I highly recommend checking this site FauxBruceIrvin. It is the best place to find information on WVU's sack-master: "BruceAlmighty" as coined in TheSignalCaller's latest pre-season publication. You will find it linked to the right of this blog. Also you can click directly to it. You can follow his posts on twitter as well @fauxbruceirvin.
DaGeek
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Holgorsen Era of WVU football begins this date at 9:00 pm.
Oliver Luck announced tonight at a presser in Morgantown that Dana Holgorsen shall be the Head Coach of the WVU Mountaineers. This came after what would understatedly be referred to as a tumultuous week. I am of the opinion that this issue has been settled in a timely way. At least we can now move on to the task of preparing to put up gaudy offensive numbers and get the staff finally on the same page with one man in charge. The way that this ended shall be a bitter pill for Stew to swallow but I think that to prolong this would be detrimental to a successful '11 campaign. Holgorsen has asked Mountaineer Nation to unify in his remarks tonight. I am on board with that but I would guess that the Message Board wars will rage for some months to come. I just hope that we as Eer Nation will rally around our new leader and help get these guys our beloved Eers to the BCS.
Some things to ponder:
Welcome aboard to our new Head Coach!!!
Let's Go Eers!!!
DaGEEK
Some things to ponder:
- Just how many sacks will the tandum of Bruce Irvin and Julian Miller tally this year?
- With the Air Raid Offense in full effect will the receiving records be shattered this season?
- Will our QB be getting an invite to the Touchdown Club in NYC this December?
- Could Tavon Austin be the most explosive player to don the Old Gold and Blue?
- Which Running Back will be the starter after fall camp? (Depth appears to be great.)
Welcome aboard to our new Head Coach!!!
Let's Go Eers!!!
DaGEEK
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Loyalty, self-interest, and the WVU Head Coaching Job
[Caveat: The following assumes that Colin Dunlap was not lying during his 93.7 interview. If he was, then I'll retract this post.]
We've heard much over the last three and a half years about Bill Stewart's loyalty to the State of West Virginia and to WVU. The events that have been disclosed over the last week, specifically that Stewart contacted multiple reporters in an attempt to generate negative publicity about Dana Holgorsen, give us reason to question that notion. While I don't doubt Stewart's loyalty the the state for a second, I believe that he subsumed his loyalty to WVU to the previous, now-departed cronies that ensconced him as Head Coach. Now that Pastilong, Garrison, Manchin, etc, are gone, Stewart has acted repeatedly to undermine both his colleagues and his boss. Such behavior is not the sign of loyalty. It is the sign of a man motivated by naked self-interest.
Not surprisingly, many football coaches are motivated by naked self-interest. Saban, Petrino, and Kiffen all come to mind as especially potent examples of this character trait. So does another familiar name from around these parts: Rich Rodriguez. How devastatingly ironic that Bill Stewart has engaged in a sort of disloyalty more atrocious than that of his predecessor. It's one thing to leave West Virginia and go to Michigan, even if you lie and deceive in the process. Quite another to try to defame Dana Holgorsen, sabotage Oliver Luck and sully the program in the hopes of eking out.... what? a tenuous chance of remaining head coach? At the expense of how much humiliation and setback for the program he claims to love?
Holgorsen and Luck, of course, have erred as well. Holgorsen by choosing to disagree with the determination of a bartender that he was too drunk to serve. And Luck, by failing to fire Stewart for cause for the NCAA violations under Stew's watch.
I feel like the most appalling thing about this whole charade is that Bill Stewart hasn't grasped the reality of the situation. Most AD's in Luck's position, if they want to install a new coach, will dispense with the incumbent in as unceremonious and inexpensive a manner as possible. But Luck, placing value on the "loyalty" Bill Stewart has shown, gave him a golden parachute- another year in his dream job, and a cushy financial package in a post-coaching role with the Athletic Department. In reality, there is a strong argument to be made that Luck could have gotten the university out of its contractual obligations to Stewart because of the NCAA violations Stewart oversaw. He could have been cashiered, tossed to the curb, and disgraced. But Luck treated Stew better by an immense long-shot than he had to. And this is the thanks he gets.
