Roundball news!!! WVU smokes tOSU in their house 76 48 ALEX RUOFF BIG EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK

That is right Round ball fans Big East Basketball is about to begin... but the Eers had the task of playing tOSU on their own floor before entering that frey. As it turns out tOSU was not much of a problem for the Eers as they simply dominated them. Huggs has them ready and willing to play defense. It has lead to transition points a plenty. Rewarded for their work the last week Alex Ruoff is the Big East Player of the Week. Way to go Al. The Mountaineers are nearing the top 25 in both polls as well 26th in AP and 27th in Coaches. Look out BIG EAST here we come... (image by WVSports.com)

Ruoff was named BIG EAST Player of the Week after he scored a career-high 38 points in a win against Radford and followed with a team-high 17 points in a 76-48 win at No. 15/13 Ohio State. In the 38-point effort against Radford, the senior set a school record with nine 3-point baskets. He also had eight rebounds and five steals. Ruoff averaged 27.5 points for the week and is the team's top scorer for the season with a 17.0 average.-Big East.com

WVU 9 and 4 Pat White 4 and 0 in BOWLS WOW What a ride!

Some days are just special. Some time periods are just special. Some eras are special but one thing that is unequivocally true is what Weezie said in the post below: PAT WHITE IS SPECIAL. WVU finished this season with a record of 9-4, and a win in the MCCBOWL in Charlotte NC (Immage by AP). That after the previous 3 seasons of double digit wins was some what of a disappointment, but the way it ended sure was sweet! After the ACC raid the Big East conference was left for dead. Sports aficionados insisted with regularity that with the defections of Miami, Va Tech and BC that the Big East Conference didn't even warrant a its automatic BCS Bowl Bid. Then a funny thing happened on the way to the grid iron season of 2005. Adam Bednarick and co-starter Pat White took the helm away from a very accomplished WVU QB, Rasheed Marshall. For the first part of that season the Mountaineers came out of the gate with win after win. New comers White, Slaten, Reynaud, and Schmitt were becoming household names in the making. You see with one blemish on the season being a 34- 17 defeat at the hands of the most hated traitors Va Tech, the team became something special. Adam and Pat were splitting the responsibilities at QB and things were going well the Mountaineers were climbing into the top 25. Then came a game against Big East Newbie Louisville who was touted as the prohibitive favorite to win the Big East Title. They had super-star qb Brian Brohm and one of the most formidable running back tandems and receiving corps in the nation. And for 3 quarters and 4 minutes they simply dominated the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers were trying to drive down the field with Adam Bednarick at the helm and then he was injured. Well we had a co-starter waiting for a chance to play, his name was Pat White. He proceeded to come into the game and lead the team to one of the most amazing wins in WVU regular season history. Yes he had a little help from one of his best friends Steve Slaten who only scored 6 touchdowns, but it was Pat White who gave the spark to the engine that would be a dominant force in the Big East and a perennial top 10 team. WVU would go on to win its first Bowl Game in the Rich Rod era. It was just one of the small bowls, the Sugar Bowl against a week team the SEC Champ Georgia Bulldogs, who by the way were expected to demonstrate to the Little East just what SEC speed was all about. Apparently Pat White and Steve Slaten didn't get the memo that SEC had superior speed because guess what WVU ran all over the cow puppies for a Sugar Bowl win of 38-35. The following season expectations were again high for the Mountaineers. They had a tough regular season ending it with two losses but were able to get the bid to the Gator Bowl. They were to play the team steeling ACC conference Runner Up Georgia Tech. Well Steve Slaten got injured prior to the game and thus the responsibility was left to Pat White and company to bring home a victory against another team from Georgia in their back yard of Jacksonville Fla. Turns out that the score 38-35 was the mark at the end of that game as well with WVU again winning. With two 11 win seasons under their belt next came the year that ended the Rod Era and began the Stew saga. It ended with WVU losing two key games one to South Florida and the game that ended with Rod leaving a loss to our most hated spitt kittycats in a game that was to be a laugher the Eers just couldn't get it done. But because they had already won the Big East Championship they got the nod to play in the Fiesta Bowl. For the Eers to win this Bowl game hell was going to have to become a little chilly as it were, according to the college football experts. In fact, the only place in America that thought the Eers even belonged on the field with the Sooners were the Mountaineer Faithful. Again the team apparently didn't get the memo about them losing because alas they destroyed the Big 12 Champ Sooners 48 28. Pat winning his second Bowl game MVP and tying the record for most Bowl wins by a starting QB. Well that brings us to the end of 2008. As was stated below in Weezie's post the Eers played in the Car Care Bowl. In a game where the Mountaineer faithful were to get to see just one more demonstration of Pat White's might. He lead the Mountaineers to a come from behind 31 30 victory over the Tar Heels of UNC. This establishing a record that can never be bested for a starting QB a forth BOWL WIN. (Image by Streeter Lecka / Getty Images) I post this in awe of that accomplishment. Not only was this the "!" of a career of "!!!'s" but it left me with tears falling down my cheeks for as Pat demonstrated his greatness on the field for one last time as a Mountaineer he ended his career with the same humbleness that he began it. He simply stated that he was overwhelmed by the support and that "once a Mountaineer always a Mountaineer!" He left the field the greatest QB nay the best player to ever where the old Gold and Blue. He was and is, in the words of Tina Turner, "simply the best!!!" Thanks PAT and thanks Seniors for being the winningest class in School history. You are loved and you will be missed.

DAGEEK

P.S. The Roundballers squeaked out a victory on Pat White day as well winning a game against 13th ranked OSU. :)

Pat White is S P E C I A L

I attended Saturday's Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte to witness Pat White's last game as a Mountaineer. Many fans were disappointed that WVU's season did not result in a better bowl situation. However, the tumultuous season resulted in an opportunity for me to see Pat White in person one final time and for that I must say I'm grateful.

I want to thank DaGeek and Greg for coming down to enjoy the game and festivities. DaGeek, you and I have been sharing ups and downs in WVU sports for many years now and the moment wouldn't have felt as special without you there. Many WVU fans made the trip and we represented our team very well. Though UNC fans may have slightly outnumbered us in the stadium, the tailgating was easily dominated by WVU fans on the side of the stadium we were on. To their credit however, the Tarheel faithful were very gracious in the loss and handled themselves with class.

Last season, after watching Owen Schmitt break down in his post game interview, I knew somewhere that DaGeek was fighting back the tears with him. I poked a little fun at DaGeek for that, but this year, I understood a lot better. As I walked out of Bank of America Stadium yesterday afternoon, my emotions were running high in the realization that I'd just witnessed the end of the college career of the greatest football player to ever play for WVU. And Pat White is more than just a great football player. Bill Stewart may say some odd things at times, but I think he put it best when he said “I hope my son, Blaine, who's 14, grows up to be just like him. Not the quarterback, the man,” Thanks for the memories #5.

Weezie

So who is a Car Care Go"eer" this year?

Well the Geek has decided to make the trip to the Queen City. I hope that I will find that the team decided to make the trip too. I want to see this Senior Class off with a bang. If they win they will be the winningest class in WVU History, also they will have the first and only 4 Bowl win total. I think that for this weekend's tilt it is important as a fan to go down to the game and enjoy the festivities. Noaa Weather forecast is for what appears to be favorable game time conditions.

If you are a reader of this blog please chime in one way or another as to whether you are going...

DaGeek

Michigan loses Defensive Coordinator

And of course the speculation begins that we will lose yet another coach to Michigan.

