own tie breakers over Pitt and Cincinnati; WVU owns tie breakers against Rutgers, UConn, and Cincinnati. Louisville owns the tie breaker with Rutgers and WVU. Cincinnati owns tiebreakers over Pitt, Louisville.

WVU is BCS bowling if they were to win out either Louisville loses one more game or Cincinnati, UConn, or both to win out as well.
Rutgers is BCS bowling if they win out, WVU and Louisville loses or if Cincinnati and Pitt also win out.
Louisville is BCS bowling if they win out and Cincinnati loses an additional game, or if WVU, Rutgers win out as well.
Cincinnati would be BCS Bowling if the win out and WVU and Rutgers fall, or if Pitt and Louisville win out as well.
Pitt would be BCS Bowling if they win out and Cincinnati and Rutgers lose an additional game.
UConn would need to win out and everybody else needs to lose one more. (Stranger things have happened but this seems to be the least likely eventuality.)

The two games this weekend of import are as follows:

Rutgers vs. Cincinnati. While Cincinnati has been to Rutgers the Achilles heal that South Florida has proven to be with WVU, Da Geek goes on record as saying that the Rutgers defense proves too much for Munchie. Rutgers in a well fought defensive struggle prevails 17 to 13.
Connecticut vs. Louisville is an important game for both teams as well as Rutgers and West Virginia. The game is being played at the Rent but Louisville is fantastic defensively. Though WVU's title picture would be clearer with a Connecticut win I simply don't see this happening. Louisville 23 UConn 17.

Da Geek's Big East Power Rankings and Bowl Projections 11/14/2011:

2011-11-14T10:07:00.001-05:00

1. West Virginia and Cincinnati share the top spot in this weeks poll. As it appears that no one really wants to win this title. Cincinnati still controls its destiny but they no longer have their starting quarterback. Zach is down for the immediate future so the door is now ajar to the conference title. WVU played uninspired football against Louisville last week but elected to show up somewhat at Paul Brown stadium. As a result they have moved back into contention for the conference crown with 6 other Big East teams. As for Bowl predictions: Cincinnati has inside track to BCS while WVU is looking more and more Charlotte Bound for Belk Bowl. Their is an outside shot that WVU could get a repeat visit to Orlando but that would require Notre Dame dropping a couple more games. I don't see any Big East team playing in the Champs because they really want Notre Dame. The only real caveat to this is that the Big East is falling a part a the seems and the Champs may not want to get stuck with a Big East team next year.

3. Pitt has moved its way back into serious conference contention. The reason that they reside here and not with WVU and Cincy in the top spot is that they lost to Cincinnati and have to travel to Morgantown without their star runner. While the WVU defense has proven to be porous, so does Pitt's defense against spread offenses. They have however, made themselves a contender with some help. They need Cincinnati to lose 2 more and win out for the crown. Pitt is likely making a trip to Birmingham Alabama.

4. Louisville is still very much a contender but need both Pitt and Cincy to fall twice more. In a four way tie they lose all the tie-breakers with their loss to Cincinnati and Pitt. They do hold a tiebreaker over WVU but they can't win in either the 3 way or 2 way tie scenario. They still have work to do but a bowl birth in Tampa Florida is now becoming close to a reality.

5. Rutgers holds down the number 5 spot though they are also in mathematical contention for the crown. Though they are also at a disadvantage due to tie-breaker woes. As I have maintained for weeks they have all but locked up their bowl bid to the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City.

6. Connecticut and South Florida have moved into a tie for this spot. Both teams got much needed victories this weekend. Neither have a real good shot at a bowl game this post season but neither are mathematically out of that scenario either. This fight to be at the bottom of the conference is fierce. Only time will tell.

8. And Syracuse has now locked up the bottom feeder status for the week. After giving WVU an embarrassing loss they are now falling out of conference contention with every week that passes. It appears that wins over Wake Forest and WVU will be their key wins for the season. Losing to Connecticut is considered a cardinal sin. Particularly when you lose to your fired ex-coach at home. Syracuse much like those other teams so desperate to be at the bottom of the conference still have a legit shot at a bowl birth but now that picture has become quite out of focus.

Blog Poll for November 14th

2011-11-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

1.    LSU
2.    Oklahoma State
3.    Alabama
4.    Oregon
5.    Clemson
6.    Oklahoma/ Va. Tech
8.    Georgia/ Houston
10. Boise State
11. Arkansas
12. South Carolina
13. MSU
14. Nebraska
15. Kansas State
16. Penn State
17. SMU/Wisconsin
19. USC/TCU
21. Michigan
22. WVU
23. Stanford
24. Cincinnati
25. Georgia Tech

Others receiving votes: Notre Dame, FSU, Arkansas State, Rutgers

Louisville Cardinals A breakdown of this weeks opponent and prediction.

2011-11-03T19:01:00.001-04:00

So what team from Louisville shows up this weekend? Will it be the one defeated by both Marshall and FIU or will it be the one that beat Rutgers and soundly defeated Syracuse? Time will tell but one thing that has been consistent with Louisville is their scoring defense. For the season they are on average giving up only 16.2 points per game. Of course they are only scoring on average 17.6 points per game. Louisville's best offensive performance came last week against the Orange when they scored 27 points. Their worst defensive game came against Cincinnati where they gave up 25 points. Only 4 times this season has Louisville scored more than 16 points. Only 2 times this season has Louisville given up more than 17 points in a game. By contrast, WVU is scoring, on average, 38.6 points per game, while giving up on average 26.1 points per game. WVU's worst scoring outing came against LSU scoring only 21 points. WVU scored over 38.6 points 5 times out of 8. The Defense gave up more than 26.1 points half of the time. So which WVU defense is going to show up? Which Louisville offense is going to show up? Can WVU's offense put up more points on Louisville than any other team? If that is the case can Louisville's offense keep pace? All of these questions are going to be answered starting at 12:00 at MPC.

So who are the play-makers for the Cardinals? Charlie Strong is the MVP of this team he is playing youth all over the field on both sides of the ball while he does have some senior leadership on defense he is building a team from bottom up. This season he is simply trying to find the chemistry. He is making some progress but this team has some ways to go. Louisville will win again in the near future but right now they are in a rebuilding mode. But in true Charlie Strong fashion the Cardinals have begun that process of building this team around the concept of solid fundamentally sound and attacking defense. Look for him to have them ready to play on Saturday.

On the offensive side of the ball, Coach Strong is starting a Freshman at the quarterback position. The 6'3" 205 pound,Teddy Bridgewater has completed 63.3% of his passes this year for 1,029 yards on the season. He has thrown for seven touchdowns run for one and has thrown 6 interceptions. Much like West Virginia, Louisville Rushes the ball by committee. The three backs that touch the ball the most are Jeremy Wright, who has rushes for an average of 37.9 yards per game (It should be noted that he is a kickoff returner too and leads the team in all purpose yards for an average of 80.2 yards per game.); Vic Anderson, who averages 40.3 yards per game and has posted 2 scores; and D. Brown who has also rushed for 40.3 yards per game and has tallied one touchdown on the ground. As Louisville spreads the wealth at the receiver position it is hard to find too many that have really distinguished themselves. But the leaders for the team are M. Harris who averages 44.5 yards per game in receptions with 2 scores and Devante Parker who has tallied 4 touchdowns on the year with an average of 30.2 yards per game. As they have only passed for 12 touchdowns on the season their hasn't been any headline grabbers.

The special teams standouts are again Jeremy Wright who averages 21.1 yards per return, Eli Rogers who averages 9 yards per punt return. The punting duties have been split this year between Josh Blesser who has averaged 37.3 yards per punt, and Chris Philpot who has averaged 38.1 yards per punt. They both fall in the average range among Big East punters. The kicking duties fall to Chris Philpot who grants the opposing teams the 24 yard line on average. The field goal duties are also Chris Philpot's responsibility. He has made 8 of 12 tries with a long of 52. He has plenty of leg but has been inconsistent.

Dexter Heyman

The strongest unit on the field for the Cardinals falls on the defensive side of the ball. They as I indicated above are stingy when it comes to giving up points. Charlie Strong has always been a defensive minded Coach and was one of the best defensive coordinators in the Country at his previous stops. This years team is tough minded and as I said yield few points. The play-makers on this unit are: Senior Linebacker, Dexter Heyman who has 35 solo tackles, 10 of which were tackles for loss, 3 of which were sacks, and 20 assisted tackles. He has forced 1 fumble and picked the football off twice; Senior Safety Mike Evans who has tallied two interceptions and has made 22 solo tackles, it should be further noted that last year he sacked Geno twice at Papa Johns; and the talented 254 lb., Sophomore Line backer Preston Brown, who has tallied 25 solo tackles and 30 assisted tackles this season 5 of which were for a loss and 1 1/2 were sacks. The most impressive thing about this defense is that they have played extremely well as a unit. As I pointed out above they simply don't give up too many points. While not the turnover juggernaut that Rutgers was touted to be, this unit is impressive.

This game comes down to which team imposes its will. While, I think Louisville is extremely well coached, and very solid on defense, WVU has moved the ball on the likes of LSU, I am not going to believe that they are going to be stymied by the likes of this Louisville team. For that reason I just don't think a win for Louisville is in the Cards.

WVU 39 Louisville 17

Go EERS!

Da Geek

Big XII Bowls vs. Big East Bowls

2011-11-02T15:49:00.001-04:00

While I am simply excited to be playing in the Big XII against the likes of Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, Texas Christian, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State on an annual basis, I am even further excited by the opportunity to play in the Bowl games awarded to this conference. Following is a simple and brief comparison and contrast of the opportunities WVU currently has, and what WVU can look to in the future.

The current 2011-2012 Bowl games for the Big XII are as follows:

BCS - Tostitos Fiesta January +
AT&T Cotton (SEC) January 1
Valero Alamo (Pac-10)
Insight (Big Ten)
Bridgepoint Holiday (Pac-10)
Texas (Big Ten)
New Era Pinstripe (Big East)

The current 2011-2012 Bowl tie ins for the Big East are as follows:

BCS-(Big East typically the last pick for available game- this year that would be the Orange Bowl)
Champs Sports Bowl (ACC) (May choose ND over Big East team)
Belk Bowl (ACC)
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Big XII)
BVA Compass Bowl (SEC)/AutoZone Liberty Bowl(CUSA Champ)
Beef O'Brady's Bowl (CUSA)

On its face one can see, that with the exception of the BCS Bowl game, there really is no comparison. Truthfully that can be assailed, as well, as the Big XII has had numerous multiple-team representatives in the BCS in a given year. That has never happened for the Big East conference even in 2006, when the conference had 3 top 12 teams.

As for the non-BCS selections you need only look at the common bowl game between the two, The Big XII sends their 7th pick to the play the 4th pick from the Big East to the Pin Stripe Bowl. I would also add that the Big XII members don't need to share their bowl games with Notre Dame. This year it appears that the Champs Sports Bowl bid will go to the Irish if they merely are bowl eligible. Thus the Big East really only has 5 games to play in. Additionally, the Big East will face an ACC opponent in all likelihood, in 2 games, CUSA in 2 games or maybe the SEC, and of course the Big XII's seventh best. The Big XII has some great destinations as well. San Antonio, San Diago, Dallas, Phoenix, etc. While I liked going to games in Florida, the only warm weather game on the slate at that time of the year is the BCS game, and the Beef O'Brady's Bowl. Orlando is a coin flip with regard to weather that time of the year. By contrast the only game that is in a cold weather town is the Pin Stripe Bowl. I have not even gotten into the disparity in payouts for those Bowl Games. While in the Big East a team can actually lose money on its BCS appearance (see UConn last season), WVU stands to make money at just about every Bowl game they may be selected for out of the Big XII.

My point, Eer Nation, is that we have reason to be happy about this specific change in our status going forward. While, I maintain that the only Bowl game a team should aspire to be in is the National Championship, I am encouraged that the consolation prizes are much nicer in our new conference home.