I am of the opinion that Stewart's sense of judgment in these events is many times worse than Holgorsen's or Luck's, and that Stewart should be severed from the program as soon as it's feasible.
We've heard much over the last three and a half years about Bill Stewart's loyalty to the State of West Virginia and to WVU. The events that have been disclosed over the last week, specifically that Stewart contacted multiple reporters in an attempt to generate negative publicity about Dana Holgorsen, give us reason to question that notion. While I don't doubt Stewart's loyalty the the state for a second, I believe that he subsumed his loyalty to WVU to the previous, now-departed cronies that ensconced him as Head Coach. Now that Pastilong, Garrison, Manchin, etc, are gone, Stewart has acted repeatedly to undermine both his colleagues and his boss. Such behavior is not the sign of loyalty. It is the sign of a man motivated by naked self-interest.
Not surprisingly, many football coaches are motivated by naked self-interest. Saban, Petrino, and Kiffen all come to mind as especially potent examples of this character trait. So does another familiar name from around these parts: Rich Rodriguez. How devastatingly ironic that Bill Stewart has engaged in a sort of disloyalty more atrocious than that of his predecessor. It's one thing to leave West Virginia and go to Michigan, even if you lie and deceive in the process. Quite another to try to defame Dana Holgorsen, sabotage Oliver Luck and sully the program in the hopes of eking out.... what? a tenuous chance of remaining head coach? At the expense of how much humiliation and setback for the program he claims to love?
Holgorsen and Luck, of course, have erred as well. Holgorsen by choosing to disagree with the determination of a bartender that he was too drunk to serve. And Luck, by failing to fire Stewart for cause for the NCAA violations under Stew's watch.
I feel like the most appalling thing about this whole charade is that Bill Stewart hasn't grasped the reality of the situation. Most AD's in Luck's position, if they want to install a new coach, will dispense with the incumbent in as unceremonious and inexpensive a manner as possible. But Luck, placing value on the "loyalty" Bill Stewart has shown, gave him a golden parachute- another year in his dream job, and a cushy financial package in a post-coaching role with the Athletic Department. In reality, there is a strong argument to be made that Luck could have gotten the university out of its contractual obligations to Stewart because of the NCAA violations Stewart oversaw. He could have been cashiered, tossed to the curb, and disgraced. But Luck treated Stew better by an immense long-shot than he had to. And this is the thanks he gets.
I am of the opinion that Stewart's sense of judgment in these events is many times worse than Holgorsen's or Luck's, and that Stewart should be severed from the program as soon as it's feasible.
Friday, June 3, 2011
WVU ads 5th verbal to 2012 football class
Florida RB J.T. Washington gave his verbal commitment to WVU today. This was confirmed on both WVSports.com and EerSportsdotcom; The Rivals and 24/7 sites. His stats are as follows: Ht:5'9" Wt:160 lbs 40:4.48 secs Bench Max:260 Squat Max:415 He looks like another speed master from the Sunshine State. Welcome home J.T. !!! Click on and see TouTube video of him.
He joins the four other commits to the 2012 class: Imarjaye Albury Defensive Tackle from Miami, Florida; Pro Style QB Ford Childress from Houston, TX; Safety Jarrod Harper from
Frostburg Maryland; and Outside Linbacker Joseph Jackson from Jacksonville, Fl.
Looks like this class is going to be a talented and fast one. Future looks bright indeed. Cautious note of author these are verbals only.
Da Geek
He joins the four other commits to the 2012 class: Imarjaye Albury Defensive Tackle from Miami, Florida; Pro Style QB Ford Childress from Houston, TX; Safety Jarrod Harper from
Frostburg Maryland; and Outside Linbacker Joseph Jackson from Jacksonville, Fl.
Looks like this class is going to be a talented and fast one. Future looks bright indeed. Cautious note of author these are verbals only.
Da Geek
Pass me a brew...please...Let's Go Mountaineers!!!
It is official, the WVU Board of Governors passes beer sales at MP Stadium by a 10-5vote. Let's Go Mountaineers!!! Let's go drink some beers!!! That cheer takes on a whole new life today. I am excited and I am starting to save the money right now to afford my $10 dollar beer for the Marshall game.