Seeing as how the defense exceeded expectations about as much as the offense failed to live up to its potential, I wouldn't be surprised if Rod or some other HC somewhere tries to steal Casteel. Furthermore- the solidness of Casteel's performance is without a doubt the single brightest spot in our current coaching regime. For the time being, I'm opposed to the efforts to dump Stew simply because having to rebuild with all new coaches, on both sides of the ball, has an even worse probability of recapturing the success of the Rod years than sticking with what we've got and trying to see it through.

But if Casteel goes, the source of our greatest strength becomes yet another void, and at that point we should just blow the whole damn thing up if our administration has any sense. Dealing with the negative momentum of this past year on offense, and having to start anew on defense equals something in the 4 to 6 win range most likely barring any improbable stroke of luck in whatever mediocre hire would replace Casteel. At that point, just hire the guy from Buffalo to replace Stew and wait/hope for the results of his increased upside a few years down the road.

Thoughts on this situation, fellow readers?

I am getting further disenfranchised every time I listen to Coach Stew's radio show.

First off let me say that my "mountaineer Cool-aid drinking cred" is well established. I have for the long term been an eternal Mountaineer optimist, however I have been motivated by our coach to be responsive to his latest radio show. Coach stew did for at least the 11th time this year pointed out that Owen Schmitt is not on our team. I don't think that anyone in the Mountaineer Nation is ignorant of this fact. I find it insulting to both the fans and the team that Stew continually tells us who is not on the team. Those types of comments aren't made by Bob Stoops, Urban Meyer, or any other "top tier" program's coach. You play with the hand you are dealt. And frankly the cards WVU had to play with this year were none too shabby. We only have the best dual threat QB in the College football history. The supporting cast can play too. So what happened? I have heard nothing but excuses. Another thing I have heard all season is that we have a "new staff," well Coach Stew the truth is that you were hired to maintain a level of consistency from the previous Coach. The only bright spot this year from a coaching perspective (on the field) is the part headed up by the only two other holdovers on defense. Otherwise there has been nothing but underachievement and excuses. Finally, the thing that forced me to turn off my radio last night was the 5 minute love fest that occurred as Coach Stew praised over and over the administration. I don't have a problem with getting along with your bosses but this yes man stuff is infuriating when you consider that building a program requires constant pressure from the coach on the administration. So what does this all mean? I can't say at this time but it is pretty discouraging. I want to see it on the field and I want to hear accountability off the field. So far I have seen nor heard neither. Truth is sometimes hard to take and I have resisted all year the temptation to lose faith but I must admit that challenge is becoming harder and harder to bare. The reality is that this season to date is a disappointment. We have not accomplished the goals that I heard at the outset. I feel the worst for the Seniors who did come into this season with such high hopes. It is a shame to send them off this way. As always I will be at Mylon Puskar Stadium ready to cheer the Eers on to victory this weekend.

WHITE OUT IS ON TAP SO PLEASE COME TO STADIUM WITH WHITE CLOTHING OR WHITE TOWEL

DaGeek

Charlotte or Toronto

Where are we going Bowling?

Frankly, I'm not feeling too confident about USF this weekend. We've been picked apart at times and we can't stop the rush up the middle. USF likes to dink and dunk passes which means our defense actually matches up well. Unfortunately, so does their defense. I fully expect turnovers/not so special teams to be the key to the game.

I'm guessing a win puts us in the Meinke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. Does a loss put us in the International Bowl in Toronto? At least we know where to go for beer in Charlotte.

sPitt does it again... 19 15

The saddest part of this is that I have nothing to offer.

Time for Pitt

All I've heard on the radio in Pittsburgh the past two days is Pitt apologists crowing about the Panthers' run defense and the notion that Pat White can't pass. I don't know about you guys, but I saw a lot of running room for Pike in their matchup again Cincy. That fact combined with the suspect secondary should be enough to spell their doom.

But there's something else the Burgh boosters are ignoring. WVU has given up very few points this year. And I don't think it's a stretch to suggest that Bill Stull may be one of the worst QBs on our schedule. Pitt should expect to be scored on by our defense. And they should expect to spend some of December in Toronto.

WVU Gridders 25th in Coaches 26 in Harris and AP

With the Louisville win we have climbed back into one of the polls. Harbinger of good or ill I don't claim to know but we aren't completely forgotten. Thanks Pat!!!

Pat White (He is pretty good.) WVU 35 Ville 21

So what did our QB do on Saturday? He broke Big East record previously held by D. McNabb, the "touchdowns involved in" statistic. He broke the national rushing yardage record for a QB. Simply stated he is the greatest running QB ever!!! He became the first QB in WVU history to be a part of 40 wins. He is simply the best ever!!! I am not sure that expresses enough just how special his career in the Gold and Blue has been. This writer is in complete awe. Ole number 5 better never be worn by another at WVU. Oh and yes we won today. Pat White just was part of 5 TDs 3 rushing and 2 passing. He only rushed for 200 yards on 21 carries. The team accounted for 498 yards of total offense, with contributions from the usual suspects Noel, Jocke, and Darell. The defense again was opportunistic forcing 4 turnovers. The kickoff team didn't give up any TD's (pretty low standard but it is improvement.) Still plenty of room to grow as a team but a good win.

With sPitt's loss to Cincy, Cincy must only beat Syracuse to get the BCS Bowl nod. The Cuse did give the Big East a bit of a boost by defeating the Irish. Notre Dame would need to beat USC at USC to get to 7 wins thus the BIG EAST will get the nod to the Gator Bowl.

But alas none of that really matters because as Pat was quoted as saying today, "I am not done yet!" You see this team from 79 miles north of Morgantown needs a come-upins from WVU. And Pat would like nothing more than to deliver another Heinz Field surprise. That is right EER fans we are embarking on the Back Yard Brawl on Friday at High Noon. Pat White is going to show up, let us be sure that we do too.

Da Geek

White Ivy honored by Big East...

West Virginia quarterback Pat White, Mountaineer linebacker Mortty Ivy were reconized as the winners of the BIG EAST's weekly football honors for their efforts through the week ending Nov. 1.

White was tabbed as BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week after he accounted for 230 yards of offense and figured in three touchdowns in West Virginia’s 35-13 win at Connecticut, keeping the Mountaineers alone in first place in the BIG EAST standings. He ran for a game-high 109 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries and completed 11 of 18 passes for 121 yards and another TD. White also surpassed career milestones of 4,000 rushing yards, 5,000 passing yards and 9,000 total yards.

Ivy was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week after he had 10 tackles, a pass breakup and set up a Mountaineer touchdown with a 19-yard interception return in the fourth quarter to lead West Virginia to a 35-13 win at Connecticut. Ivy led a defense that registered its third consecutive second-half shutout and held Connecticut’s rushing offense — which was ranked 17th nationally — to 95 yards below its average.

(From Big East Website)

AP Poll...Coaches Poll...Harris Poll...BCS Poll...Big East Picture

What a difference a couple of months make! West Virginia has re-arrived in the National Polls: The AP has WVU at 20, the Coaches Poll has WVU at 23, The Harris Poll has WVU at 22 and The BCS Poll has WVU at 25.(The computer polls have not been convinced yet they account for the other 1/3 of the BCS; which is comprised of the Coaches Poll, the Harris Poll and the Average of the Puter Polls at 1/3 each.) It will be nice being guaranteed at least one week of getting to see ourselves on ESPN bottom line.

More importantly we are still alone atop the Big East Standings. WVU faces Cincy this weekend then Louisville and sPitt wins over all 3 send WVU to a BCS Bowl. Any losses and tie breakers will have to be used.

