July 13, 2012
Submitted by ZAC
Much have been speculated over the impending soccer season the place WVU will compete as a member of the Big-12. A few say the Mountaineers are going to take the Big-12 by hurricane. Others say this upstart from Morgantown is in for a impolite awakening. Here is my tackle what we will expect.
Why WVU WILL Pass Undefeated…
Offense: By now everyone is aware of approximately WVU's electrifying receiver, Tavon Austin; deep threat, Steadman Bailey, and sharp-shooting QB, Geno Smith. Those three did little greater than rewrite their school's file books for receiving and passing, respectively; let alone the information which fell within the 2012 Orange Bowl. It does not finish there, and it begins with the offensive line.
Last 12 months Smith and corporate did what they did in the back of an O-Line that was starters down; certainly one of them 5-Star recruit, Josh Jenkins. Jenkins is again and at complete strength, and that does not come with the bright recruiting to be able to upload so much wanted intensity to what's now a veteran crew. The line, however, wasn't the one staff earlier beset by injuries.
Talk approximately receivers Austin & Bailey? How approximately Ivan McCartney? He quietly snared FORTY NINE passes for 585 yards, regardless of being hobbled by an damage at Syracuse. Veterans, Ryan Nehlan & JD Woods, can be available to greet newcomers, Dante Campbell, Cody Clay, KJ Myers, and transfer, Terrence Gourdine who upload potential intensity. But it surely was Jordan Thompson who stuck everyone's consideration by catching 6 passes for SIXTY EIGHT yards and a TD within the spring game.
Rushing: As soon as a power underneath former HC, Wealthy Rodriguez, the bottom recreation has turn out to be a piece in growth in up to date years, particularly underneath pass-happy, Dana Holgorsen. This can be the year, however, that the canines of conflict are unleashed. Affected by a neck pressure all through such a lot of his career, Shawn Alston is in spite of everything at complete energy and velocity. This 225 lb punishing runner, could have best received 416 yards ultimate year, however his 12 TDs and FORTY THREE. yards/carry reasonable shows he can also be counted on in a pinch, particularly on the objective line. Fast Dustin Garrison did not come on till the 4th sport of the season, however nonetheless controlled 742 yards, 6 TDs, and a FIFTY FIVE. yards/carry reasonable. (An damage stored him out of the Orange Bowl.) Four-Star recruit, Andre Buie, outstanding himself within the Orange Bowl, following the damage to Garrison. And, this does not come with the eventual arrival of Roshard Burney and Torry Clayton so as to add depth.
Special Groups: Tavon Austin anchors the go back sport; he took three to the home in 2011. Tyler Bitancurt returns to hide further issues and FGs; he scored 109 pts for the Mountaineers final yr. Michael Molinari returns to hide the punting chores, and Corey Smith will again deal with kick-offs, and both can spell the opposite. The most productive information: Ex-LB coach, and now Assistant HC, Steve Dunlap, offers this workforce his private consideration. It is the explanation why we noticed enhancements in protection groups within the 2nd half remaining year.
Defense: OK, this staff is a matter mark as a result of DC, Jeff Casteel; DLC, Invoice Kirelawich, and CBs instruct David Lockwood left to sign up for their former mentor, Wealthy Rodriguez at Arizona. WVU's protecting training personnel could also be new, however the group nonetheless returns seven starters. To not mention, the safety was a pressure for individuals who witnessed WVU's spring recreation. Quick, agile, flying to the ball, and a willingness to hit ONEROUS had been a few of the accolades garnered by the gang because it was WVU's defense, now not the offense, which gained the Gold & Blue Recreation. AND, let's no longer fail to remember; it was the safety ultimate year, with virtually necessarily the similar personnel, who received the remaining three common season video games for the Mountaineers.
This brings us to training. Confirmed offensive guru, Dana Holgorsen, runs the send. Not just is the offense quite simply in place, however with the departure of DC, Jeff Casteel, and the various shielding training staff, Holgorsen was in a position to rent the type of team of workers he wanted: the ones acquainted with Massive 12 offenses. Given Holgorsen's monitor file at Houston, ADEQUATE St, TX Tech, and his 1st season with WVU, Mountaineer enthusiasts can not wait to look how the offense will deal with its inaugural yr within the Large 12. Given what was witnessed within the spring game, plenty of can not wait to look how the protection measures up as well.