Da Geek

Da Geek's Big East Power Rankings and Bowl Projections 11/01/2011:

2011-11-01T14:41:00.001-04:00

Cincinnati remains the only unbeaten team in Big East play. Next up for the Bearcats is at Pitt. This game may pose some problems for the Bearcats. The Panthers while gimping into the game without their premier player have somehow figured out how to throw the ball. I am not a proponent of Tino, but he did have a decent day on Wednesday. Okay Bearcat faithful I concede that was against UConn but the Panthers know what is at stake and they like the Mountaineers are among the teams with Cincinnati who control their destiny simply by winning. For this reason Cincinnati better come ready to play. For at least one more week, the Bearcats would be looking to play in a BCS game this postseason.
WVU after an abysmal 6 quarters of play finally got on track on defense and held Rutgers scoreless in the second half. They have, with the help of a choking Syracuse team, put themselves in a position to control their destiny in the league. They are facing a Louisville team in Morgantown this weekend, whose defense, is best described as stingy. They simply haven’t given up very many points this season to anyone. Of course they haven’t scored that many either. However, Louisville is on a two game winning streak that at least makes one start to forget their losses to FIU and Marshall. WVU with a win at home sets up a huge clash with Cincinnati. In the meantime the Eers get to advance one spot in the power rankings. As for where they are projected in the post season, they are now officially bowl eligible for the 10^th straight year. They are likely going to end up in the Belk Bowl as Notre Dame has all but locked up the Champs Sports Bowl Bid. Bad news for the rest of the Big East teams. The reality is that the Eers need win one other game to lock up the third place bowl tie in as their always going to be the pick of any big east tie in that can take them when Notre Dame isn’t mucking up the works.
Pitt makes a splash in the Big East power rankings for basically showing up. With the complete choke of the Orange this week Pitt moves into the 3 spot simply because they are one of 3 teams in the Big East that still control their own fate by simply winning. That will be no easy task as they lost their best player to a season ending injury, but in this league stranger things have happened. A win over the Bearcats turns this season into a very interesting one in deed. They do get them at home but still have to face the Mountaineers the day after Thanksgiving in Morgantown. For this reason they are staying in the third position as they are least likely to pull this off. In terms of post season play Pitt is looking more and more likely as a candidate for the Beef O-Brady’s Bowl. They don’t travel particularly well but South Florida is going to have some work to do to get bowl eligible and nobody else is looking that appealing in terms of traveling except maybe Louisville and they have some work to do as well.
Louisville has decided that it likes the taste of winning. For a second straight week the Cardinals’ have found a way to win. They simply kicked the crap out of Syracuse. As I said in WVU’s segment, this team knows how to play defense. Charlie Strong has instilled a toughness into them that has in the long view of the season panned out well. They are still several players away from being a good team but with a little help from Pitt they would be able to control their own destiny. How can it be that a team can lose to FIU and Marshall and still be in it for a BCS bowl slot? Well realistically they aren’t but mathematically they still have a fighting chance. For that reason they find themselves moving mightily up the power rankings. Next up for them are the Eers, this will prove a tough matchup indeed. Can this team score enough points to win? I don’t see that happening. But in this snapshot of the year they have earned the right to this spot in the rankings. I said last week that they needed to get to the 7 win mark to go bowling. I have since taken a different position, six wins will suffice. I now see them as being the team invited to the BVB Compass Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Louisville’s fans typically travel and that gives them the edge over an available Syracuse team.
Rutgers looked like it was about to finally get the Mountaineer Monkey off its back. But alas the 17 years of futility continued. Fortunately for the Knights they likely won’t have to face the Eers for several years to come if ever. What Coach Schiano has to do for the rest of the season is not let the last two games define his team. They still have wins over both Pitt and Syracuse to their credit. The season is far from over but realistically they would need a lot of help to factor into the conference title. Though 2 loss teams can win the conference they would need several pieces to fall into place for them to even get a share of the title. That would include beating another nemesis of theirs the Cincinnati Bearcats. Really all Rutgers needs to do is become bowl eligible and they are going to be taken by the Pin Stripe Bowl. Syracuse just played in that game and likely wouldn’t get the nod over a Rutgers team that need only take a short train ride to the game.
For the third straight week, the biggest mover in the Power Rankings is Syracuse. As my prophecy of them not running the table came true in quick and decisive fashion they fall to 6^th in the power rankings. They were simply man-handled by the Cardinals this past weekend. This team looked nothing like the team that played in the Dome only a week ago. So what does this mean for them? It means they went from being in the driver’s seat to having to wait for several scenarios to play out for them to contend for the crown. As such they are relegated to replacement team status in the bowl picture. They will need another conference to fall short of meeting its tie in eligibility. I think that this will happen but haven’t a clue where the Orange shall end up. Bowling but waiting to see where.
The only reason U Conn remains at this position is due to the fact that they beat the team ranked below them. What a week effort by the Huskies this past week. I tell you that game was hard to watch. Truth be told any game except the brawl is hard to watch when Pitt is the team playing but this game was particularly frustrating. UConn’s experiment with this quarterback is ceiling its fate I am afraid. I understand that Coach P. is trying to plan for the future but this is ridiculous. I frankly don’t see the Huskies winning anther game this year. As for bowls they are going to be watching them from the comfort of their rooms in the Nutmeg State.
Well the upside for the bottom feeding Bulls is that they didn’t play a Big East game this past weekend. As no team has ever won the Big East Championship with three conference losses they are likely relegated to simply playing out this season for a sub-tier bowl. I think that some conference wins are coming for this team but they now have lost at least the motivation to play for a BCS bowl. Skip will need to get this team healed up and ready to go to simply make this season bearable for the Tampa faithful. Look rat the bright side you live in Tampa. I am afraid that they like Syracuse will have to hope for some at large bowl slots to open up. The most likely Big East tie-in that would take them is the Beef O’Brady’s Bowl, but they have lots of work to do and Pitt is looking like the more likely candidate at this time.

Blog Poll for first week in November:

2011-11-01T11:12:00.000-04:00

LSU
Alabama
Oklahoma State
Stanford
Boise State
Oklahoma
Clemson
Nebraska
Oregon
Virginia Tech
Houston
Arkansas
South Carolina
Michigan
Penn State
Michigan State
West Virginia/Cincinnati
Georgia Tech
Kansas State
USC
Georgia
North Carolina
Wisconsin
Arizona State
Illinois

Dropping out of poll: Texas A&M, Arizona State, Texas Tech, SMU, Syracuse

Others receiving votes (best to worst): Auburn,Ohio State, Southern Mississippi,Washington, Toledo, Missouri/ND

Da Geek

The war between WVU and the Big East begins in earnest... WVU fires first shot out of it's musket..

2011-10-31T21:01:00.004-04:00

WVU files lawsuit against the Big East. (Adobe copy of the complaint.) Some important portions of the complaint are as follows:

Paragraph 21 alleges, The Bylaws specifically contemplate withdrawal from the Big East. Pursuant to the Bylaws, a member may withdraw from the Big East by providing written notice to the conference. The withdrawing member is further required to (a) specify an effective date of withdrawal which must be at least twenty-seven months after the date that the withdrawal notice is received by the commissioner; and (b) pay a withdrawal fee to the Big East in the amount of five million dollars (5,000.000.00)."
Paragraph 22 alleges, "In 2010 Texas Christian University ("TCU") accepted an invitation to join the Big East as an all sports member beginning in the 2012-2013 academic year. TCU would be a football school. the Big East invited TCU in an attempt to raise its profile as a major football conference an help insure it remained an AQ conference."
Paragraph 23 alleges, "On September 17, 2011, Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced they were withdrawing from the Big East and that they accepted invitations to join the ACC."
Paragraph 24 alleges, "On September 18, 2011, UConn President Susan Herbst issued a statement saying that although UConn is a "proud member of the Big East" the school was staying "actively involved in discussions with our counterparts from around the country to ensure the successful long-term future of our university's athletic program."
Paragraph 25 alleges, "On September 26, 2011, the Governor of Connecticut confirmed that UConn was aggressively seeking an invitation to join the ACC due to the uncertainty that the Big East would remain an viable football conference in the near future."
Paragraph 26 alleges, On October 10, 2011, TCU announced that it was withdrawing from the Big East to become a member of the Big XII Conference. The Big East did not require TCU to honor the twenty-seven month withdrawal period set forth in the bi-laws.
Paragraph 27 alleges, "Upon information and belief, representatives of Louisville, Rutgers, and Cincinnati have been engaged in discussions with other sports conferences, including the ACC, the Big XII, and the Big 10 for the purpose of trying to obtain invitations to join these conferences and withdraw from the Big East.
Paragraph 28 alleges, " On October 27, 2011, WVU received an invitation to join the Big XII for all sports, including football. WVU accepted the Big XII's offer the same day. As the Big East, in less than two months, had denigrated into a non-major football conference whose continued existence is in serious jeopardy, WVU had no choice but to accept the Big XII's offer.
[In the portion of the complaint that contemplates Commissioner Marinatto's complicity in this matter in his capacity as CEO of Big East the complaint further alleges...] Paragraph 32 alleges, "The departure of members Pittsburgh, UConn, and TCU created an imbalance and disparity between the football and non-football playing schools that was neither contemplated nor addressed in the Bylaws. The departure of these schools left six football schools left six football schools and eight non-football schools. The sudden withdrawal of thirty-three percent of the football schools resulted in the football schools being subjected to increased governance by the non-football schools. This disparity was not considered in the Bilaws, and the departure of the above-mentioned schools has rendered WVU's performance in the Big East commercially impracticable."
Paragraph 33 alleges, "During the weeks that followed the departure of Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and TCU, and the public acknowledgment by UConn that it was exploring other conference affiliations, the Big East and its Commissioner further breached their fiduciary duties to the Big East football schools. The Big East football schools advocated measures to be taken by the Big East and its Commissioner to maintain the level of competition of the Big East football conference. The non-football schools repeatedly exerted their new-found level of increased governance at the expense and to the detriment of the football schools. The Commissioner did nothing to protect the football playing schools and in fact took measures to further protect and advance the interests of the non-football playing schools."
Paragraph 34 Alleges, "This lack of leadership, breach of fiduciary duties by the Big East and its Commissioner, and voting disparity between the football and non-football schools resulted in the Big East football conference no longer being a viable and competitive football conference. Additionally, upon information and belief, is expected by WVU and others that the Big East will lose its position as an AQ conference. Accordingly, the Big East Conference and its Commissioner, through their actions, breached their contract to WVU and nullified and voided the Bylaws."
Paragraph 40 alleges, "In addition, WVU recently submitted an offer to the Commissioner proposing that WVU be permitted to immediately withdraw from the Big East in exchange for payment of certain monies with this offer."
Paragraph 41 alleges, "Following the receipt of the aforementioned offer or proposal, the Commissioner accepted WVU's tendered enclosed payment, thus accepting WVU's offer to immediately withdraw from the Big East on the terms WVU submitted."
Paragraph 47 alleges, "The Commissioner's acceptance of WVU's submitted monetary payment constitutes acceptance of WVU's proposal or offer to immediately withdraw from the Big East."
Paragraph 48 alleges, "Moreover, the Commissioner's excusal of TCU's noncompliance with the 27-month notice provision of the Agreement constitutes a waiver of this same provision with respect to WVU.
Paragraph 57 alleges, "Due to circumstances and events beyond WVU's control, which are substantially different and materially different from what WVU reasonably anticipated, WVU's performance under the Agreement has become impossible or unreasonably burdensome."
Paragraph 69 alleges, "The provision of the Agreement requiring WVU to provide twenty-seven month's notice before withdrawing from the Agreement constitutes an unreasonable restrain on trade."
Paragraph 70 alleges, "This restrain is larger and more extensive than was required for the necessary protection of the Big East's business interest."
Paragraph 71 alleges, "Further, holding WV to the twenty-seven month notice provision of the Agreement will contravene public policy."
Paragraph 77 alleges, "Absent a Court order permanently enjoining the Big East from enforcing the 27-month notice provision against WVU, WVU has no adequate remedy at law to protect its interests and will suffer continuing and irreparable damages and injury."