West Virginia 3-0 (Heads up tie breaker over UConn, Rutgers, Cuse)
Cincinnati 2-1 (Loss to UConn)
sPitt 2-1 (Loss to Rutgers)
Rutgers 2-2 (Loss to WVU and Cincy)
UConn 2-2 (Losses to Rutgers and WVU)
Louisville 1-2 (Losses to UConn and Cuse)
South Florida 1-3 (Losses to sPitt, Ville and Cincy)
Syracuse 1-3 (Losses to sPitt, WVU, and USF)

(Above Photo from Blue and Gold News)

Da Geek

Alone in first place?!?!

In the words of my son, "Didn't see that one coming".

Clearly our destiny is in our own hands. I think it's likely we'll crack the top 25 just so that one Big East team might be represented! I don't know how I feel about that. There appears to be a lot of parity across college with a couple of teams with more talent (USC, Georgia) that still can be upset.

Does this mean Penn St. is this year's Ohio St? I don't think Alabama would dominate them. But Texas, USC, Georgia and probably Oklahoma would. Hopefully, we'll get a shot at the ACC in the Orange Bowl. I think we could beat FSU.

Finally! (and some basketball news)

This is what we've been waiting for! At the beginning of the year, the general consensus was that our offense would have to carry the load for the early part of the year while the defense was coming together. This game then would have been a measuring stick for the defense as we prepared do defend our Big East title. Well, both sides of the ball did come together and play well and it couldn't have come at a more important time as there is obviously still a lot to play for this season. We will need to continue to play this well if we are going to win the Big East.

Offense: A

Enough credit can't be given to Coach Mullen for the performance of the offense last night. The play calling and execution was as smooth as could be, using the many weapons that WVU has. If not for Pat White's pick and the terrible officiating on Auburn's first offensive possession, we probably would have hung 10-14 more points on Auburn. The offensive line did a tremendous job of limiting penetration and creating seems that Devine and others took advantage of all night long. I recall only one drop by WR's (which should have been a TD) and the blocking on the edges and downfield was tremendous. I suspect that we did not see Jarrett Brown so that his body may heal a little bit and we were still successful on short yardage situations with White and Devine converting on occasions. I hope that this trend continues and we see less of Brown so that he remains healthy if we need him. He's known for a long time that he would have to wait 'til '09 to get his time and the lack of playing time shouldn't bother him. Where were the penalties? This statistic shouldn't be under appreciated concerning the success of the offense last night. Pat White did look a little hesitant running the ball after his first successful run and only ended up with about 10 or 15 yards rushing on the night. That's a little concerning considering what is at stake for him.

Defense: B

Three terrible officiating calls were made on Auburn's first offensive possession on second down plays. Additionally, there was a terrible spot on a 3rd and 1 play on that drive as well. After that long drive and Pat White's quick interception, I was worried that our defense was going to get wore down and struggle as a result. They had been performing well but still having trouble stopping Auburn on 3rd down. Once WVU drove the ball 93 yards and the defense got a chance to catch their breath, they excelled for the rest of the evening continuing to shut down the running game especially. They didn't get a lot of pressure on Burns and he was able to create some space for himself at times. That's something for the coaches to keep an eye on for future games against those types of QB's. Tackling was also excellent. Both TD drives by Auburn started from inside WVU's 35 yard line.

Special Teams: D+

They didn't give up a blocked kick or a TD which is the most important thing. McAfee played very well in his duties. But there were 5 bad plays on special teams: 2 kick returns over 60 yards. 1 fumble on a punt return. 1 muff on a punt return. 1 onside kick successful against us. All of this needs to be addressed.

On to some basketball news. If you saw the game on TV, I'm sure you heard the conversation w/ Coach Huggins during the game. As was indicated, WVU was picked to finish 9th in basketball in the conference by the Big East coaches. Of course you all know this is not unfamiliar territory. Here is a breakdown of WVU's predicted order of finish and results for the last four years.

2005: WVU predicted 9th. Finished 7th and advanced to NCAA Elite 8.
2006: WVU predicted 5th. Finished 3rd and advanced to NCAA Sweet 16.
2007: WVU predicted 12th. Finished 7th and won NIT.
2008: WVU predicted 10th. Finished 5th and advanced to NCAA Sweet 16.

As you can see WVU has made the Sweet 16 in 3 of the last 4 years. One of only 5 schools in the country to do so and we had one of the top recruiting classes in the country. For such a strong league, the rest of the coaches sure don't seem to have a lot of foresight. (Coaches do not vote for their own teams in the poll)

The national TV schedule for WVU Basketball has also been released:

ESPN or ESPN2
Dec 9, Davidson (Jimmy V Classic in NYC)
Jan 22, Syracuse
Feb 4, Pitt
Feb 13, Villanova
Feb 26, Cincinnati
Mar 7, Louisville

WVU will also play on CBS against Ohio State on Dec 27.

Fun put back into WVU Football!!!

I dressed in my Gold and went to Mylon Puskar stadium in hopes of seeing the team I know and love. I was not disappointed. I saw the offense show up for 4 quarters for the first time this season. I realize that Pat threw two pics (completely out of character) in a row, but then he settled down and threaded some needles. I saw the offensive line show up for the first time this year as well. I would point out that Auburn was giving up less than 120 yards of rushing offense a game coming into last night's tilt. Noel Devine rushed for 207 on 17 carries himself. What I did last night was actually enjoy the Mountaineer experience. This felt the way it is suppose to feel. Pat White for the 4th straight time took the SEC to task. WVU is now undefeated against Georgia Mississippi State and Auburn. Not a lot of teams can make that claim.

The SEC has not found a way to slow down the zone-blocking scheme. In large measure this is due to the fact that it is only utilized by two teams with any regularity, Florida and Vanderbilt. What that scheme is designed to do is to eliminate the edge of the "fast" defense. It basically takes what is given to it. And for the first time this year the offensive line looked like the one that received all of the pre-season love.

With all of the love I am giving the offense I would be remiss if I didn't tout the "D". Wow what a performance. This unit has been the best of the team for the entire season and Jeff Castille is to be commended. It was dealt crappy hands all night long and still only gave up 17 points. That is to say that it didn't give up a score in 3 quarters. I was particularly impressed with its 3 and out, following the ingenious onside kick call/execution by Auburn. This followed a goal line stand. It is that kind of stinginess that has lead to the 5 wins we have had. Suffice to say they have come to play. The special teams, not so much. Work is left to be done before we enter the meat of the Big East for sure. But alas, the prize is awaiting us for the taking. A Big East Championship and a BCS Bowl is the reward for a five game winning streak from this day forward. GO EERS.

DA GEEK

That's what I was talking about.

It seems the demise of the Mountaineers may have been exagerrated.

Let's give credit where credits due. Great play calling by Mullens. We ran when they put 4 up front and threw the ball when they brought pressure. WE PUNTED ONCE!! Just think if Pat had a better game. He had a couple of nice TD passes and one heck of a run by Jalloh. But he certainly is telegraphing passes. Auburn was able to stop Pat on the run but it seems at the expense of letting Devine loose. BIG MISTAKE! I was impressed with all of our runners... looked good, ran hard, and broke tackles.

That looked like the o-line that was advertised preseason. I particularly remember a roll out pass to the left where the line slid down the line of scrimmage and it just looked like a perfectly formed wall. Nice! And of course Devine TD run where the camera angle showed the line of scrimmage open up like the Red Sea. Turns out Moses was Devine.