On a serious note, I am of the belief that this isn't going to drastically change the "behavior issues" continually being debated regarding this issue. I do believe that the revenue generated from beer sales will be significant. I am looking forward to another excellent season of Mountaineer football and now I am going to get to drink my first MP Stadium beer on a Sunday. Let us hope that the selection of beers will be a good one.
Oliver luck said,"the beer will be sold in plastic containers, it will not be sold near the student section and only two beers will be sold per visit to the beer stand. The vendors will not be selling beer in the stands. The fans will have to get up and walk to a stand to buy it. Those fans who have had enough will not be served."
Da Geek
On a serious note, I am of the belief that this isn't going to drastically change the "behavior issues" continually being debated regarding this issue. I do believe that the revenue generated from beer sales will be significant. I am looking forward to another excellent season of Mountaineer football and now I am going to get to drink my first MP Stadium beer on a Sunday. Let us hope that the selection of beers will be a good one.
Oliver luck said,"the beer will be sold in plastic containers, it will not be sold near the student section and only two beers will be sold per visit to the beer stand. The vendors will not be selling beer in the stands. The fans will have to get up and walk to a stand to buy it. Those fans who have had enough will not be served."
Da Geek
Link to video of Coach Holgorsen responding in part to last two weeks.
Coach Holgerson says, he is far from perfect. Well I don't need perfection in the person as that is a standard that cannot be achieved. He indicates that he is going to try to understand the expectation of the people of the great State of West Virginia and live up to those expectations. He is excited to get to football. Music to my Eers!!!
Da Geek
Da Geek
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Vindication. WVU disputes claims in Chuck Landon's Article as being blatant inaccuracies and outright lies.
Mike Casazza reports in today's Daily Mail that the Huntington Herald Dispatch and Wheeling News Register got it wrong. I would go on to say that the secondary "news- agencies" got it wrong as well by re-reporting the "news" or commenting on those reports in columns etc. I think that this type of "journalism" is reprehensible.
While WVU is not taking any legal action against those newspapers it is clear that they have responded regarding these matters. "A WVU source said Wednesday the university will not take any action, but "knows the Herald-Dispatch story had blatant inaccuracies.""... "The column also cited a source that said Clements told Luck "that if he read one more article about the coach-in-waiting, it would cost Luck his job."One WVU representative close to Luck and Clements called that an "outright lie.""- Charleston Daily Mail
So where does this story go from here? I am hopeful that it shall be dead. One thing I know for sure Chuck Landon's credibility is now called completely into question. He frankly should lose his job over this activity. I fear however, that the Huntington Herald Dispatch has received so much attention regarding his column that he will get a raise. I can't wait till September 3. At that time Coach Holgorsen will be afforded an opportunity to hit ole Chucky right where it hurts the most, on the scoreboard.
Air Raid sirens from Morgantown will be sounding so loudly that even those in Huntington shall hear them.
Da Geek
While WVU is not taking any legal action against those newspapers it is clear that they have responded regarding these matters. "A WVU source said Wednesday the university will not take any action, but "knows the Herald-Dispatch story had blatant inaccuracies.""... "The column also cited a source that said Clements told Luck "that if he read one more article about the coach-in-waiting, it would cost Luck his job."One WVU representative close to Luck and Clements called that an "outright lie.""- Charleston Daily Mail
So where does this story go from here? I am hopeful that it shall be dead. One thing I know for sure Chuck Landon's credibility is now called completely into question. He frankly should lose his job over this activity. I fear however, that the Huntington Herald Dispatch has received so much attention regarding his column that he will get a raise. I can't wait till September 3. At that time Coach Holgorsen will be afforded an opportunity to hit ole Chucky right where it hurts the most, on the scoreboard.
Air Raid sirens from Morgantown will be sounding so loudly that even those in Huntington shall hear them.
Da Geek
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Today's links of note...
Orlando Sentinel adding to hype of Geno Smith. It is nice to be noticed in Orlando, Fla. “All the great ones, they either have it or they don’t. Geno’s got it,” WVU coach Bill Stewart reflected about his quarterback. “He’s got that ‘it’ factor.”
Charleston Daily Mail questioning the use of a sports column. Mike Casazza makes excelant points about the ethics of the press. One such point, " I just think, well, I think it was wrong on a few levels, none greater than using a column to deliver news because you can tiptoe around providing facts in an opinion-based format … and very few people will realize the distinction." I think it is a must read in reaction to the article written by Chuck Landon.