The Big East responds with this statement: “We are disappointed that West Virginia has adopted this strategy and cannot imagine why it believes it does not have to respect and honor the bylaws it agreed to as a member of the Big East. Based on an initial review of the lawsuit, it is clear that the allegations and claims in it are false and inaccurate. Certainly there is nothing in it that would justify WVU’s not fulfilling its obligations. To put it simply, a contract is a contract," said Marinatto.

“Once we have reviewed the filing, we will explore all our legal options and will act vigorously to ensure that WVU lives up to all its obligations to our conference. In the meantime, this lawsuit will not interfere in any way with our ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the Big East.”

Once again in true Big East fashion, their posture is one of reaction. They haven't made a proactive move throughout this process and as a result of their continued mismanagement are once again having to say good bye to another member.

WVU, as it alleges in the aforementioned complaint, was forced to accept the offer to join the Big 12. As for why West Virginia "adopted this strategy" it had no choice. The Big East wishes to force WVU into a specific performance (This is a legal term of art, used in contract law: An extraordinary equitable remedy that compels a party to execute a contract according to the precise terms agreed upon or to execute it substantially so that, under the circumstances, justice will be done between the parties. Specific performance grants the plaintiff what he actually bargained for in the contract rather than damages (pecuniary compensation for loss or injury incurred through the unlawful conduct of another) for not receiving it; thus specific performance is an equitable rather than legal remedy. By compelling the parties to perform exactly what they had agreed to perform, more complete and perfect justice is achieved than by awarding damages for a breach of contract.)of the contract terms. WVU is seeking to first enjoin (legal term of art which means to stop action,) the Big East from enforcement of the 27 month rule and then seeks a "liquidated damages remedy"(Legal term of art which basically means to pay for value of that term of contract.) or damages (legal term of art, which seeks money for loss) for the Big East's breach of contract.) This complaint has artfully alleged several issues for the Court to contemplate in its determination of this matter. It should be noted that this suit was filed in the Mon County Circuit Court, of West Virginia. My guess is that the first procedural response to this suit will be a motion to remove the case to Federal Court. At that point the legal finagling will begin. Rarely does this sports blog delve into the legal matters that come up in sports but in this particular case I feel compelled to report to you my readers all that I can on the matter. WVU has taken the initiative in this matter. I would give decent odds that WVU shall be playing in the Big XII conference in 2012. I would also predict that WVU will pay to do so.

Just as we get to breath a collective sigh of relief at getting accepted into a viable AQ conference we now have to endure the legal circus that results from being successful in finding a new home. Stay tuned as this drama develops.

Da Geek

It is official!!! WVU to Big 12 (WVU to compete in 2012/2013 season.)

2011-10-28T11:57:00.001-04:00

http://www.big12sports.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2011

West Virginia University To Join Big 12 Conference

IRVING, Texas - The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors have voted unanimously to accept West Virginia University as a full conference member effective July 1, 2012. The Mountaineers will begin competing in the Big 12 beginning with the 2012-13 athletic season.

West Virginia is the second new member to join the Conference since it began in 1996 after the addition of TCU earlier this month.

"The Big 12 Presidents and Chancellors are excited to welcome another outstanding institution to the Conference," said Burns Hargis, Chair of the Big 12 Board of Directors and President of Oklahoma State University. "The addition of West Virginia, while expanding the reach of the Big 12, brings an impressive institution with esteemed academics and a proud athletic tradition into the Conference. This is another step in building a strong foundation for the future of the Big 12."

"The Big 12 is a perfect fit for West Virginia University," said WVU President Dr. James P. Clements. "It is a strong conference that, like WVU, values quality academic and athletic programs, and has a great tradition of success. This is a very exciting time for WVU and Mountaineer nation. I am confident that the future of WVU athletics has never been more promising."

West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, sponsors 17 varsity sports. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming & diving and wrestling. Women’s sports are basketball, cross country, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball. The Mountaineers also boast a co-ed rifle squad. The Big 12 sponsors every sport the Mountaineers participate in except rifle and men’s soccer.

"We are excited to add West Virginia to our exceptional lineup of Conference members," said Big 12 Interim Commissioner Chuck Neinas. "They bring an excellent overall athletic program to the Big 12 and allow the league to expand into an area that boasts a passionate group of fans and alumni throughout its region."

Since its inception 15 years ago, the Big 12 has won 42 team national championships and 492 NCAA individual crowns. In addition, more than 3,700 student-athletes have earned All-America First Team accolades for their play on the field with more than 500 being recognized with Academic All-America honors.

Beginning with the 2012-13 season it is expected that the Big 12 Conference will be comprised of 10 Universities Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia. The Big 12’s footprint will encompass five states with over 36 million people. More than 4,100 student-athletes from across the United States and around the World compete annually in the 23 sports sponsored by the Conference.　

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia Enrollment: 29,617 (22,711 Undergraduates)

Founded: 1867 Colors: Old Gold and Blue

Chancellor: Dr. James P. Clements Nickname: Mountaineers

Director of Athletics: Oliver Luck Website: MSNSportsNet.com

FOOTBALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Ø One of four programs in the nation to post nine or more wins in the past six seasons.

Ø WVU has been ranked in the top 25 of the final BCS Standings five of the last six seasons.

Ø Has reached a school-record nine consecutive bowl games.

Ø The Mountaineers boast the 12th-best record in the nation since 2005.

Ø West Virginia has 30 all-time bowl appearances, including each of the last nine seasons.

Ø The Mountaineers have competed in a New Year's Day or later bowl in six of the last eight campaigns.

Ø Recognized by the AFCA in 2009 and 2010 for having graduation rates of 75 percent or better.

Ø WVU has had three top seven Heisman finishers in three of the past five years.

Ø WVU has not finished lower than second place in its conference since 2002.

Ø Has recorded a 1,000-yard rusher in 13 of the last 15 seasons.

Ø Since 2002, WVU has had 22 All-America selections to 51 different All-America teams.

Ø A total of 177 Mountaineers have been drafted by the National Football League.

Ø Have had 28 Capital One Academic All-America honorees since 1952.

ADDITIONAL ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Ø West Virginia teams have a combined academic progress rate score of 974 (NCAA average = 970). Six squads (cross country, rifle, men’s & women’s soccer, rowing, tennis) had perfect APR scores.

Ø Has finished in the top 50 of the Directors’ Cup rankings each of the past four years.

Ø The men’s basketball team has made six NCAA appearances in the last seven years (including all four under Bob Huggins) and also advanced to the 2010 Final Four.

Ø WVU men’s basketball has won 20 or more games for each of the last seven years.

Ø The women’s basketball squad has earned five NCAA bids in the past eight campaigns.

Ø WVU began last season with a 16-0 record in women’s basketball and posted the highest national-ranking (No. 6) in school history.

Ø Head baseball coach Greg Van Zant captured his 500th career victory a year ago.

Ø The rifle team has placed in the top three of the NCAA Rifle Championships each of the past three campaigns, with an individual NCAA Air Rifle Champion (Nicco Campriani) a year ago.

Ø The women’s soccer squad has made 11 consecutive NCAA appearances.

Ø WVU’s outdoor track & field program tied the school record by qualifying 12 student-athletes for NCAA Regionals in 2011.

Ø Five Mountaineer wrestlers earned berths to the NCAA Championships in 2011.

Ø Cross country has garnered three Top 10 NCAA finishes in the last four years.

Ø The Mountaineer gymnastics squad has amassed 28 NCAA regional berths.

Ø The rifle program has captured 14 national championships.

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY FACT SHEET

FORMER WVU STUDENTS

Ø Gen. Bantz J. Craddock - United States Army, Supreme Allied Commander Europe

Ø John Chambers - Chairman and CEO, Cisco Systems

Ø Charles Vest ? President Emeritus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ø Stephen Coonts - New York Times bestselling author

Ø Kim Weaver ? Research Astrophysicist, NASA Goodard Space Flight Center

Ø Rouzbeh Yassini - Inventor of the cable modem; Current President and CEO, YAS Capital Parnters

Ø Ray Lane ? former CEO of Oracle, Executive Chairman of Hewlett-Packard Board of Directors

Ø Greg Babe - President and Chief Executive Officer of Bayer Corporation

Ø Loretta Ucelli ? former Communications Director for President of the United States Bill Clinton; Currently Senior Advisor at Gutenberg Public Relations

Ø Jerry West - NBA 50th Anniversary Team, Model for current NBA logo

Ø Sam Huff - College and Pro Football Hall of Fame

Ø Darryl Talley - College Football Hall of Fame

Ø Bob Huggins - Head men’s basketball coach, West Virginia University

UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS

Ø 2,343 full-time and 667 part-time faculty members

Ø WVU ranks nationally for prestigious scholarships, including 24 Rhodes, 22 Truman and 33 Goldwater Scholars

Ø A total of 16 faculty members have been named Carnegie Foundation Professors of the Year

Ø 13 college and schools offer 191 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degree programs

Ø Faculty conduct $177.7 million annually in sponsored contracts and research grants

Ø University expense budget is approximately $955 million

Ø Classified as a Research University (High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Foundation

Ø A land-grant institution - one of 106 in the United States

Ø One of the few schools in the country that are land-grant, doctoral research universities with comprehensive health sciences

Ø Approximately 70 percent of students receive some $350 million annually in financial aid

Ø Top 20 “Best Places to Work in Academia” by The Scientist (No. 2 public university on the list)

Ø The WVU Alumni Association is made up of more than 180,000 graduates worldwide

Rutgers Week ... DaGeek's breakdown of this team and game prediction.

2011-10-26T13:54:00.004-04:00

So what shall happen this time around in Piscataway?

For the last 16 years the Scarlet Knights have tried and failed to find the magic to defeat the Mountaineers. They have fielded some really lousy teams and some pretty talented teams but still and again they have not been successful. This years incarnation of the Knights team is predicated upon a strong and incredibly opportunistic defense. In fact, they lead the nation in turnovers forced at 25. That breaks down to 3 1/2 turnovers forced per game. Those kind of marks will put a lot more W's in the column than L's. They play an aggressive and tough nosed defense which gives up on average 16 points per game; 122.1 yards on the ground per game at about 3.7 yards per attempt; and 184.1 yards in the air per game at about 12.4 yards per catch. Another very impressive statistic for the Knights on defense is there ability to get off the field on 3rd down. They are only allowing a 3rd down conversion 33% of the time. Greg Schiano remains a Coach on the "chopping" block (pun intended). He has therefore found a way to motivate this side of the ball to do the things necessary to win. Rutgers has proven to be tough to beat at their house this year and the defense has proven to be the necessary ingredient to that success. Players to watch on defense for Rutgers include # 20 Khaseem Green who leads the team in tackles with a total of 66 tackles 6 of which were for a loss and 2 sacks; #42 Steve Beauharnais 2nd leading tackler with a total of 37 tackles 9 of which were for a loss and 3 sacks as well as 2 interceptions; # 91 Justin Francis has 27 tackles 7 of which were for a loss and 4.5 of which were sacks; #4 David Rowe who has tallied 3 interceptions; and #32 Duran Harmon who has tallied 4 interceptions. These 5 play-makers are just a portion of this turnover causing machine.

On special teams Rutgers has been average in the kicking game their kicker Justin Doerner on kick offs, gives teams an average starting point of the 27 yard line. His punts net an average of 38.6 yards. The place kicker San San Te has connected on 60% of his attempts and has a long of 50 yards that he has hit from 2 times. Coach Schiano has this part of the game as I said looking average. But they have been effective enough to tally 5 wins thus far.