Defense played solid and certainly made adjustments to stop the run. Now fix our kickoff coverage!

A couple of notes: I hate to loose Scooter Berry!!! Anyone heard anything yet?

And did anyone else think that the linesman on the Auburn sideline made many bad calls and was particularly bias in his spots? The first drive alone he missed the incomplete pass and gave them a first down spot on about the 40 when he looked a couple feet short. He also was standing directly in front of a blatant face mask on Devine and didn't throw the flag. The back judge 10 yards down field had to throw it. Seriously, this guy should be evaluated. These things tend to be overlooked in a win, but he was horrible on an otherwise excellent crew.

Greg

(Greg added this link in a follow up comment so I added it to his post: Terry Bowden Da Geek)

Boyd decommits!!!

That's right Mountaineer faithful. Our number one recruit cried no joy. He will now seek other opportunities. I suppose this is an answer to the what does 4 and 2 mean. Logan Heastie says he is still solid to WVU but is this the beginning of a trend?


DaGeek

4-2 What does it mean?

We are half way done with the season. Where are we? For WVU fans everywhere this seems to be the question. I don't presume to have the answers and that is very disturbing. You see, when Rich Rod was here I knew where we stood. I simply can not get a read on this team. The defense has once again been the difference between 4-2 and 2 and 4. Without them we would be lost completely. The truth is that we are still in the hunt for a BCS bowl (mathematically), but are we realistically? We have now beaten the two cellar dwellers of our conference. That means that we now face tougher contests from here on out.

Every year under the previous leadership we were cruising by this time. Right now we are, to say the least, struggling as an offence. The offense is offensive as was coined earlier this year on this blog. I listen to the state-wide sportsline and hear Greg Hunter espouse the party line, ""we lost 2/3s of our offensive firepower from last year." So what? Every college of any clout loses talent every year. Not every college returns Noel Devine or Pat White. Hunter also said that Oklahoma is not a legit perennial top 10 team. So I guess you consider the source. I am sick and tired of the Stuart staff apologists. Coming from me that should carry some clout, as I swallow the Mountaineer cool aid by the gallon. The fact is that we are under-achieving!!! We are being out-coached on the offensive side of the ball. How exactly do we underachieve when we have the best duel-threat quarterback to ever play the game? Part of that answer, in my humble opinion, is under-utilization. As was stated by Weezie earlier this year, limiting Pat's touches is simply ridiculous. Let me be clear, I am not criticising the staff for keeping him out of the Syracuse game for injury reasons. It is when he is in the game that I have problems with his utility.

Auburn is our next contest. At the beginning of the season that might have meant something, however right now it is a game that can deliver nothing for us. It will not further legitimize a good season, as they have not one vote in either polls, and it will not hurt us in the Big East race, barring any injuries. It is just a mid season "who cares." I really never thought I would approach this game like that but that is what has developed. Obviously, I want to win and I will be wearing my gold at the game on that Thursday night.

So where does that leave this team?

I truly hope it leaves us in the hunt for the Big East Championship. WE SHALL SEE.

Da Geek

Off Topic

I know this is a blog about WVU sports, but I saw an article today that is an issue with all West Virginians and I thought of bringing up the topic here. The battle over Coal River Mountain

The impact and costs of mountaintop coal removal is rarely talked about or seen in the national media nor by politicians. I believe this to be a result of Congress having little to no pressure from the people regarding the environmental negative impact along with a powerful lobbying interest by companies in the coal business. The coal industry has been very powerful influence in West Virginia for a very long time. Many people have fed and supported their families from the good wages they have earned in the mines. So sometimes speaking about coal in West Virginia is like speaking about religion and politics to everyone, it's sure to spark an argument. I certainly don't claim to know all of the facts and figures regarding the coal industry's impact on WV, so if anyone has more information, please provide it with a comment.

Coal companies have long desired to extract coal using mountaintop removal because of the tremendous reduction in the cost of retrieval. One of the reasons it is so much cheaper is because very little labor is used. This means tens of thousands of fewer jobs than traditional mines would require. (mine safety is an obvious issue that also needs to be remedied) Forcing these companies to use more traditional mines would immediately employ a large portion of the state. It would also reduce the tremendous negative impact that mountaintop removal is having on the streams of West Virginia.

The negative result would be that home energy costs around the nation would increase. I think that some of this cost could be negated by using these "saved" mountaintops into providing and investing in wind technology. The next "Manhattan Project" in this country will be the search for viable alternative clean energy. West Virginia could be a prime piece of real estate for some of the investments that could be made. The time to push to be a part of this is now. And the first step is to put pressure on the coal industry and our politicians that we will not tolerate the raping of our land anymore and that we want to be leaders in new energy technology, not the ones left behind.

Have we become a laughing stock?

Sometimes people around West Virginia have a way of making you feel like that when you criticize the coach, you are not supporting your team. I think these are the same people that worshipped Don Nehlen during his 15+ year streak of losing bowl games. Kind of like when they say that when you criticize our governments foreign policy, you aren't supporting the troops. I suspect that these West Virginians that tell people not to boo at the games or that we shouldn't be overly critical of these new coaches also voted for Bush so I don't pay them any mind. But WVU fans have developed a reputation of being a little over emotional shall we say about the decisions regarding the direction of the football team. (I blame Ken Kendrick) So it was affirming to see an article from New Jersey regarding their opinion of how things went down on Saturday. NJ.com

We can thank Bill Stewart

for the nagging doubt I started feeling with WVU up 14. Not something I've felt more than a couple times in the last few years- but we should probably all get used to it.


Bill Stewart has an unacceptable outlook on risk/reward. You could make entirely reasonable arguments for going for it on 4th down or for punting. But there is no justification for running ANY play that has more than a minute chance of blowing up and losing significant yardage.


I don't have a fundamental problem with the squib kick- that TD we coughed up was a result of a consistent pattern of too little pressure and inability to cover one of Teel's two favorite spots to throw (over the middle). I do credit our defense with defending the other- the long ball- serviceably.


In the end- we were bailed out by Rutgers' even greater incompetence. We can probably count on that when it comes to Syracuse too. But it's not going to save our ass from Auburn, nor South Florida, Connecticut, Pitt or Louisville. Clock management has already been discussed, but it's risk management that Stewart needs to work on or we're going to look back at the end of the season and Colorado won't be the only game we've needlessly squandered.

The 2nd Season Begins

We've experienced preliminary portion of the season that allow teams to position themselves for the national championship. Now we begin the games that determine who gets to play for the rest of the BCS bowls. The bad news for WVU is that they still need to improve in order to have a chance at the Big East title. The good news is that the schedule sets up nicely for them to do so. Rutgers this week and Syracuse next week should not be significant challenges.

The defense of Rutgers may still be quite physical, but they have not been a threat to anyone on the offensive side of the ball. The past few years, I thought maybe Syracuse was trying to establish themselves as an academic school. However, with the upsurge of Stanford, Vanderbilt, and Duke, they can't even claim to be in the same class as them anymore. Those games follow with Auburn which is meaningless, except for a possible return to the top 25. That would put our first big challenge in the Big East in November when we play at UConn. That gives the team a whole month to improve.

And despite some success against Marshall, there are areas in need of improvement. Penalties continue to be a major problem for this team. All year they have contributed to WVU not being able to convert on 3rd down on offense and in keeping opponents' drives alive on Defense. Given that those two things appear to be our biggest problems, decreasing penalties would go a long way to alleviate those issues.