Scott Grayson of West Virginia Illustrated does a nice expo on the newest members of the WVU HOOPS team. Will this class rival the one that lead us to the final four? I don't know but this batch of youth looks pretty impressive. I know Da Geek is excited to see the newcomers this November. I would love to see some of their play in Europe this summer but I have my doubts about seeing anything on the TV. One this is for sure these new-comers shall get thrown into the deep end of the practice pool in short order for Coach Huggs.
Garrett Cullen of Metro-News comments on the need for Tyler Bitancurt to return to his first year form this up-coming season. "“(More) consistency,” Bitancurt said of his summer goals."
Phil Steele did his all Big East Team. It was echoed on ESPN's Big East Blog. Notable Mountaineers making first team honors are: Quarterback Geno Smith; Receiver Tavon Austin;Center Joe Madsen; Offensive Guard Josh Jenkins; Offensive Tackle Don Barclay; Defensive End Bruce Irvin; Defensive Tackle Julian Miller; Linebacker NAjee Goode; Corner back Keith Tandy; Safety Terence Garvin all made the mark. I am of the opinion that there are a few members of the WVU receiving corps which shall make the post season mark: Tyler Urban and Stedman Bailey.
Off of Smoking Musket a little insight into Chris Neild as a Red Skin. What does Coach Shanahan think of him? "Everything," Shanahan blurted at a press conference following the Draft when asked what he liked about Chris Neild. "I love the way he competes. I love how important football is to him, because you can tell. He's got a mindset when he plays, and you can tell he really enjoys football. He lines up right over that center and competes on every down. I'll be surprised if doesn't come in here and do everything possible to make this football team. Just talking to him, I could tell he's excited and wants to get here right away and do what he can do to make this football team. He's a great competitor." Well Chris if you are going to impress someone that is the guy to impress. Good luck as a Skin.
I hope you have enjoyed these excerpts as well as the full articles linked from here.
It is a hot day to be a Mountaineer at least where I am. :)
Da Geek
Charleston Daily Mail questioning the use of a sports column. Mike Casazza makes excelant points about the ethics of the press. One such point, " I just think, well, I think it was wrong on a few levels, none greater than using a column to deliver news because you can tiptoe around providing facts in an opinion-based format … and very few people will realize the distinction." I think it is a must read in reaction to the article written by Chuck Landon.
Scott Grayson of West Virginia Illustrated does a nice expo on the newest members of the WVU HOOPS team. Will this class rival the one that lead us to the final four? I don't know but this batch of youth looks pretty impressive. I know Da Geek is excited to see the newcomers this November. I would love to see some of their play in Europe this summer but I have my doubts about seeing anything on the TV. One this is for sure these new-comers shall get thrown into the deep end of the practice pool in short order for Coach Huggs.
Garrett Cullen of Metro-News comments on the need for Tyler Bitancurt to return to his first year form this up-coming season. "“(More) consistency,” Bitancurt said of his summer goals."
Phil Steele did his all Big East Team. It was echoed on ESPN's Big East Blog. Notable Mountaineers making first team honors are: Quarterback Geno Smith; Receiver Tavon Austin;Center Joe Madsen; Offensive Guard Josh Jenkins; Offensive Tackle Don Barclay; Defensive End Bruce Irvin; Defensive Tackle Julian Miller; Linebacker NAjee Goode; Corner back Keith Tandy; Safety Terence Garvin all made the mark. I am of the opinion that there are a few members of the WVU receiving corps which shall make the post season mark: Tyler Urban and Stedman Bailey.
Off of Smoking Musket a little insight into Chris Neild as a Red Skin. What does Coach Shanahan think of him? "Everything," Shanahan blurted at a press conference following the Draft when asked what he liked about Chris Neild. "I love the way he competes. I love how important football is to him, because you can tell. He's got a mindset when he plays, and you can tell he really enjoys football. He lines up right over that center and competes on every down. I'll be surprised if doesn't come in here and do everything possible to make this football team. Just talking to him, I could tell he's excited and wants to get here right away and do what he can do to make this football team. He's a great competitor." Well Chris if you are going to impress someone that is the guy to impress. Good luck as a Skin.