Rutgers offense has been the problem for the Knights this year averaging 28 points per game with 91.7 yards per game with 2.7 average per gain, and 236.1 yards in the air at an average of 11.6 yards per reception. Where they have really hurt themselves is the 15 interceptions and 12 fumbles. On offense if you know no other name to pay attention to it better be # 6 Mohamed Sanu who has had 65 catches for 683 yards for a 10.5 yard average per catch tallying 6 touchdowns. He has as you can see been averaging over 10 touches per game. He is Rutgers offensive weapon. He also returns punts. He has thrown the ball and rushed the ball. When he is on the field WVU needs to know where he is! Rutgers is starting a quarter back in Gary Nova who is only making his 4th collegiate start. He has been prone to throw picks and has made youthful mistakes but has found a way, as I have alluded to earlier, to find Sanu. He has completed 55.3% of his passes for an average of 148.3 yards per game with 7 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. As you can see his numbers against the teams numbers fall a bit short. This experiment for Greg Schiano may prove to be his undoing this season (though, I agree with building for the future this Coach just doesn't have that kind of time.) Rutgers has an almost serviceable running game with Javon Jamison leading the way with 62.7 yards per game and 1 touchdown along with the highly touted Savon Huggins who has toted the ball for an average of 19.4 yards per game with 5 touchdowns. The Rutgers faithful were hoping to see more touches for Huggins this season but circumstance and youthfulness have gotten in the way of that plan. He should be a good one in the future, but as I said the player that must be found on this team is Sanu.

As I have repeatedly said in this post I think Coach Schiano is in trouble this season if he doesn't produce. This team has started off fast recently and sputtered down the end so the New Jersey faithful are in put up or shut up mode with him. WVU has been an Achilles heal for him since he has been there, thus this game takes on particular importance to him. I expect nothing short of Rutgers best game this Saturday.

Geno Smith is going to have to a much better job avoiding pressure and make great decisions on passing the ball. I expect that he will be ready to do just that, as I also expect, Coach Holgorsen is motivated to get that losing taste out of his mouth. Will the defense be able to match Rutgers in both getting off the field and in turnovers? Irvin, Garvin, Goode, and Miller need to get in the face of Nova and force him to make mistakes. And we need solid games from our entire defensive backfield dealing with the always moving and hard to stop Sanu. Coach Casteel needs no extra motivation as he too was disgusted with last weeks disappointments. The coaching staff really needs to do their best job of the year to get this team where it needs to be. I am confident that they shall do just that. I see this game ending WVU 38 Rutgers 24.

This game shall be televised regionally on ABC at 3:30 pm.

Da Geek

So it looks like the Ville is behind the snag to Big 12.

2011-10-26T10:01:00.000-04:00

West Virginia Illustrated published this quick account of the same I just printed the same here:

West Virginia still appears to be moving to the Big XII, but the breakneck speed at which the deal was moving has slowed down.
Sources close to West Virginia University have told WVi that the paperwork has been filled out and a move to the Big XII should happen.
Numerous other media outlets jumped the gun and reported a press conference to announce the move was going to happen on Wednesday. Late Tuesday night WVU Associate Athletic Director of Communication, Michael Fragale, issued a statement contradicting those reports, "Contrary to media reports, there is no press conference scheduled for Wednesday concerning WVU's athletic conference affiliation.
West Virginia is poised to become the eleventh member of the Big XII until Missouri leaves for the SEC, which appears to be in the works. The Big XII wants to remain at ten members, at least in the short term, so the conference is only looking for one team right now.
Louisville is trying to avoid being left on the sinking ship known as the S.S. Big East. An eleventh-hour push by the Cardinals is believed to be the hold up in finalizing a deal sending West Virginia to the Big XII.
The Big XII is believed to be taking Louisville into consideration. The question is whether this is just to appease Louisville before discarding that idea and going with the Mountaineers.
So, don't look for a news conference Wednesday. If there is going to be a news conference announcing a move to the Big XII, it is looking more and more like it will take place early next week.

Da Geek's Big East Power Rankings and Bowl Projections 10/26/2011:

2011-10-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

Cincinnati has done what it needs to do to climb to the top of this list. They have won. They remain the only unbeaten team in Big East play. And they will have that title for yet another week for sure as they do not play. Next up for the Bearcats is Pitt. At least for a couple of weeks the Post Season reward for the Bearcats would be of the BCS persuasion.
For the second week in a row, the biggest mover in the Power Rankings for me would be the Syracuse Orange. What can I say the kicked my Mountaineers butts. They would have moved to the top of the Power Rankings were it not for the fact that they have a conference loss already to Rutgers. I still think that they are going to go to the Beef O'Bradies Bowl. While at this snapshot in time they have earned the right to move toward the top of the conference discussion, they still have 5 big east games to play. I just don’t see them running the table.
WVU has fallen this week to 3^rd in the power rankings. They are still in a good position for the conference crown but with the Cuse loss they have got to fall below them in the rankings at least this week. For their efforts thus far I have downgraded their bowl appearance to the Champs Sports Bowl, I think that the Mountaineers are going to win out but at this point it comes down to a race with Notre Dame for Champs. WVU be awarded this game if the Irish have a precipitous fall.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have done the same thing WVU did and went on the road and lost. This week they will try to defeat the Mountaineers and a 16 game losing streak. They are still playing fantastic defensive ball, and have one of the best WR’s in the game in Mohamed Sanu. He is basically their offense. As for their likely Bowl invite the Pin Stripe Bowl is still the leading candidate when the bids are offered.
U Conn remains at this position as nothing has changed for them since last week. They now must make another road trip this time to the ole ketchup bottle. Can they give the Graham crackers yet another loss? I think that they are going to find sPitt more game than they have been in a while. I see this one as actually being an entertaining game to watch. I also find this game intriguing as members of the Mountaineer Faithful are making the trip to cheer on the Huskies (well more accurately cheering against the Panthers.) With a win over sPitt I see some potential for a bowl giving them a call. The likeliest location would be the BVAA Compass Bowl.
Pitt also holds onto to this position for yet one more week. If the Panthers can overcome the challenge of the Huskies they will be back on track for another typical average season. They are going to be fighting for the same bowling opportunity as UConn so this game has particular significance to them.
With Louisville's For the second week in a row Charlie Strong is starting to show signs of getting through to this team. A win over Rutgers at Papa John’s Stadium was just what the Doctor ordered for their season. I still don’t see them bowling this year as they just have to cover too much ground to get to the 7 win threshold. I know that a team is eligible with 6 wins but this team likely wouldn’t be awarded a bowl unless it hit the 7 win mark.
For the third time in Big East play the Bulls have fallen. This team was seemingly plagued with an inability to get up for Big East games. Though, that wasn’t the case against the Bearcats. Truth be told they played rather well in that game and were it not for some late game leadership and heroics by Zack this game was going to be put in the win column for the Bulls. Alas, that didn’t materialize and South Florida has plunged into some serious doldrums. They have all but mathematically eliminated themselves from the conference championship. They still have a chance for a bowl game but they need to get something going and quick. As it stands now though they have played themselves out of post season rewards.

Looking like WVU to Big 12 starting to take root. Here are a few posts from today.

2011-10-25T16:05:00.000-04:00

I am starting to see the Times post about everywhere on this. I think that this smoke must be following some fire. If that is the case then you shall see more posts on this in the very near future. Stay tuned. But for your perusal:

New York Times
By PETE THAMEL
Published: October 25, 2011

West Virginia is headed to the Big 12, according to a person with
direct knowledge of the situation, a move that leaves the Big East with
five football programs and an uncertain future. The person said Tuesday
that the Mountaineers had “applied and are accepted,” leaving only
legal entanglements from making the move official. The person spoke on
condition of anonymity because the deal had not been formally announced.

West Virginia is the Big East’s flagship football program, and losing
its consistently strong performance will hurt the conference as it seeks
to hold on to its automatic Bowl Championship Series spot. With the
departure of the Mountaineers, who must pay a $5 million exit fee, the
conference’s football members are Rutgers, Louisville, South Florida,
Connecticut and Cincinnati. That gives it the same number of football
teams it had when Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech departed in
2003.

The only good news for the Big East is that the Big 12 planned to stay
at 10 teams for now, the person said. That will spare the Big East any
more critical losses and give it a chance to build into the 12-team
model that it would prefer.

While Missouri, a current Big 12 member, has yet to announce that it is
applying for membership in the Southeastern Conference, that move is
still viewed as inevitable. The Kansas City Star reported Tuesday
morning that Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton said it could be “days
or possibly a week or two” before Missouri’s application happened.

Legal problems are holding up Missouri’s move, as it has to negotiate
an exit fee, and there is a concern among Big 12 teams about how to fill
the void in their schedules that Missouri would leave. That creates two
problems, as universities will have to scramble to find another
opponent, perhaps from the Football Championship Subdivision. A victory
over a team from that level would not count toward a Big 12 member’s
bowl eligibility. It will also cause the Big 12 to fall short of
fulfilling its television contract. Both could be costly for the league.

The SEC made it very clear during its courtship with Texas A&M that it
would only accept the Aggies without legal issues, so Missouri must take
care of those before joining.

The Big East now moves toward putting together its proposed 12-team
model; it hopes to add Air Force, Navy and Boise State in football and
Houston, Southern Methodist and Central Florida in all sports. With West
Virginia gone, the new team most likely to emerge as a possible member
would be Temple, which has received resistance from its Philadelphia
rival Villanova. But with the league’s future in peril, it is hard to
imagine that Villanova would have enough influence to thwart Temple,
which boasts a rising football program, a strong basketball program and
the Philadelphia television market. East Carolina and Memphis would be
other candidates. Both have openly lobbied to join the Big East in the
past.

______________________________

______________________________________

West Virginia leaving Big East to join Big 12

By Kelly Whiteside, USA TODAY Updated 10m ago

West Virginia will join the Big 12, according to an official in the Big
East who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak
publicly about the move.

West Virginia could join the Big 12 if Missouri decides to leave the
conference for the SEC. The Mountaineers would fill the spot vacated by
Missouri when it jumps to the Southeastern Conference. Though Missouri
hasn't formally withdrawn from the Big 12 just yet, that announcement
appears to be a formality.

The move by West Virginia will leave the Big East on life support with
just five football playing members committed to the league. Syracuse and
Pittsburgh have been accepted to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

To make matters worse, West Virginia will only be held to a $5 million
exit fee. The league recently doubled the conference's football exit fee
to $10 million, a move contingent on the execution of the expansion
plan.

The increase in exit fee would be triggered as soon as Air Force or
Navy agrees to join the league, according to an official in the Big East
who asked to remain anonymous given the sensitivity of discussions.
Since neither Navy nor Air Force has made such a move, the Mountaineers
will only have to pay $5 million.

Though the Big 12 would like the Mountaineers to begin league play next
season, that timetable appears unlikely. Big East Commissioner John
Marinatto is steadfast about not letting Pittsburgh and Syracuse leave
for the Atlantic Coast Conference before their 27-month league
notification expires.

The Big East has said it would like to add six teams to form a 12-team
football league. Now make that seven. The original model includes
inviting Mountain West members Boise State and Air Force and independent
Navy as football-only members and Conference USA members Central
Florida, SMU and Houston to join in all sports.

Houston regents will meet Thursday to authorize the school chancellor
to negotiate a move to a new conference. But at least some of the
institutions targeted by the Big East have been wary of additional Big
East defections. Now with WVU's move, there's good reason.

______________________________ _____________________________________________

WVU headed to Big 12 if Missouri leaves
Brett McMurphy, CBS Sports

Shortly after Missouri officially announces it is withdrawing from the
Big 12, West Virginia will be extended an invitation to join the Big 12,
college football industry sources told CBSSports.com.

The Mountaineers invitation to the Big 12 is contingent on Missouri
leaving for the SEC. Once Missouri notifies the Big 12 it is leaving,
the Mountaineers' official invitation could come within "24-48 hours," a
source said.