Though there were impressive offensive yardage stats against Marshall, I'm still not confident in the abilities of Coach Stew and Coach Mullen to run the offense. Many out there are excited about the infusion of Jarrett Brown in the offense. Count me as one against. The wrinkle appeared to work on third and short which was a huge problem against Colorado. Maybe it will be effective in 3rd and short in the future, but Marshall was already being manhandled routinely and 3rd and short would possibly not have continued to be a problem against them anyway. On the other two times Brown was in the game, neither was successful. On 1st and 10, Brown hands to White and White's flip to the receiver is mishandled and WVU recovers for a loss. WVU punts two plays later. On 1st and 17 after a penalty, Brown takes the snap and runs for 2 yards. WVU punts two plays later. Of course, neither of those stalled drives are Brown's fault and the demise of the second was also a result of a penalty. My point is, other than the drive at the end of the half, those are the only two drives we didn't score on in the first half. So instead of being ahead 28/35 - 3 in the first half, we were up by 11. We drove the ball at will with our base offense, but when we got cute, we got stopped. And what's the reasoning? You have the most dynamic player in college football and you want to limit his touches on 1st down?

We have already improved in some areas though. We did get better on 3rd down and the offensive line and especially the wide receivers were blocking a lot better. The defense seems to be coming together a little bit as a unit, however I am hearing that Reed Williams is still hurting and considering a medical redshirt. I still think WVU has a chance to come together even more and because the way their schedule sets up, still has a shot to win the Big East. I wouldn't necessarily bet on them to do it right now, but I'm not counting them out either. The thing I would like to see most from this team however, is Pat White's run to glory. Pat should easily break the all time QB NCAA rushing record this year and the sooner he does it, the happier I'll be. I think he still needs a little more than 400 yards to get there. I think it's time for someone to get working on a statue of Pat White or a bust or something that we can put in the tunnel immediately after the South Florida game to commemorate the greatest student athlete to ever wear the Mountaineer football uniform.

McAfee Needs To Get Over It.

Pat McAfee missed a chip shot field goal last week that could have given WVU a chance to win. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time that the 'Eers needed his leg to help secure a win. Now many can argue that there are many reasons WVU did not win last week and they would be correct. However, one of those reasons is that Pat McAfee choked... again. The most troublesome aspect of McAfee missing the field goal last Thursday was his reaction. He was clearly surprised after the kick wasn't successful. He thought he had hit it good. My take on this is that if you are kicking from <30 yards out and the hold is good and you think you hit it good, and you miss, then you weren't focused. Good teams rely on their kickers to come in when they are needed at the end of games and be clutch performers, not nonchalant additions to the squad.

Now McAfee has talked to the press about his performance last week. He is obviously disappointed in himself for letting down his teammates. He also says that he is getting hate mail on his Facebook account, though fans aren't going as far to vandalize his car like last December. He refers to the hate-mailers as "idiots" that he'd like to meet in person. Well Pat, personally, I'd like you to spend less time on your facebook account reading hate mail and more time practicing your mental approach to kicking field goals. There is no doubt that McAfee is a tremendous talent as a kicker and a punter. (He still holds the record at Heinz field if I'm not mistaken.) Unfortunately, that just doesn't cut it. Ask Mike Vanderjagt how quickly your talent is forgotten when you can't seem to make the clutch kicks. McAfee says he's replayed the missed kick last week 5,000 time in his head. Maybe if he had envisioned the kick 5,000 times before the game, he wouldn't have had to replay it at all.

Weezie

Still not the End of the World

Believe it or not I think a couple positive things came out of that game last night.

1. The defense made some good adjustments although they still have a way to go.
2. It's REALLY nice having Reed back in there.
3. Let's face it, they looked like the better team and should have won in the end.

Unfortunately, there's a lot of improvement that needs to be made. First, where's the leadership on the offensive side of the ball. I don't mean Pat White. I mean I'm watching the game and Jeff Mullens and Doc Holiday are sitting up in the booth. Who's coaching the offense on the field??? One of them needs to get their butt down there and get the offense organized! Clearly, time management was not well thought out. Although Chris Fowler was beside himself at the end of regulation. The point should be made that it was 4th and 2!! At that point running the clock down for a hail mary made sense. They screwed up not calling the time out when they let 30-40 seconds roll off the clock on the previous set of downs. NO ONE seemed to step up to make that call. Mullens is still learning how to call a game, I put that one on Stewart.

I will also say again. The O-line is not getting it done! How many 3rd and shorts did we miss along with the 4th and an INCH! Colorado was sitting in a 3 -5 defense. That's our 5 lineman on 3 and couldn't get an INCH!!!!! I certainly noticed Stanchek standing straight up and getting pushed back. How about a little leverage guys. What a disappointment!

Finally, I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel on winning the Big East. USF is clearly now the favorite but there's enough weakness in conference that we could pull the upset. As long as they continually show improvement I can live with it. It the team folds because of attitude, then we should start considering options. Good thing they just signed the extension.....

100th Post for 2008!!!

I hope this post finds the readers happy. I thought for this post I would just send out a big thank you to you the reader and to the authors on this site. Without them this site would be a no-go. Anyway, I hope that the readership continues to enjoy our posts. We would love it if you would comment on our posts and lend us your insights as well. WVU athletics has been in a 'golden era' we can only hope that it continues. I for one can never get enough of WVU sports. I hope that this site will continue to bring you up to date information and creative commentary. If you have any thoughts on how we can improve please use this post to share your thoughts.

Da Geek

Stewart Gets Six Year Deal. (and other thoughts)

Coach Stew signed a deal that will pay him $800,000 this season w/ an increase of $50,000 each year. There are also $400,000 in additional incentives which he can earn. I imagine many are disappointed that WVU has latched on to an unproven commodity and could be stuck w/ having to buy out his contract. I think the news is meaningless. Pastilong hasn't fired a football or basketball coach in 30 years so there is little chance that Stewart would ever be fired anyway. And if things get really terrible, I take Coach Stew at his word and believe he would probably leave anyway. At least now, if they enjoy success, we have a coach at a tremendous bargain for 6 years.

That being said, there are still some significant concerns about this staff that we should monitor and expect improvement. Tackling was a problem against Villanova and continued to be a problem agianst ECU. Blocking and Tackling are the most basic fundamental techniques that Offensive and Defensive players must master. WVU's weaknesses in those areas brings into question the new easier going attitude Stewart has in practices.

The new instant replay rules seemed to cause a problem for Stewart as well. The early fumble where it appeared Pat White was out of bounds should have been challenged. In the first few weeks, I have seen quite a few instances where a play should have been reviewed but never was. It seems replay officials are reluctant to slow down the game. It seems as though that they are trying to see something before stopping the game instead of stopping the game to see if there is something to see. That could have been the NCAA's intention which is why they gave each coach a challenge to use. In Coach Stew's defense, many coaches have made the same error in the early season including Leavitt on a play against Kansas.

And finally, according to the announcers, WVU won the coin toss and deferred to the second half resulting in ECU receiving the ball to start the game. Though it may seem like a small thing, I was perplexed even at the time as to why we didn't take the ball. WVU's main problem against Villanova, was not just stopping Villanova, but getting the defense off of the field. Given the task that was at hand for the game, there doesn't seem to be any reason we should not have taken the ball to start the game.