I hope you have enjoyed these excerpts as well as the full articles linked from here.
It is a hot day to be a Mountaineer at least where I am. :)
Da Geek
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
J T Thomas III What a class act.
With all of the negative out there in sports-land today, I thought that I would like to point out that we have a huge reason to be proud of one of our own. JT3 is an example of what is right with our program. The previous link will take you to JT3's web page. Thank yous go out to his family for raising such a wonderful son. Not only does he make us proud of him on the field. This newest member of the Chicago Bears has proven to be exactly the kind of ambassador we are looking for off the field as well.
What he did for a young lady, Joslyn Levell, in Morgantown will have long term positive effects. You may click on her name to goto the feed on ESPN covering this 8th Grade Prom event. The simplest gestures tend to be the ones that last the longest. Thanks J. T. 3 for giving Eer fans something to cheer about again and again.
Da Geek
What he did for a young lady, Joslyn Levell, in Morgantown will have long term positive effects. You may click on her name to goto the feed on ESPN covering this 8th Grade Prom event. The simplest gestures tend to be the ones that last the longest. Thanks J. T. 3 for giving Eer fans something to cheer about again and again.
Da Geek
Yup been a while my friends. Time to revive the blog.
I have had some health issues, some work issues, and now a new baby but tis time to get back on this horse and start writing. I shall be giving this site a new facelift. It shall happen over time but my goal is to be up and running in next couple of weeks.
So what to write about these days. Seems that all that is on the menu right now is Chucky Landon. He seems to have a real problem with Oliver Luck. He will not stop filing stories that border on the line of the National Inquirer. His "story" is now being regurgitated by other "Media." The Pittsburgh Post Gazette aired an article today based upon his blather. This lazy piece is the kind of stuff that makes your stomach turn. As a result his ever expanding Ego doesn't seem to want to shrink. So what to do? I am afraid the answer is nothing. Any response from WVU brass will give him more news cycles of relevance. I think that 95 days from now when we play our first game of the season much of this frustration can be alleviated by the thrashing of that opponent. Chucky will then have to tuck tail and hide or simply look stupid. Though, apparently that isn't a concern of his.
Will Tressel's demise end up giving WVU a recruiting boon in Ohio? I think to a small degree yes WVU shall benefit from tOSU's untimely demise. To what extent is to be seen.
Is the Big East in good hands? JM seems to be trying to swim in the deep end of this pool. He either delivers on this next TV deal or he may find that his conference is about 8 teams smaller. It is imperative that he starts to listen to the counsel of the AD's from Rutgers, dare I say sPitt and of course our very own, Oliver Luck. Otherwise the Big East may find itself a nice quaint little eastern-Catholic school basketball conference with FCS football only.
As I said more shall be coming so please stay tuned.
Da Geek
So what to write about these days. Seems that all that is on the menu right now is Chucky Landon. He seems to have a real problem with Oliver Luck. He will not stop filing stories that border on the line of the National Inquirer. His "story" is now being regurgitated by other "Media." The Pittsburgh Post Gazette aired an article today based upon his blather. This lazy piece is the kind of stuff that makes your stomach turn. As a result his ever expanding Ego doesn't seem to want to shrink. So what to do? I am afraid the answer is nothing. Any response from WVU brass will give him more news cycles of relevance. I think that 95 days from now when we play our first game of the season much of this frustration can be alleviated by the thrashing of that opponent. Chucky will then have to tuck tail and hide or simply look stupid. Though, apparently that isn't a concern of his.
Will Tressel's demise end up giving WVU a recruiting boon in Ohio? I think to a small degree yes WVU shall benefit from tOSU's untimely demise. To what extent is to be seen.
Is the Big East in good hands? JM seems to be trying to swim in the deep end of this pool. He either delivers on this next TV deal or he may find that his conference is about 8 teams smaller. It is imperative that he starts to listen to the counsel of the AD's from Rutgers, dare I say sPitt and of course our very own, Oliver Luck. Otherwise the Big East may find itself a nice quaint little eastern-Catholic school basketball conference with FCS football only.
As I said more shall be coming so please stay tuned.
Da Geek
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