The Mountaineers would be the latest to leave the Big East Conference.
Pittsburgh and Syracuse announced they are leaving for the ACC and TCU
will join the Big 12 next season.

If West Virginia informs the Big East of its intention to leave before
the league adds Navy or Air Force, the Mountaineers would only be held
to a $5 million exit fee. If the Big East has added Navy or Air Force
before the Mountaineers notify the Big East, they would have to pay $10
million. Either way, the Mountaineers would not be able to leave the Big
East until June 30, 2014 – the same time frame as Syracuse and
Pittsburgh.

Without West Virginia, Pitt, Syracuse and TCU, the remaining football
league members are UConn, Rutgers, USF, Louisville and Cincinnati.

Two days ago in Washington D.C., Big East commissioner John Marinatto
met with officials from Boise State, Houston, SMU, UCF and Navy, but no
official invitations were extended. Air Force did not attend the
meeting. Representatives from other Big East schools also attended.

The Big East hopes to add those schools – along with Air Force – to
get to a 12-team football league. Even if the Big East adds those
schools, without West Virginia, they still would need another school.

The Western contingent of the Big East's possible future members -
Boise State, Air Force, Houston and SMU - are pushing for the Big East
to pursue BYU. It's unknown if the Cougars, which had talks with the Big
12, would be interested in joining a 12-team Big East.

If the Big East could land BYU - along with the other five new schools
- it would have two divisions: West - BYU, Air Force, Houston, SMU,
Boise State and Louisville and East - UConn, Rutgers, USF, Cincinnati,
Navy and UCF that Big East officials are confident would be worthy of
retaining its BCS automatic qualifying status.

Besides BYU, other possible candidates for the Big East's 12th member
would be Temple or East Carolina.

Blog comments... what is and isn't expected.

2011-10-25T15:55:00.000-04:00

Nothing pains me more than to have to post regulations upon a free flow space like a blog, however, recent comments by a select few have forced my hand. I don't have any, and I mean no problem with debate or criticism of my posts, or the other author's posts. However, I shall not publish comments that are personal attacks. Attack my posts, attack my ideas, attack my predictions, attack my rankings, no problem at all. Personal attacks upon myself or other authors shall not be tolerated. That isn't to say that jabs and fun intended rivalry will limited but mean spirited attacks simply will not be aired on this blog. You know who you are. I want to hear from you, even my rivals but I won't post those attacks on this blog. If you wish to participate, then I expect that the respectful posts be made. If that isn't your desire then simply don't expect to see your comments listed on this blog.

Notes:

To Orangefan: You have made several attempts to post that you did in fact predict the demise of the Mountaineers in June of this year. That is in fact a truthful statement. You did make that prediction. I did make a personal attack upon you calling your post game comments an act of cowardice. That is and remains my mistake. I should not have attacked you in that way. I stand by the fact that you should have come to this debate during the week of the Syracuse game. But alas, you did previously predict a Syracuse dominating win. For that I apologize.

To the general public: This is a WVU site. That is right we drink the Koolaid here. Their is a subjective standard to this content. I make no appology for the same. This site shall always post from a Mountaineer perspective. Anyway, I look forward to hear from each of you in the future.

Now back to Mountaineer sports,

Da Geek

Da Geeks Blog Poll for Week beginig 10/23

2011-10-24T17:26:00.005-04:00

1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Clemson
4. Boise State
5. Oklahoma State
6. Oklahoma
7. Nebraska/South Carolina

9. Penn State

10. VPI/Michigan State

12. TAMU

13. Illinois/West Virginia/Wisconsin

16. Stanford

17. Oregon

18. Syracuse
19. Michigan
20. Arizona State/Kansas State
21. Georgia
22. Houston
23. Arkansas/Texas Tech
25. SMU

Falling out of poll: Auburn, Texas, and Ga. Tech
Others receiving votes: Texas, Arkansas State, USC, Cincinnati, Auburn, Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Toledo

Cuse shall go down big tonight! Syracuse you are worthless and you must pay once again for past transgressions.

2011-10-21T09:18:00.002-04:00

Normally, I try to keep my blog posts informative or at least civil. But when it comes to Syracuse I can't bring my self to do that.

I refer you to the breakdown posted earlier for the analytical reasons for an Eer Victory today. In this post I am simply going to spread on the record my level of disdain for the Orange. My friend and coauthor on this site Weezie sat through many a Cuse game together during our tenure at WVU as students. But fresh in our memories is always the year that Marvin Graves came to town in 1992. WVU won that game by all accounts but the Orange got the W, as the Big East officials decided it the other way. Syracuse and WVU has been a long time rivalry that has had some wonderfully satisfying moments and as just indicated some completely sickening moments.

Tonight's game "may" be the last time that the Eers get to travel to the Dome to play in this series. If the Eers had no other reason to get up for this game that would be enough. But it doesn't stop there. Syracuse deserves this upcoming drubbing just because they exist as a football program. Since my anger dates back 19 years, I of course have a bit of an emotional investment. So when Geno and company lace it up tonight know this I will be sending all my positive energy to the Eers and all my negative energy to the Orange.

The Crush is on!!!

This rage brought to you in part by the Big East conference leadership for ending my fun with the Cuse.
Da Geek

Da Geek's Big East Power Rankings and Bowl Projections:

2011-10-18T10:48:00.004-04:00

WVU remains as the leader for yet another week even without playing a game. Things get interesting for the Eers as they must compete on the road for 4 of their last 6 games but should also be favored to win them all. I still see them driving it all the way to Miami, New Orleans, or Tempe.
Cincinnati to me is still in driver’s seat for second in the Power Rankings. Mr. Pead did his thing again in the Keg of Nails game against Rival Louisville. While the offense wasn’t prolific as they have been the rest of the year they still seem to have the necessary parts to be the only real threat to WVU in terms of yardage gained and touchdowns scored. The defense is still playing pretty decent football as well. Cincinnati Bowl hopes are still married to that of the Notre Dame. This places Cincinnati likely in the Belk Bowl in Charlotte.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights after coming away with yet another win over Navy have proven to be a stubborn team to beat. They are doing it with the same thing they have done it all year long. Defense and forcing turnovers. Will this be enough to go into their game with WVU undefeated in the Big East? Again I ask will they be ready to end the 16 game losing streak? The game time has been moved to ABC regional coverage at 3:30 on that Saturday clash. As for their likely Bowl invite the Pin Stripe Bowl is the leading candidate when the bids are offered.
The biggest mover in the Power Rankings for me would be the Syracuse Orange. How does it happen that the other team not to play a down of football gets to climb in this Power Ranking Poll? For the most part it is due to the fact that they play the most fundamentally sound offensive football of the remaining teams. You can read below my analysis for this Friday’s game where you see that the Mountaineers will likely roll. Due to the fact that sPitt and USF don’t seem to want to go bowling at season’s end Syracuse’s options are starting to grow. I think that they are going to go to the Beef O'Bradies Bowl. The New Yorkers will get to do some Christmas on Crystal Beach.
U Conn also decided to show some signs of life. While they still don’t have any real cohesiveness in any phases of football this season, they have found a way to get a conference win. This win came at the expense of South Florida who is on an epic free fall if they don’t right that ship soon. I had said in the previous power rankings that they had a shot to do some damage at the bottom of the conference apparently they have decided to take me up on my offer. As for Bowling I still say no soup for you, however you are starting to look like you might flirt with it.
Pitt wow! I mean wow! What in the heck is in the Pierogies? Utah comes to your house you get a lead and then simply let them dictate the pace the rest of the game. This Pitt team is making Dave’s Mustache itch. I was one who thought that you were going to improve; at this point I don’t see Graham even doing that. The rub on Pitt is stop one player and Tino will stop the rest. As for Bowling at the end of the Season this could get interesting. Getting to that 6^th win is going to be tough if they do I am guessing that it is the BVAA Compass bowl for Pitt.
With Louisville's accounting in the Keg of Nails game against arch rival Cincinnati, I was able to find some semblance of positive progress. This could be a result of playing up to a rival but I think that maybe Charlie Strong is starting to get through to this team. As of today Samford has left the team as Offensive Coordinator. This team is trying to find a stride. is a good time to do it. As there is a lot yet to figure out Louisville is likely on outside looking in come bowl time but there still exists some opportunity to have a 3 and 4 big east record.
Finally on this list is the biggest disappointment in terms of pre-season hype the USF Bulls. This team follows a crushing loss to sPitt only to falter again the following week to UConn. Starting off 0 and 2 doesn not foreclose upon an end to a Big East Championship as was evidenced by UConn’s run last season but this would be quite a turn around. The Bulls look like a team without direction. I stand by the fact that they have talent and coaching they just seem to be going to different practice fields during the week. USF will likely win enough games to go bowling but look for them to be picked at the end of the pecking order come seasons end. Maybe a replacement team for a conference that doesn’t have enough teams to fill their slots.

The ACC Orange!!! To the Dome we go what shall we find?

2011-10-17T12:05:00.001-04:00

A
C
C

The Orange go as 6'2" 229 lb., Ryan Nassib takes them. He is the starting Senior Quarterback and he has been basically the harbinger both good and bad of what they can do. He has completed 124 of 192 passes for 1294 yards with 11 touchdowns against 4 interceptions. He has lead the Orange to a 4 and 2 mark with a come from behind victory over Wake Forest in the Dome opener. What he has done particularly well is spread the wealth to his many receivers. 6'2" 202 lb., WR Alec Lemon is his favorite target having 31 passes completed to him for an average catch of 10.4 yards and 3 touchdowns. Next on the target list is 6'1" 175 lb., WR Van Chew who has caught the ball 20 times for an average of 15 yards per catch and also has hauled in 3 touchdowns. But it isn't just the WR's that get all of the attention as is the case with most Doug Marone teams the TE is utilized. So Nassib has found Nick Provo 22 times for an average of 12 yards per catch with 2 touchdowns. Finally, the fourth receiver to get real attention from Nassib is 5'10" 185 lb, WR Dorian Graham, who has caught 13 passes for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns. (Needless to say the Coach Casteel will have much to focus on this week in terms of secondary assignments.)

The Orange also have a running attack which is headed up and pretty much solely produced by Senior RB 5' 7" 201 lb, Antwon Bailey. He has accounted for 124 carries for 553 yards and 5 touchdowns over the course of this season. The only other player to score a rushing touchdown on the team is Ryan Nassib. The Orange offensive line is the type that can punch you in the mouth and Dough Marone has them pretty much in tune to do positive things on that side of the ball. And when they are called upon to kick field goals or extra points their kicker Ross Krautman has prove to be reliable inside the 40 yard line. He has tallied nine field goals and 17 of 18 extra attempts. If the Orange only had to play offense this game could get interesting. However, they are going to be called upon to play defense. This is not an area where they have excelled at all this entire season.

While admittedly lucky, in terms of actual results in games, this Defense gave up 29 points to Wake, in a game that Wake had in control until their QB went down with an injury; gave up 14 to Rhode Island in a squeaker winner for the Orange; gave up 38 to USC; gave up 30 to Toledo in a game where a phantom field goal was the winner; gave up 19 to Rutgers and finally gave up 34 points to Tulane. The point to this is that this defense is giving up an average of 27.33 points per game and thus, not very stingy. (WVU is scoring in the neighborhood of 40 points per game as such should likely be able to win in a shootout.) The Defensive Coordinator for Syracuse is Scott Shafer. He gives a little insight into his way of thinking in this quote," "Scheme is overrated, I've always believed that. What's not overrated is getting your kids to play with great effort, great attitude and great enthusiasm. Those are things we can control on a daily basis, and that will be my primary goal. . . . The philosophy of our defense is attack-oriented, attack and react. We want to be a defense this is multiple, that is always putting pressure and forcing the hand of the offense. We want to be a penetrating defense. If you're going to (ask) what our objectives are? The one thing we want to do is stop the run, force them to throw the ball on first down, create negative plays on first down . . . and get ourselves in position to force them to throw the ball. Get them one-dimensional. We don't want to be a defense that sits back. We want to be a defense that creates turnovers and scores touchdowns." I guess the best response I can give to that is good luck with that Scott. (Admittedly, I am a scheme first kind of guy and I believe the Jimmy's and Joe's can be coached up.) The attacking style he wishes to implement against Geno and the boys will require a little more than a hat on a hat and thus I see this Orange Defensive Unit doing what it has done well all year. Give up some more points.