The Big East has become the early laughing stock of the BCS. The ACC is still terrible, but they have more quality that the Big East in the early going. South Florida appears to have a very strong team again this year, but even they may not be a top 10 team. Rutgers, Pitt, and Louisville have turned out to be terrible. Cincinnati was expected to be tough. However with Mauk losing every appeal to return and their other QB Grutza suffering a broken leg against Oklahoma, they may not live up to expectations. Connecticut's overtime win against Temple makes you wonder exactly how competitive they will be and Syracuse is obviously terrible as expected. So it is still quite possible for WVU to get their problems in check and win the Big East. Unfortunately, no matter who wins the conference, it won't earn much respect from the rest of the country.

Weezie

Well the fall begins...WVU 24th and 25th in two major polls...

Well they remain in the top 25 this week. That is something all things considered. Obviously, the gamblers have lost faith for the Eers are beginning the betting line as 8.5 point dogs. That is OK by me. I like climbing the hill. I just hope that we don't forget the rope. Clearly someone did last weekend. Pat White told us that he isn't panicking. I am not but I have reassessed my goals for the year. BCS or bust. Now that will be a tall order but one that can be fulfilled. Those that are already jumping ship I think are waisting lifeboats. I really think that this ship will reach the port. All that being said I am ready to see what they can do against Colorado. The Buffs are no doubt smelling blood in the water. They will come ready to play and thus we need to be as well. So hang in there gang. Thursday of next week is the beginning of the rest of the season. I for one will be watching...
Lets Go Mountaineers!!!
DaGeek

Well that didn't go as planned... Pirates 24 Moutaineers 3

My first impressions of this game are negative to say the least. Our beloved Eers could never get anything going. Two things are true. I was underestimating ECU and I was overestimating WVU. I suspected that our young defense was going to have to find itself but I didn't expect them to simply get beat up. Truth be told Pinkney never had any problems dissecting our defense. And our offense, in the Pat White era has never looked so anemic.

We have some work to do. Fortunately, and agonizingly, we have to face a 2 week layover before facing Colorado on the Thursday night game. Yes my fellow Eer fans we are about to have a precipitous drop in the polls and we are going to be attacked by every media outlet out there. Tis the medicine we must swallow. Crow never tastes very good but I am ready for my first helping.

WVU lost to a very good ECU team today. I was hoping that the growing pains of a coaching change were going to be postponed until next year. Alas that is not the case. Adjustments need to be made sure, but I hope that the fan base doesn't simply give up. One loss doesn't end a season. It simply helps to redefine it. I am anxious to see what happens in Boulder. I expect to see a better team on the field than the one that made the trip to Greenville. Congrats to the Pirates and good luck. I shall have further thoughts down the road but this is all I can do while I am still licking my wounds.

Let's Go Mountaineers!!!

DaGeek

X WVU Gridders who have made the NFL grade:

Chris Henry of Cincinnati will be on the team after serving his 4 game suspension.

John Thornton also on Cincinnati has extended his long NFL carrer yet another year.

Adam Jones now of Dallas will be returning punts playing the roll of 3rd corner and may even see time as a reciever.

Steve Slaton a 3rd round draft pick to the Houston Texans is looking to see significant playing time.

Jerry Porter is now with Jacksonville, if his injuries prove to be insignificant Porter looks to be a valuable cog in the wheel of this AFC championship contender.

Antwan Lake of New Orleans will continue his journeyman run in the NFL. He has proven to be a solid ST player.

Owen Schmitt (the man the legend) of Seattle will likely see this year only as a ST player but looks to move up the full back depth chart in years to come.

Anthony Becht now of the St. Louis Rams looks to help out his former teamate Marc Bulger in leading the Rams back to winning ways.

It looks as if Marc Magro was signed to the St. Louis practice squad. Let us hope he can develop this year and make a pro roster next year. Good luck to all of our beloved alums.

DaGeek

Keys of the game

Saturday at ECU may be the biggest game of the year. Yes, Auburn and Colorado loom but those losses would/could be understandable. This is a game we are expected to win and all eyes will be watching. That being said here are my keys to the game.

The defense MUST get to Pinkney. VT wasn't able to get to him and frankly we weren't able to get to Antwon Young of Villanova. Granted we were sitting in a prevent type defense, but at some point you have to stop the 5 yard out! Otherwise Pinkney will pick us apart.

White has to run. It was nice to see the offense is going to open up, but White has a way of controlling a game with his feet. He humiliates defenses! But I think he needs more than 9 carries to break in his shoes. Same with Devine, he needs more carries to develop a rhythym.

Take care of the ball. No turnovers or give-me's on special teams. Ask VT how that works. The added dimension of a hurricane can make this THE key to the game.

GO MOUNTIES!

Greg

Arthur Render JUCO S/DB gives verble to WVU

Scout.com reports, Doc Holliday had been in contact with this kid even before he became recruiting coordinator for WVU. 5 foot 11 inch 180 pound, Render who is from North-Western High in Miami Florida decided his ties to Doc were the deal sealer. Welcome home Arthur. Photo from Scout.com.

DaGeek

WVU vs. ECU Early look... Weather looks to be a factor.

Sports Bet has WVU an 8pt favorite for this Saturday's Tilt. That is of course if the game happens at all. Rumors abound as to how to overcome the landfall of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hanna. Some folks have reported that Wake Forest could be the location of the game if Hanna doesn't behave herself. But as of tonight the game is still on for the ESPN covered 4:30 kickoff at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, NC. The official ECU athletic website indicates that it shall give regular updates on the status of the game. The game is to be carried on ESPN National TV as well as streaming on ESPN360. I shall keep this blog-post open and will update the photographs from both Weather.com and the NOAA site.

The most recent update to this post is as follows:

•The game will kick off at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6 (based on the best information available at this time)

•The parking lots will open three hours prior to kickoff

•Tents and tow cookers are prohibited in all parking lots

•Fans are encouraged to carpool (double-occupancy preferred)

•Softball Lot moved to Belk Lot

•All general public parking spaces in Belk Lot eliminated•No anticipated changes to all handicapped lots

•An update on the situation will be released by ECU officials mid-day Friday.

DaGeek

WVU holds steady at 8th! Big East Standings/awards...Ivy Defensive POW and McAffee Special Teams POW Pat White Honorable Mention

USA Today/ Coaches Poll:
1. Southern California (23)
2. Georgia (20)
3. Ohio State (10)
4. Oklahoma (2)
5. Florida (3)
6. LSU (3)
7. Missouri
8. West Virginia
9. Texas
10. Auburn
11. Wisconsin
12. Kansas
13. Texas Tech
14. Arizona State
15. Brigham Young
16. Oregon
17. Alabama
18. South Florida
19. Penn State
20. Wake Forest
21. Fresno State
22. Clemson
23. Utah
24. South Carolina
25. Illinois
Dropped out: No. 15 Virginia Tech (0-1, lost to East Carolina 27-22), No. 18 Tennessee (0-1, lost to UCLA 27-24 OT), No. 24 Michigan (0-1, lost to then-unranked Utah 25-23).
Others receiving votes: UCLA 91; California 79; East Carolina 56; Tennessee 56; Boston College 36; Florida State 29; Virginia Tech 25; Boise State 24; Kentucky 20; TCU 15; Cincinnati 13; Connecticut 13; Nebraska 12; Arizona 8; Oklahoma State 5; Notre Dame 4; Colorado 3; Bowling Green 2; Georgia Tech 2; Central Florida 1; Miami (Fla.) 1; Stanford 1; Tulsa 1.

