(Picture by theSignalCaller.com. Click on picture above to read The Drive in Redux)
Wow this game was something else to watch. I must admit this author thought that Marshall was going to win and that the Mountaineers had mailed it in. Up until the Defense handed Geno the ball at about 8 1/2 min to go, that was the case. Until then only Tyler Bitencurt's field goals marked any sort of WVU scoring. The score was 21 to 6 Marshall. But then the legend of Geno Smith was about to begin. He was given the ball on the WVU 4 yard line. He proceeded to lead the offense down the field like he had ice in his veins. That drive was capped off with a Noel Devine 4 yard scoring run. To bring the score to 21 to 13. The defense was able to force Marshall to punt and punt they did, right down to the WVU 2 yard line. So enter the would be hero Geno Smith. He would then lead the Mountaineers those fateful 98 yards to a TD pass to Will Johnson. Then the ball was in his hand one last time to go for tie with a 2 point conversion and convert he did to Jock Sanders in back of end-zone. So overtime comes. Tyler Bitencurt kicks a field goal and Marshall could not convert its attempt at a 40 yard field goal. Mountaineers win in exciting fashion. So what did we learn, what do we know, what does this game mean?
For the second week in a row the offense went for over 400 yards, however it was stifled in the red zone until the very end. I was quite disappointed with Coach Mullen's approach. I know it is hard to argue with the yards gained but 24 points in not getting it done. I will not criticise going for it on fourth down early in the game. But I think that that move has exposed the one glaring weakness on this team and that is the run blocking of our offensive line. The defense played very well with exception of 2 big plays. Marshall's TE was as I said in my pregame analysis NFL good. I had no idea that they had such decent running backs but I think with exception of the 55 yard run on first drive of game.
The defense was stingy on the ground. The Defense as has been pointed out several times by Jed Drenning, (theSignalCaller)kept the offense in the game. The timely turnover when Marshall was about to put the game away was just what the Doc (Marshall's headman) didn't order. The special teams played very well all night long with one glaring exception and that would be the blocked field goal. I don't know if that is an indictment of the field goal team or just a fantastic play on the Herd's behalf. I would note that they did the same thing last week to Ohio State.
This is a game where the play makers for the Mountaineers were forced to make plays in spite of the effort of the offensive line. It certainly was offensive. I am very concerned about this facet of the team. They were handled by Marshall's front 4 really all night long. Were it not for Marshall calling off the dogs and entering into the prevent defense I am not sure that WVU overcomes the 15 point deficit. So thanks Doc for that decision. But I can really take nothing away from Geno Smith's effort. It was Senior-like poise mixed with a precise touch.
Two weeks into the season the 22/23 ranked Mountaineers have dodged a bullet and remain 2 wins against 0 losses. Need to get ready for those ground turtles from Maryland next week. After watching the week 3 opponent against the Midshipmen I am convinced that they will come ready to play in Morgantown. Improvement needs to be made and work needs to be done to be successful next Saturday.
Da Geeks Grades for Week 2:
Team C, QB play B, receiving B-, Running Backs B-, Offensive Line F, Defensive Line B, Linebackers C, D-Backs B-, Punt Team B, Kick Off Team B, and Field-goals and extra-points team B.
Go Eers!!!
Da Geek
1 comment:
Special teams played well with the exception of the block: B+ See my previous post as to my feelings about that. D gave up a couple of big plays but otherwise played well: B- I think you have to look at the offensive skill players separate from the O-line. Other than devin looking like he needed to change his cleats on several occasions, I think he played well. Austin is a BIG playmaker! He and Sanders both had a couple of drops. Geno needs to work on his touch. Skill players: B- O-line simply failed!
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