My Prediction for this game WVU 49 Syracuse 17.

The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy be making its way back to its rightful home in Morgantown,WV.

Da Geek

Ivan McCartney mid-season report card. A solid B+

2011-10-16T17:59:00.001-04:00

So what have we learned about Sticks this season? If you would have read all of the per-recruitment publication you would have believed that he was going to be the next Ochoa-Cinco. In his inaugural season you might have been underwhelmed with his performance. So what were we going to see from him after a spring of conditioning. If you had listened to all of the preseason hype you would have been convinced that he might not even see the field this year. It was the talk of camp that he was 2nd on the depth chart behind a game Ryan Nehlen. So what exactly happened in that fall camp to lead us to where we are today? I would surmise that Coach Holgorsen has found exactly what buttons to push to motivate this obviously talented kid to the new and great heights. No question he is one of the 3 most popular targets of Geno Smith behind only Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin. This 3 headed dragon that has emerged has made it almost impossible for defenses to cover the field. Basically, a team must chose its poison and if that poison is Sticks it could be a painful sting indeed. A little look into his numbers reveals the following: He has played in 6 games this season. He has caught 34 passes for 455 yards. He is averaging 13.38 yards per catch. He has 3 touchdowns. He is averaging 5.7 catches per game with a game average of 75.8 yards. I decided to highlight this player because I think that you will see a huge game from him in the dome. As I said above the Orange must chose its poison and that likely means that they will key on Stedman and Tavon. I think that they will find that choice to be a painful one. I look forward to seeing this receiver doing big things in the weeks to come.

Da Geek

Da Geek's Top 25 College Football Poll

2011-10-16T15:13:00.003-04:00

LSU
Alabama
Boise State
Oklahoma State
Oklahoma
Wisconsin
Clemson
Stanford
WVU
Oregon
South Carolina
Nebraska
Arkansas
Kansas State
Illinois
Michigan State/ Houston
Penn State
TAMU
VPI
Arizona State
Auburn
Georgia Tech
Texas
Georgia

Others considered: Michigan, Baylor, SMU, Rutgers, Temple, Louisiana Lafayette, Notre Dame, Washington Cincinnati and Wyoming. This poll is a conglomeration of participating authors from the site. In this first poll LSU received all 1st place votes.

It should be noted that this is the poll which this sight will use to rank teams from now till the end of the year.
Our poll has absolutely no effect what ever on the awarding of the mythical national championship trophy known as the BCS National Championship. What it does do is give us a chance to evaluate the teams as we see them at the mid season point. We really love this game. And we have opinions.
It should also be noted that the AP Poll (also has no baring on Mythical National Championship) (If you wish to see another interesting poll you should check out the SignalCaller's Poll) Coaches Poll Harris Poll and BCS Poll may by clicked on directly from this site in the very near future.

Feel free to debate these positions in the comments below:

Da Geek

Interview with Chris Anderson of EERSPORTS (247 Affiliate)

2011-10-15T17:04:00.000-04:00

In a continued effort to expose our blog readers to all that is out there for Mountaineer Sports consumption. I have decided to once again get the perspective of yet another contributor to the discussion on all points WVU athletics.

Da Geek:

First off a huge thank you Christopher Anderson from WVLawGeeksWestVirginaSports for your willingness to do this interview for our blog. My name is Chris Cooper, aka the Geek. I am excited to get to know about yourself and your website Eersports.com the 247 affiliate. By way of background what brought you to this job? Where did you go to school? How long have you been in the "business"? Where are you from now and originally?

Chris:

A little about myself: I was born in South Charleston, WV in 1984 and I still have family there along with Bluefield, Princeton, Beckley, Amma and Morgantown. I moved around a lot when I was younger before ending up in Virginia for high school. I was a decent basketball player, even being recruited by John Beilein when he was at the University of Richmond. At one point, I almost ended up at Marshall (yea, I know. Ew.) under former coach Frank White. I made my way around before eventually ending up at a powerhouse Division III program called Hampden Sydney College in Virginia.
As for writing, I’m fairly new to it all. I wrote a few pieces for my college website about my travels abroad. I was hired to write for Eersports in mid-August and have put out around a hundred articles since then. Since I’m only two months in on a site that was started by Admin and Anthony over a year ago, there will be a few questions I can’t and probably shouldn’t answer.

Da Geek: Fair enough Chris. Maybe we will hit up Anthony for anther interview at some point in the near future.

Da Geek:

There are several active blogs, message boards and recruiting sites that are operating her in good ole WVU, do you read those sites or converse with those other providers during your work life here? (Full disclosure, I have relationships with most of the providers out there. I have found that most of them are pretty darned good people trying to do well by their product.)

Chris:

To be honest, I don’t really frequent other boards. I have been a premium member of other boards in the past (BGN and Rivals) but left for different reasons in each instance. I talk regularly with guys from different sites through text and Facebook chat, but mostly about everyday type things and observations of different games and current news.

Da Geek:

I have been producing my small time blog www.wvlawgeekswestvirginiasports.blogspot.com for 6 full years now.and have found it to be a labor of love. So you take this job that you have as a dream-job? I mean covering Mountaineer Football, Basketball and recruiting is a whole lot of fun if you ask me.

Chris:

I love this job. Unfortunately, at this time, it’s not something that I can sustain a living on full time. I have a regular 9-to-5 job, but find myself doing this as much as possible. I enjoy it so much because I'm passionate about the game and everyone that I talk to is the same way – whether it be fans, recruits, current players or coaches. Spending my time with like-minded people and sports is always fun.

Da Geek

With the caveat you issued above, what is the mission statement of 247, and what is the mission statement of EERsports?

Chris:

I don’t want to speak for the guys at the top of 247sports, but I do know a few things. They are some of the original founders of Rivals – so they certainly know what they are doing. They’re really busting their butts behind the scenes to make the network the premiere recruiting source on the internet. Although it’s an uphill battle with so many people stuck in their ways with sites that have been here for awhile, it seems to me like they have taken the best parts of those sites (including a lot of analysts and reporters) and put them together at 247sports. The absurd amount of growth that the site has seen proves that. Once again, I’m the new guy on the block so I don’t want to speak for everyone.

Law Geek:

What does this site bring to the table that you think makes it unique among the "message-board/news sites"?

Chris:

There are a few things different with Eersports than what you will see anywhere else. As many fans have attested to, the message board is much more civil and not filled with a lot of the clutter that has come to define other sites. We try to keep the conversation adult and the in-fighting at a minimum. On top of that, I believe Anthony and I’s interaction on the board is second to none. I’ve heard from new members that elsewhere they will post a question that will sit there for days without an answer, if it ever gets one at all. That won’t happen with us. We’ll answer it in a timely manner or, if we don’t have the answer, let you know that we’re going to do our best to find it for you.

Da Geek

You have been getting your membership to explode here of late. Congratulations. To what do you attribute this explosion in interest?

Chris:

Thanks. Anthony certainly took me under his wing and talked me through a lot of the tricks of the trade. After that, I took some of the things I knew I always wanted as a member and tried to do them. One thing was constant interaction, which I mentioned above. Another is a steady stream of information. Whether it is large or small, just keep the news coming. For instance, earlier this morning I got a text from a 4* offensive tackle telling me WVU was in his Top 5 and getting a visit. He couldn’t do a full interview because he was busy, but why hold onto that? Throw it out on the board – people want to know. Like I said earlier, I’ve done about 100 articles not including message board threads in about two months. I’m not trying to pick on anyone, but there are other sites that don’t put out that many recruiting interviews in an entire year. It boggles the mind.

Da Geek:

So just how tired are you of the Conference realignment saga? I know personally I am quite fatigued by the whole thing. That being said I simply can't turn away from this train-wreck.

Chris:

Incredibly fatigued about conference realignment. The thing that bothers me most is how it causes fans to act. Suddenly WVU fans are eating their own, so to speak, while still some are in "woe-is-me" form. Heck, the other day I broke news that a 4* WR was visiting and it didn't even get a blip while two day old alignment talk was still going strong. I want it over just so everyone can sit back and enjoy a great time in Mountaineer football.

DaGeek:

So tell my about relationships with Coaches, administrators, parents, friends, and staff during the recruiting process. I have said in the past that they are key to getting any information about recruiting. Is the true? Could you give my readers an anecdote or too about how those relationships are developed?

Chris:

It’s definitely true. I’ve found that some of the most beneficial relationships come from high school coaches. While obviously talking straight to the player has its advantages, you’re still talking to a kid and I think a lot of people forget that. I had one prospect who wouldn’t talk to me for awhile before eventually giving me a nondescript interview. A couple days later, I talked to his high school coach who told me the reason he acted that way was because he was about to commit elsewhere but didn’t know how to tell me. Heck in the past couple days, it’s how I’ve become a stalker for Coach Gillespie – back to back texts from different high school coaches in south Florida telling me that he was at their school.

Da Geek:

The new Coaching staff how do you like them? Do you see any recruiting all-stars in the making? I am a fan of Gilllespie, Dawson and Roberts from the newbies I have always been a fan of the defensive staff, but I am guessing that they can all close well. What is your take?

Chris

. I haven’t been able to talk to them much, particularly because we aren’t allowed to discuss recruiting with them. However, this is exactly how I would set up a coaching staff in a dream scenario – if the egos can hold out and it can essentially be “two head coaches.” Dana Holgorsen brought in some great minds that he was already familiar with on the offensive side and he recognized Jeff Casteel’s skills and just said “I know offense, you do your thing, Jeff.” I love it. I think we have one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Certainly top three coordinators on each side.

Da Geek

This current class of verbals are pretty darned impressive. Do you see that class staying solid with their commitments? Do you see this list being upgraded by years end or do you see the conference reshuffling and negative recruiting associated with it having a negative impact once February rolls around?

Chris

While Deontay McManus, JT Washington and Devonte Robinson have all taken, or will take, visits, the only player I worry about is Joseph Jackson. Other than that, I don’t see many defections in this class, regardless of what happens. I think the staff will add only high-end talent from here on out, certainly players that will please the “star-gazers.”

Da Geek:

For me, this season has been quite exciting on the grid-iron. I simply see that there is really no reason for WVU to fall short of its goal to win the Big East out-rignt. DO you agree?

Chris:

I called 11-1 and the Orange Bowl before the season. I just did a mid-season report where I stuck by it. There isn’t a game left on the schedule that this team shouldn’t win by double digits.

Da Geek:

If you could pick 3 concerns for this years squad what would they be?

Chris:

This year’s squad? 1) Poor special teams play. 2) Geno trying to do too much and falling apart like he did against Syracuse last year. 3) Defensive secondary against a good short-passing game.

Da Geek:

If you could pick 3 superlatives to bestow upon this years squad what would they be?

Chris:

Explosive. Dynamic. Young!

Da Geek:

If you could have your pick of our BCS bowl destination what would it be?

Chris: Well, obviously the National Championship Game, but I see a more likely destination of the Orange Bowl in Miami. Would be a good game and WVU can beat up on the ACC champion in a nice locale for January.

Da Geek:

What other teams in the Big East give you pause and why?

Chris:

USF worries me because it’s in Tampa where WVU hasn’t won since 2005. Having trouble getting a read on Rutgers. They demolished Pitt and have a Top 12 pass defense. Still, they’re Rutgers. Pitt will always be a rivalry game and I’ll never underestimate that again. Having said all that, I still expect double digit wins in all three games.