AP Poll:

1 Southern Cal (21)
2 Georgia (20)
3 Ohio St. (15)
4 Oklahoma (2)
5 Florida (5)
6 Missouri (1)
7 LSU (1)
8 West Virginia
9 Auburn
10 Texas
11 Wisconsin
12 Texas Tech
13 Alabama
14 Kansas
15 Arizona St.
15 BYU
17 South Florida
18 Oregon
19 Penn St.
20 Wake Forest
21 Fresno St.
22 Utah
23 UCLA
24 Illinois
24 South Carolina
Others receiving votes: Clemson 143, East Carolina 108, California 91, Boston College 36, Florida St. 36, Cincinnati 35, Tennessee 30, Boise St. 19, Bowling Green 17, Virginia Tech 14, Connecticut 9, Rutgers 6, Kentucky 5, Nebraska 4, Oklahoma St. 3, Arizona 2, TCU 2, Miami 1, North Carolina 1, Notre Dame 1, Tulsa 1.First-place votes in parentheses.

Big East Standings:

Conference Overall
W L W L

1. South Florida
0 0 1 0
1. West Virginia
0 0 1 0
1. Cincinnati
0 0 1 0
1. Connecticut
0 0 1 0
5. Pittsburgh
0 0 0 1
5. Syracuse
0 0 0 1
5. Rutgers
0 0 0 1
5. Louisville
0 0 0 1

Cincinnati quarterback Dustin Grutza, West Virginia linebacker Mortty Ivy and Mountaineer kicker Pat McAfee have been chosen as the recipients of the BIG EAST Conference's weekly football accolades following games of Sept. 1.

Grutza, who was named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week completed 21 of 28 passes for career highs of 296 yards and three touchdowns without an interception while finishing with a rushing touchdown and 33 yards on the ground in Cincinnati’s 40-7 win against Eastern Kentucky. Grutza amassed a BIG EAST-leading 329 yards of offense and became the eighth quarterback in Cincinnati history to surpass 4,000 career passing yards (4,159).

Ivy, who was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week had a hand in two of West Virginia’s three takeaways in the Mountaineers’ 48-21 win against Villanova. He scored a touchdown on a 29-yard interception return and added a 30-yard fumble return. Ivy also had five tackles and a sack

McAfee was tabbed as BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week after he scored 12 points in West Virginia’s 48-21 win against Villanova, moving into a tie for fifth among kickers on the BIG EAST’s career scoring chart (309). He kicked two field goals, including a career-best 52-yard attempt, added six PATs and averaged 42.5 yards on two punts.

Honorable Mention:

Pat White, QB, West Virginia — Completed 25 of 33 passes for 208 yards and a career-high five touchdowns and had a game-high 63 rushing yards on nine carries in a 48-21 win against Villanova. Moved into first place on West Virginia’s career total offense list (7,984 yards).


Da Geek

Some Images from Saturday August 31 WVU vs. Nova by DaGeek

It is a shame that Pat White just can't throw the ball...

For a guy billed as a one dimensional weapon he did just a little to dismiss such notions. Pat White, Saturday acquired yet another WVU record that is the record for single game TD passes. He did so while completing 25 of 33 pass attempts with just one INT. Pat White who of course never gets any credit for his aerial attack proved the doubters wrong yet again. This writer has never, I repeat never had any allusions regarding his abilities to throw the ball. He frankly, could get it done in other ways and thus didn't have too. I was elated to see him go out and execute that attack so well. Another thing to consider is that there were some dropped balls I counted 5 of them, and the INT came on a ball that was tipped 20 feet into the air. Bottom line is that he made this writer very proud yet again. He is truly great. He also was the leading rusher averaging over 8 yards per carry. This dominant performance was enough to convince even ESPN to recognize his accomplishment. WOW. Thanks goes out to this senior.

So what will he do next?

Da Geek

Well the season is upon us... DaGeek's bold predictions.

Last night marked the beginning of the greatest season of the year. The College Football regular season began with the Thursday-night tilts. Two Big East teams played and won big last night against some cup-cakes but won in a dominant fashion. One of the things that happens at the beginning of each season is that the cool aid drinkers like myself make "bold" predictions of the upcoming season. Like UConn and Cincy will win last nights game by large margins. :) I like to think of my homer-picks as being very well researched and thought out, however I know that I am limited by the fact that Bold and Blue oozes from my pours. I really think that this is a season, which will end up in Miami Florida. What must the mighty Mountaineers overcome this year to make it south? Simply they must overcome the best Big East in recent memory, ECU, Colorado away games and an Auburn foe, which likely will be in top 10 when they arrive in Morgantown. It would be no stretch for each of those Out of conference foes to compete for their respective divisions in their own conferences. Well DaGeek believes that the following will come to pass:

1. WVU wins Big East.
2. WVU wins their fourth straight "New Years day" and 3rd BCS Bowl.
3. WVU plays in Miami Florida after January 1st.
4. Pat White takes a trip to New York in December.
5. Noel Devine is top 5 in rushing yards.
6. Noel Devine is top 3 in carries greater than 20 yards.
7. WVU beats Pitt by 3 touchdowns at Mountaineer field north.
8. WVU vs. Auburn breaks ESPN all time record for viewer ship.
9. Jed Drenning does Big East pre-game show on MSN.
10. Coach Stewart is honored in the finalists for Coach of the Year.

I hope to see you at the games.

Let's Go Mountaineers
DaGeek

AP Poll

As you are probably aware, WVU is ranked 8th in the recently released preseason AP football poll. This website has decided not to release a preseason poll and if you compare the two major preseason polls, it becomes evident why. I'm was no statistics major at WVU, but given how similar these polls are, you would have to believe that the AP voters have been tremendously influenced by the coaches' preseason poll. Of the 27 teams ranked in the preseason poll by both organizations, only 2 teams differ by more than two spots between them. (Michigan (24,32) Pitt (32,25)) Da Geek makes a valid argument that coaches manipulate the polls by favorably voting for schools on their schedule (ergo more teams from their own conference), but the AP inexcusably mimics their predictions without doing any individual contemplation of their own.

WVU Mens Hoops to play in Jimmy V Classic

West Virginia's men's basketball team will face Davidson in the Jimmy V Basketball Classic on Dec. 9. This tourney features 4 teams from last years sweet sixteen. WVU's opponent Davidson was in the Elite 8. Pretty exciting start to what could be a very interesting Hoops year. Beginning later this month, tickets for the Jimmy V Men's Basketball Classic can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-7171, or in person at the Madison Square Garden Box Office.

The rest of the schedule is as follows:
Sat Nov 8 MOUNTAIN STATE, Sat Nov 15 ELON, Thu Nov 20 LONGWOOD, Tue Nov 25 DELAWARE STATE, Fri. Nov. 28 Iowa, Sat. Nov. 29 Kansas St/Kentucky (Las Vegas Invitational), Wed Dec 3 at Mississippi, Sat Dec 6 CLEVELAND ST, 7:00 PM Tue Dec 9 Davidson (Jimmy V. Tourney),
Sat Dec 13 at Duquesne, Sat Dec 20 MIAMI (OH), Tue Dec 23 RADFORD, Sat Dec. 27
at Ohio State, Big East Schedule: PITT, at Pitt, LOUISVILLE, at Louisville, SOUTH FLORIDA,
at South Florida, CONNECTICUT, DEPAUL, NOTRE DAME, PROVIDENCE, ST. JOHN'S, VILLANOVA, at Cincinnati, at Georgetown, at Marquette, at Rutgers, at Seton Hall, at Syracuse, (Jan 13/14, Marshall falls in time of Big East play)


DaGeek

Big News Liebig granted additional season.

Patrick Liebig was granted a 6th season of College football. Phew!!! After leaving the Mountaineers to take care of some family business he will now get to rejoin his Mountaineer family. His father was sick and he went back home to care for him. This is a huge thing for the Defensive line. The 6-2, 295-pound veteran’s petition for special dispensation was granted by the NCAA. The Defensive line just got monumentally better as a result of this. (Photo from Scout.com)

Thank you so much NCAA for getting this right,

DaGeek

ESPN Rankings

ESPN has released their Power Rankings for what they're worth. WVU football is #8 there as well edging out LSU. They also have some interesting rankings when you look ahead to basketball. WVU has the #4 recruiting class for 2008. However, in their BE basketball preview, Jay Bilas has them as #8 in the conference. Beilein never received any preseason respect after a strong finish the year before and it appears Huggins isn't getting the respect he deserves yet either. It will be interesting to see how the BE coaches rank the conference in the preseason.

Coaches Poll Released WVU #8, some observations

Well the USA Today College Football Coaches Preseason Poll is released. Is a national championship in the cards? The Joker may have an answer for us, and likely as is this poll almost as corrupt. WVU is ranked 8th in the nation. Truthfully, that is not a bad place to be. Not at the top but within a reasonable striking distance of the top. WVU will be playing preseason #11 Auburn, #21 South Fla., # 30 Rutgers, #33 sPitt, #37 Cincinnati, #39 UConn, #51 Louisville, and # 53 Colorado. (Admittedly, this means about as much as any opinion regarding strength of schedule.) However, it is harder for WVU to gain a "quality win than it is for a team from the SEC. Only where the SEC helped us did we get to play a top 15 (aka quality opponent)see my rant in 3rd point below for greater explanation.

Some observations about this particular poll as it relates to WVU.

1st WVU Head Coach Bill Stewart is not a voting member. That is right my Mountaineer Brethren we will need to woo the voting members of this poll without any direct influence. Did I say that Michigan has a vote this year.

2nd Bo Pelini is a voting member. How is it that Nebraska gets a first year head Coach with a vote and West Virginia does not?

3rd Once again the SEC gets an inordinate amount of love. Why would this be? It could be that these coaches vote in a block. Georgia, Florida, LSU, Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee, South Carolina each have a vote in this poll. Hmm? Well how did those teams fair in the poll you might wonder. Let us see: Georgia #1, Florida #5, LSU #6, Auburn #11, Tennessee #18, South Carolina #27, Mississippi State #41. Other SEC teams receiving votes in the poll were Alabama #26, and Kentucky #42. Several of these teams will compete at the highest level no argument about that but. It is a far cry easier to get love for you team in the SEC than in any other conference. Either theses schools have it right in that they see to it that one loss is aok as far as a national championship is concerned or the rest of the BCS school leagues are idiots for not pressing the issue further.

4th The Big East as was reported above has the #8, #21, #31, #33, #37, #39, and #51 teams. Our voting members are from South Florida, Rutgers, Louisville, and UConn. Let us hope that theses guys would help the Big East in as much as they can.

5th On what basis is Michigan in the top 25 (they were 24th), Rich Rod strikes again?

6th During the season this poll is the least credible of them all. It appears that no conference can have more than half of there members represented at any time. That is suppose to do something to curtail undue influence of any given conference but I think that you can see how that stopgap has some flaws. When do these coaches watch enough games to have an educated opinion to render a vote.

When we release this blogs first poll in October of this year you will see that we are completely transparent in our votes. You will see how each of our voters vote and we will have had the benefit of actually watching college football to educate our admittedly biased votes.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts,

Da Geek

Super Steve and Holy Schmitt signed there NFL deals. Both are in their respective camps... Good luck guys!

Steve Slaton signed a 4 year deal worth $2,369,000, of that $664.000, is guaranteed. Owen Schmitt signed a 4 year deal worth $1,863,000, of that number $158,000, is guaranteed. The rest of the money is like most NFL contracts is subject to the players making the team. Typically, contracts are renegotiated prior to being completed so really the only money a player can count on is the bonus aka guaranteed money. I hope the very best for this new Texan and Seahawk respectively. I know that Weezie is particularly happy with the signing of OS for his beloved Seahawks.

In other Mountaineer NFL Rookie news...


The Pittsburgh Steelers signed SS Ryan Mundy to a three-year deal Friday, July 11, worth the league's minimum salaries each season. Mundy will receive a signing bonus of $67,600.

Erick Wicks joined Owen Schmitt in Seatle signing a free agent minimum deal with the Seahawks. Darius Raynaud signed a free-agent minimum contract with the Minnesota Vikings Keilein Dykes signed a free-agent minimum contract with the Arizona Cardinals. All of these deals were inked the day after the draft.

Anyway good luck to all of our lifetime Mountaineers. I know that each of you will represent the school and the state with pride.

DaGeek

WVU gets "BIG" 09 Roundball commit.

The Eers have recieved a verble from 6'8" 240lb. Center, Dan Jennings. Scout.com has him listed as a 3 star (he is also a 3 star with Rivals.com), and the 20th best Center in the Country. He is just the type of athlete that Huggins is looking for to sure up the middle. He played for Oak Hill academy last year for his senior season he is going to a prep school for one more year and will be getting ready to play for the '09 season for the our beloved Mountaineers. Both Photo's are from BlueandGoldNews.

Scout.com quotes Jennings as saying,"Coach Huggins is great," Jennings said between workouts in preparation for his post-graduate year at either South Kent or St. Thomas More. "He has developed a lot of players over the years, and he pushes you to the limit. I know that he will do that with me. It will be tough, but I know he is doing it to get the most out of me that I can be. He wants to help guys succeed not just in college, but also on the next level. That's my goal, and I know he can help me get there."

ESPN.com reports, "[t]his lefty is an undersized center who has a great basketball body -- long and strong. Jennings runs well in transition and is an above-the-rim finisher who benefits from drop off passes from guard penetration. In the post he is physical around the basket where he executes powerful post moves that include the drop step, and he can score with the jump hook with either hand. He does an excellent job sealing his man for position and takes advantage of any angles to the rim. His shooting range extends to about 15 feet. Although he is only 6-8, he knows he is a center and seems to have accepted it. He's a good rebounder on both ends and has good foot quickness that allows him to be an excellent post defender, but he could struggle against a much taller center. Jennings plays hard and is an active and live body -- a high-major player."

All I know is that this guy is a "big get" no matter how you slice it. I am very happy once more with the obvious recruiting prowess of Huggins. We really are about to enter the "golden era" of Mountaineer basketball.

DaGeek

West Virginia has three athletes named to 2007-08 BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Award

Women’s Cross Country Alison Spiker West Virginia

Spiker, a senior from Ripley, captained last year's Big East championship cross country team that placed ninth at the NCAA championships, the squad's best finish at nationals. Spiker is a WVU Athletic Director's Honor Roll honoree and a Big East Academic All-Star.-Charleston Gazette

Football Reed Williams West Virginia

This talented gentleman has done his State proud. He is from Morefield, West Virginia. He led the team in tackles for the season. He also was the Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP. He excelled academically as well. He is the type of student athlete we can all be proud of.

Men’s Basketball Alex Ruoff West Virginia

Among this gentleman's many accomplishments would be 2007-08 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II men's basketball first team. He also was a three point shooting maniac. He was a team leader. He helped the Mountaineers in each of his seasons in Morgantown. Like the aforementioned athletes he excelled in academia as well this season.

Way to go. You make us all proud.

DaGeek