Da Geek:

Where does Eersports tailgate on game day?

Chris:

Anywhere and everywhere. Always (somewhat) responsibly, though. Haha.

Da Geek: well Chris you are welcome to come have a beer and some vittles at our tailgate at any home game from here on out.

Da Geek:

When basketball season gets going in Ernest an we do this again?

Chris:

Sure. Always down to talk basketball.

Well Chris I just want to say again a heart felt thank you for your taking the time to get to know you and through you this wonderful web site. Please blog reader go to EERSPORTS (you will find a link to the same on the left side of this blog furthermore you may follow their twitter feed at @EerSportsDotCom .

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as me.
Go Eers!

Da Geek

The Big East and its AQ status: With addition of new Big East Schools WVU is in AQ till 2016 at worst.

2011-10-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

The Big East shall maintain its AQ (automatic qualifying) status with the BCS until a minimum of 2015. The reason for this is the fact that it has already passed its evaluation for and through the 2013 season. For it to maintain its AQ status it must: exist as an 8 member football conference. (The caveat to this pseudo-solid ground is what happens if WVU, Louisville, Cincinnati, Rutgers, or UConn bolt the conference in the mean time? This is where NCAA conference rules get a bit tricky because they require that a conference has 6 teams that have played with each other for 2 consecutive years. Alas where would that come from? My guess and that is all it is, is that the Basketball only schools could be called upon to meet this criteria.) Because this current contract is ironclad for the this time frame for the two year period and there is also a two-year grace period (an NCAA rule) which extends it through the 2015 season, the Big East would then only come under scrutiny under the 2014 period of evaluation. As such, the Big East has the ability to bolster its competitive numbers to once again maintain its status as an AQ even after this most recent conference raid. Basically, the Big East must move with speed, intelligence, and alacrity to make itself a viable competitor by 2014. It must merely bring its numbers back up to 8 competitors by the kickoff of the 2012 season. As WVU has bailed this conference out of those issues in the past. It seems that the Big East needs to capitulate to WVU in terms of perks to make them stay in the Big East to once again legitimize the league. Will the current system of Big East "leadership" see fit to do just that only a brief period of time will tell. The point of this post is to let WVU fans know that we shall be in an AQ conference for the short term. That period of time should be long enough to assure an admittance into a long term stable conference home for the Mountaineers in a AQ conference. So I guess I am asking for some patience. (Axle Rose in background)

Da Geek

Can you pick a winner from this weeks Big East Slate?

2011-10-14T16:44:00.000-04:00

Da Geek decided to pick some games of interest for WVU: These kind of prognostications rarely go well long term but Da Geek can streak. So here goes:

WVU builds on its UConn Win and begins its dominance over Syracuse a week early. WVU should be up by 40 by kick off. :) LEVITY people. Thruth is that this game looms with pressure as it means WVU must maintain focus and rythim in this off week. Coach Holgorsen has me confident he is doing just that. Go Eers!!! BTW Basketball is right around the Corner. Hugg's is cautiously optimistic. But I digress back to Da Geeks for-sight to be tested:
Cincinnati at Louisville Game begins at Noon on the Big East Network. The Cats stomp the Cards 39 11.
sPitt hosts Utah also a 12:00 game (this may be a factor as it is really a 10:00 game for the UTES. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU. The Panther team that was just distroyed by Rutgers is going to bounce back this week and get a close but ugly Graham lead lead over the UTES. sPitt33 UTAH 23.
Rutgers is hosting the Midshipmen of the Navy this week. The Game will kick off at 2:00 and is going to be televised on ESPN3. This game for that matter any game playing against that triple option attack is a nightmare for offensive coordinators to game-time for . Rutgers better hope that its uncanny ability to turn the other team over continues because Navy is pretty stingy with the ball and giving other teams chances to get any type of offense going. I see a tight and entertaining game. I predict a very close win for Rutgers in an agonizingly low scoring affair 22 19 Knights.
After a beat-down being handed to both of these teams in their most recent tilts, who is ready to respond? I believe that USF has more juice at the skill position, better scheme, and a Coach who is getting better at navigating the Big East. U Conn is simply a team with out an identity. They have two good to better offensive and defensive fronts but against the spread looks that USF will undoubtedly give them, I simply don't see this game even being close. USF 44 UConn12. Turnovers would be the only caveat to my prediction and that will only serve to dampen the ultimate score not the result. The Bulls bounce back big.
Finally, the conference realignment waiting game wins yet another week in a landslide. Looking like speculation, conjecture, outright lies and consternation will be dominate the College football landscape for foreseeable future. Alas, this blog and many other folks paying attention shall continue to do so.

Well there you have it the predictions (no) lines included in these games. Check your local bookies for such things.

Da Geek

The waiting game...

2011-10-13T19:56:00.003-04:00

The Big East is at in impasse, seemingly unable to make any moves to bolster its future. It's hindered by two forces: outside conferences that pilfer Big East schools at will, and internal politics which allow schools in the most tenuous situations to protect their own interests at the expense of the remaining six football programs (the chief culprits in this category are Notre Dame, Villanova and South Florida).

It's almost certain that if WVU, UConn, Rutgers, Louisville, Cincy or South Florida were offered a berth in any other BCS conference, none of those schools would choose to remain in the Big East. So while those six schools, if they remain in tact, could make a credible nucleus for a BCS-worthy Big East, none of them individually can afford to risk a long-term commitment. This is the classic prisoner's dilemma; if everyone sticks together, all will benefit, but the first one to defect will assure its own safety at the expense of its former associates. In this situation, there is scant likelihood that the current league members will agree to an increased buyout.

And while there is no increased buyout to secure the existing conference nucleus, it will be difficult to recruit new members. Schools such as Boise State and the service academies may hesitate to shackle themselves to a sinking ship. And the schools which are more willing (meaning desperate) suitors, such as UCF and Temple, have had to contend with the self-serving parochial political obstructionism of South Florida and Villanova respectively. Not to mention Notre Dame, who appears to be irritated by the disintegration of the conference which has long accommodated its non-football sports, and whose bowl berths it has leached off of shamelessly. But not so irritated to motivate it to do anything to prevent the cookie from crumbling.

So, what of the Big East now? I think it is untenable for the Big East to proactively secure its own future at this point on its own terms. All we can do now is play the waiting game and see which, if any, of the remaining six are added by the other five BCS conferences. It could be any time between next week and next decade before we know the final shape of things.

Da Geek's Mid Season BIG EAST POWER RANKINGS Bowl Projections

2011-10-13T14:08:00.003-04:00

WVU falls at the top of this list both as a homer pick and because they have done more to establish themselves as the clear front-runner in this conference than anybody else. Simply put they hold the keys to the BCS Bowl car and I see them driving it all the way to Miami, New Orleans, or Tempe.
The second place team in these power rankings is going to have to go to Cincinnati for me. This team is really the only other offensive juggernaut in the conference. And low and behold they have started to find a stride on the defensive side of the ball. They could be a contender in the end. The game being played at Paul Brown against the Mountaineers will let the league know who is pretending or contending. Cincinnati Bowl hopes are married to that of the Notre Dame the Coaching irony alone makes it a bit of a compelling story. For you see the Champs Sports Bowl may take the Irish one time out of the 4 years that it has this contract. I am certain that if Notre Dame is kept out of the BCS then it is Orlando for them. This places Cincinnati likely in the Belk Bowl in Charlotte.
The surprise entry in the top three would have to be the opportunistic Rutgers Scarlet Knights. They have proven to be quite willing to take the ball away from the other team. A few miscues, and a lack of offense against UNC is the only thing separating RU and an undefeated season. It should be noted that yours truly called the win over that new ACC team from Oakland. Suffice to say, Rutgers has a shot at being undefeated when the Mountaineers come to town. Will they be ready to end the streak? Only time will tell. But for now they have moved into the number three spot in this poll and likely will be getting the nod to play in the Pin Stripe Bowl at seasons end.
The next team on this list is the USF Bulls. While, they took a beat down to sPitt in the burgh, I don't think that it was necessarily indicative of all bad thins to come. They simply had a horrible game. They are obviously missing some NFL talent on defense and this has hurt them. But in the end they have the speed and I dare say the Coaching to make a run toward the top end of this Conference. As it stands now they are relegated to the fourth spot. Just ahead I hasten to add the team that smoked them two weeks ago. As for Bowl Game hopes. I see this team making a return trip to the Beef O'Bradies Bowl at years end.
sPitt oh sPitt what pleasure I took in watching you fall wearing your ACC life jackets all the way down. Yup my yinzer friends you took a beat-down in Jersey. I kept waiting to see if your quarterback would survive not only the Scarlet Knights but your own 4 person fan base. Alas, your team is not as bad as that game reflected. much like the Bulls you simply didn't come prepared to play and much to Coach Graham's credit he said just that. You have a task in entertaining UTAH this weekend and that could prove to be a very entertaining game. I actually, see your squad getting back to winning ways. I would suggest to you that you keep your ACC chants a little more muffled until you actually accomplish something but you may take that for what it is worth. As for Bowling at the end of the Season this could get interesting. The BVAA Compass bowl is available but I am not entirely sure that this game comes to sPitt it might be that your team fills an at large bid somewhere else as I see the other ACC team getting a look there.
So that brings us to our second defector in these power rankings. The Orange who like WVU are on a week off will be preparing to play the Mountaineers in a rematch of last years letdown in Motown. The glaring difference is the fact that the Mountaineers offense is seeing the top side of 40 at a much greater rate than the Orange are holding teams to under 23. Advantage EERS! As for why they reside in this poll at number 6 it is because they have played moderately well thus far with a gutsy win over Wake and about 3 quarters of good ball against USC. Where they lost me was giving up the scoring they did against Tulane. The upside for the Cuse this week is they shall not give up any more ground. As for Bowling at the end of the Season they need to win some that they should and can ill-afford to give up the games they shouldn't. They will likely need some help. But if at seasons end they have six wins. I think that they are going to go to the ACC's other bowl the BVAA Compass.
Wow oh wow what a complete drop of the ball I made when I said that Louisville would be a legit player in the Big East this year. They are proving to be a bigger player in packing their bags for the Big 12 right now more-so than making any impact on the Conference championship. While I stand by my position that Strong is the right man for this job. They simply don't have the Jimmys and Joes to get it done this season. I tip my hat to staff writer Greg for making thi.s point when I made my preseason power rankings. Finally, there will be no bowling for Louisville this year.
Finally, U Conn gets on the list. Unfortunately for them it is the end of this list. They have a shot to do some damage at the bottom of the conference as they are stout on the line but they sorely miss their NFL running back talent and Paul's offense is more than just a work in progress it is simply in need of a whole lot of work. I am pretty sure that this seasons focus for U Conn is making overtures to the ACC to join their comrades in arms sPitt and Syracuse. But just look out ole UConn, BC doesn't like you very much. As for Bowling no soup for you!!!

Some notes for the blog: First this blog will now do its own poll starting next Sunday. Much like the Harris and BCS Polls we feel that more needed to be shaken out before we could place a relative value on the teams. So look forward to our Poll next Monday.
I am hopeful that each of you will come on here and debate and converse on these posts. I would caution you though that mean spirited attacks will get your comments tossed. (Last statement was directed at our infrequent troll)
First off thanks go out to all who have voted in the polls that are being placed at the top of this page. I think any positive pub is great positive pub. The fact that both Dustin Garrison and Geno Smith were back to back Capital One Impact players of the week speaks volumes of our ability to support our players on a national level.
Finally, I want to thank all of the 15 listed West Virginia Sources for WVU information listed to the left of the blog. Each of them bring a little different piece of this Mountaineer story together and I for one want you to read them all.

GO EERS!!!

Da Geek

Welcome to Premier Players

2011-10-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Premier Players

Bob Huggins Preseason News Conference

2011-10-12T16:45:00.000-04:00

Bob Huggins Preseason News Conference

Kevin Jones Preseason Interview

2011-10-12T16:43:00.000-04:00

Kevin Jones Preseason Interview

College Football | Coach of the Year | Presented by Liberty Mutual

2011-10-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

College Football | Coach of the Year | Presented by Liberty Mutual

The mid season off week what to do with that? This is not time off.

2011-10-12T10:39:00.007-04:00

Self evaluate: It seems that the first part of this process is for the coaches to go back and do a serious screening of the tendencies of our team. To determine what is working, what isn't working, and from a personnel standpoint making tweaks to those plays to make them work. Finally, the self scout is used to determine what they can do to disguise the plan from our opponents. He indicated that this is an ongoing process but that the extra time can be helpful. Coach has been pleased with the overall progress throughout the year and thus, desires to keep that progress going.

Coach Holgerson indicated in his interview yesterday that Geno is a work in progress with plenty of room to grow. His biggest and most common criticism of his signal caller is that Geno wants to do to much. He really is trying to dial that back to have Geno play with in the system and simply take what is there.

Coach was very pleased with the marked improvement of the special teams. He thinks he has found a punter. He was also quite pleased with what he saw from the defense. This he believes is going to have to continue to perform at a high level to finish the job of winning the Big East Championship. He sees Syracuse as having a similarly stout line as compared to UConn. But alas the Syracuse scout comes later.

The primary focus for the next two days is getting rhythm related workouts for his players. He feels that off weeks can slow down a teams momentum and progress so his practice regimines will be such to confound that problem. He says that the regimen will be 2 very brisk hitting practices with weight room workouts.

Another benefit to the "off week" is that fact that he and his staff will get to go do some serious recruiting. With all that is going on with conference expansion it is important for the Coaches to get into those homes and reassure those prospects of the WVU brand. I look for WVU to be getting some more verbal commitments following these visits. BTW the visitors we got from the UConn game all had positive things to say about WVU. In fact the 4 Mimamar kids really liked what they saw. It didn't hurt that their former Patriot classmates Geno, Stedman, Ian, and Ivan, all had really good games.

Once the Coaches get back from their expedited recruiting tours it will be back to preparing for the Orange. The work week will be moved one day forward as the game will be played on Friday Night on ESPN. Thus Sunday is Monday etc. Coach Holgorsen's radio show will be aired on Wednesday.

Not really a part of the Coaching and athlete arena but this "off week" is proving to be a hot one for President Clements and AD Luck. There are plenty of going on(s) regarding just where WVU is going to be. So they too are going to be very busy. All and all this "off week" is anything but an off week. There are plenty of goings on to keep our staff and students busy. The second half of this season approaches and the one goal is still within our grasps. Let us win that BIG EAST championship and Win that BCS Bowl. It all starts on next Friday where we drub the Orange!!!

Da Geek

Big East Leadership = Oxymoron?

2011-10-11T12:44:00.001-04:00

Big East Commissioner John Marinatto has lead the Big East to where we are today, chaos. What is the status of this conference? I can tell you that stable isn't a word that can be used for this description. Stewart Mandell of SI has stated in his latest article that the AQ status for the Big East is in very big trouble. He compares the Big East membership debacle to reality TV. He says that it has gone from funny to sad. I would argue from the perspective of Mountaineers everywhere that this has been far from funny to us for a very long time.

With the action taken by the presidents yesterday giving authority to the Commissioner to aggressively pursue membership into the football side of the Big East Conference,one would think that positive things could happen (it should be noted that the much desired increased buy-out did not happen). However, what is the sales pitch to these schools? Air Force, Navy, Army, Boise State, Houston, SMU, ECU, UCF, Memphis, Temple, Tulane and Lord forbid Nova all are in need of AQ status so I would guess that would be selling point number one. That AQ status can remain if at least 6 of the remaining Big East members are all going to stay on board this ship. Problem for the Big East is that Rutgers, UConn, Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virginia have their respective sights elsewhere. So selling point number 1 is almost out the door before it can even creak open.

To navigate this Ocean is even more challenging when the TV partners are out to get you. It is pretty clear that master puppeteer ESPN is not going to do much to help the old Big East become the New and improved Big East. NBC Fox and CBS may be willing to throw some money toward the Big East but that likely wont be the premium dollars necessary to sustain the conference.

I fear that this Big East leader and his predecessor have repeatedly dropped the ball and now is in a desperate situation to stitch this conference back together. WVU's leadership have not given even token support of the most recent decisions and I don't think that this is going to change barring a major coups. I just hope that what ever happens WVU's AQ status doesn't come to an end.

Da Geek

Sorry once again for my absence from this blog. I have been relegated to the hospital.

2011-10-10T14:22:00.002-04:00

Conference issues: Lot's has happened and not much has happened on the conference realignment front. What we know is that WVU is still a member of the Big East. TCU Pitt and Syracuse have all decided to leave. What we don't know is how long WVU is going to be a member of the Big East. Could they be members of the SEC, Big 12, ACC or the new and (um-improved Big East)? The Big East Presidents agreed to expand the conference to 12 teams on the football side. It appears that Air Force is on board as a football only participant. Boise State and Navy are also looking to be football only members. ECU, CFU, Memphis, Temple and Nova are in the mix to be full Big East members. The problem for the Big East is that Louisville, Cincinnati, and West Virginia is not so sure they want to be members. We shall see. This conference realignment stuff is exhausting and in my current state of health I need to take some kind of respite from it.

Hey guess what we are 5 and 1: With all of the other distractions you may have missed out on the fact that the Mountaineers are now 13th in the AP and 16th in the Coaches Polls. We are nationally relevant again thanks in part to the leadership of Head Coach Dana Holgorsen and his staff. Wow what a job is being done with that offensive line. We have a quarterback and some receivers that are doing fairly well too. West Virginia ranks No. 4 in the nation in passing, and Geno Smith has passed for 2,159 yards. West Virginia is the only team in the country with two receivers ranked in the top 23 in total receiving yards (Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin). Both are on pace for 1,000 yard seasons. That and the fact that Geno averages completions to 9 different receivers a game. We have finally found a starting running back in Dustin Garrisson. The defense is also ranked in the top 20 in terms of scoring being lead by fantastic coaching as well. This season is shaping up to be very very special.

We have some players and Coaches up for fan choice awards please vote: Please vote in the O'Brien poll above for Geno. Also it should be noted that Geno is up for Capital One award this week. Dustin Garrison won it last week so please go to this site and vote for Geno there as well.
Stedman Bailey this weeks Big East Offensive Player of the week is also up for an award please vote for him at Face Books poll. And finally Coach Holgorsen is up for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year. Again I ask that you do your part and vote for Coach Holgs.

Finally you may have noticed that I have added a number 15 to our list of WV related sites EERSPORTS.com is the 247 recruiting and information site. I have been on there reading it for some time and I would recommend the site for your perusal.

Remember Eer fans we are in this thing together. Let us enjoy this fine football season. Will be writing to you again soon.

Da Geek

Luck's Brief Statement released today...

2011-09-21T13:32:00.001-04:00

"President Clements and I represented West Virginia University at last night's BIG EAST meeting in New York. The group concluded the meeting with a strategy to recruit top level BCS-caliber institutions that match the league's strong athletic and academic histories and traditions.

"As I stated before, WVU is an excellent flagship, land-grant University, with national-caliber athletic and academic programs. We are, and will remain, a national player in college athletics.

"The conference office will coordinate any further discussion on this issue."

Hello my anxious WVU fans... LSU in town this weekend

2011-09-20T15:47:00.000-04:00

How this week isn't the most exciting week of football at WVU since 1993 is a travesty. We have the Number 2 team in the country coming into Morgantown this weekend. We have Game Day present for the entire day. We have ABC's most coveted prime-time slot. There is plenty to anticipate about this weekend's tilt and yet all that is printed anywhere is the cycle after cycle of conference stuff. We as a fan-base need to let things that we can not control go and focus on that which we can impact. We can make the environment in Morgantown this weekend the craziest it has been since 1993.

It is time to rally as we tend to do when things are lined up against us. It is time to make this weekend exceptional. We can have an impact at least in terms of feeding our beloved team particularly our defense with energy. I see this opportunity as huge for the Eers. If we are able to get it done the schedule sets up nice for us to make a run at all of the cookies. LSU has arguably the best defense we will see all year. That said they don't have an exceptional offense. I would argue that Maryland's offense is more dangerous than LSU. LSU will lull you to sleep with a painful and steady diet of runs with the occasional dose of the "big play" attempt. Their QB is serviceable but not exceptional. We definitely have the advantage at that position.

Let us as a fan-base come together the rest of this week and get pumped up for the weekend. Leave the future to those who make those decisions. I understand that anxiety is high but let us channel the same into something more productive. Let us explode at MPS and let us do what we can to make the Tigers struggle on every snap. Coach Holgorsen has a game-plan. The Eers are going to grind it out all week in practice with one focus. Let us do our part to bring this home. Let us take advantage of this BCS-like game and shock the nation.

Go EERS!!!

Da Geek

ESPN's College Game Day is coming to our City.

2011-09-17T23:57:00.002-04:00

http://espn.go.com/college-football/gameday?id=4http://espn.go.com/college-football/gameday?id=4

After WVU got it done today against the Terps, they were rewarded with the news that they will be televised at 8:00 pm on ABC. In addition to that WVU shall host ESPN's Game Day broadcast. Morgantown will be rockin all week long.

Color me excited...

Da Geek

Doomsday for the Big East?

2011-09-17T21:43:00.006-04:00

We should all be pleased that WVU came away with an exciting (perhaps too exciting) victory over ACC rival Maryland today. But the ACC did us one better in what amounts to a poaching of Pitt and Syracuse. This move is a pretty brutal blow to the remaining members of the conference, for a variety of reasons I will explore below. But I can't blame either school in the least. I can, however, blame the bumbling, incompetent conference leadership.

First, lets discuss what this means for WVU. We are facing the potential disruption of our longest-running rivalry. In fact, this means all three of WVU's traditional rivals will be in the ACC. WVU now faces an elevated chance of being left on the outside of the impending super-conference hegemony. While many of us are holding out hope for an invitation to the SEC (an option not without its own set of issues), there's no guarantee that's going to happen. And if it doesn't, there are only two other scenarios: "apply" to the ACC like Pitt and Syracuse, or remain at the helm of a league comprised of random bits of the the Big East and Big 12 and other assorted football flotsam.

In a certain sense, those are the same options WVU had 24 hours ago, but in reality, both now look worse. First, there are, at most, two more ACC slots that WVU might hope to occupy, instead of yesterday's four. And secondly, today's departures guarantee that the probable BE-B12 merger will be lower quality than it could have been in the absence of Big East defections.

The rest of the conference also faces this ugly set of prospects, but without WVU's hopeful ace-in-the-hole of an SEC invite.

Who to blame for this mess? It is difficult to conceive of the sort of organizational dereliction which could result in a Big East commissioner, after the experience of the last ACC raid, who is caught unawares by this. This conference turned down a 10-figure TV deal... and now what? How marketable is a seven-member Big East? Are potential replacements Baylor and Iowa State going to bring home the bacon in the next effort at TV negotiations? In letting things deteriorate to the current point, without even seeming to be aware of what's going on, Marinatto has failed at his job, which is to navigate the Big East through the conference-realignment fustercluck toward the best possible outcome.

Sorry folks... the best possible outcome is out the window. All that can be done now is to pick up the pieces.

Also... a question that may become relevant: as Chairman of the Big East's Executive Committee, what sort of duty does Nordenberg have to the Big East, and do his actions in regards to this recent debacle represent a breach of that duty? I don't think that WVU should pull a Baylor, because like I said before, I don't really blame Pitt and Syracuse for doing what they have done. But if we are left on the outside looking in, then all bets might be off.