Schedule: This time table is made for a greater than reasonable staff to be successful, and WVU is a valid Top-20 group. There are just four (DEPEND em, 4)! away video games. It is no cake-walk, but when the Mountaineers play their playing cards right, it can be the street that results in the Nationwide Championship.
Marshall: HC, John "DOCUMENT" Vacation has patiently recruited neatly to this team's strengths and labored to shore up its weaknesses. With the Mountaineers' departure for the Big-12, the Thundering Herd may exchange them as probably the most groups had to realign the large East. That said, WVU has received each sport performed in opposition to them, and they are no longer approximately to lose this one.
JMU: This sport won't also be played, not to mention on a impartial box. A minimum of the Dukes have a countrywide Championship Trophy of their show case. JMU earned it the 12 months WVU beaten them 45-10 in Morgantown. In different words, WVU's Second stringers must get numerous so much wanted revel in on this one.
Maryland: Final 12 months WVU held a 24 pt lead mid-way during the Third qtr at school Park, handiest to look the Terps hurricane again to inside of 6. This yr it is moderately most likely that WVU will win by no less than 24.
Baylor: The Bears not just misplaced RGIII, but in addition misplaced their prime rusher, Terrance Ganaway, and major receiver, Kendall Wright. And, let's now not forget, Baylor has hardly ever boasted one of the crucial higher defenses in school football, not to mention the large 12.
At Texas: The Longhorns can by no means be taken lightly, even if one of the most pundits are announcing this won't be their 12 months. In spite of being some of the a success systems in all of school football, Mac Brown has QB problems. The protection may be solid, however the offense remains to be a piece in growth. AND, let's now not omit; WVU catches TX one week after they have visited Stillwater and the week earlier than the Pink River Shootout.
At Texas Tech: Seth Doege would be the 1st of the severely excellent Big-12 QBs that the Mountaineers will face. However let's accept it; this isn't the everyday Mike Leach crew we are all used to, particularly because Leach isn't any longer the Raiders' HC. That task belongs to Ex-Auburn HC, Tommy Tuberville, who is aware of how you can tutor. Yet, defensively the Raiders have struggled. And, let's now not overlook all the melt-down Tech suffered after profitable in Norman final year.
K-St: The good news: This one's in Morgantown. The unhealthy information: It options the Second significantly excellent Big-12 QB WVU will face, Collin Klein. The excellent news: Dispose of Klein's operating and make him beat you thru the air, and it will be an extended day for the Wild Cats. Then, there is their inconsistent safeguard. Three groups scored 50 or extra issues towards them; extra scored 34 & 35 pts respectively.
TCU: The Horned Frogs function the Third significantly just right Massive 12 QB that WVU will face, Casey Pachall. In addition they function some of the more potent protective gadgets WVU will face; do not allow remaining yr idiot you. Sadly for TCU, they are going to be coming off a trip to Stillwater, ahead of vacationing Morgantown. Are you able to say, "fatigue factor," boys & girls?
At ADEQUATE St: A TRIP to Stillwater isn't for the faint-of-heart. The Cowboys give protection to their turf well, and their fanatics are rabid. None-the-less, long gone are Brandon Weeden and of his Top-2 receivers; one among which was Justin Blackman. That is a duo for you to be exhausting to switch. To not mention, that is every other workforce which did not distinguish itself defensively. 5 groups scored greater than 30 pts towards them; five extra scored no less than 24.
Oklahoma: Speak about dueling QB's; by the top of this sport the sector will recognise who is the most productive QB within the Big-12, in all probability all of faculty football, and it will no longer be Landry Jones. Besides, Jones misplaced 4 of his Top-5 receivers, together with Ryan Broyles; to the NFL; to everlasting suspension. And let's no longer omit; the Sooners are coming to Morgantown, and you'll guess they're going to be desirous about webhosting the Cowboys the next week.
At IA St: OK, the Cyclones did disappointed traveling Iowa & extra importantly the vacationing aforementioned Brandon Weeden and ADEQUATE St. So, they are often difficult at house. In addition they slightly received at UConn by four and completed 6-7 by shedding badly to Rutgers within the Pinstripe Bowl. WVU beat UConn & Rutgers by a mixed 37 pts.
Kansas: Charlie Weiss could have performed nice in his 1st 12 months at Notre Dame, however that was Notre Dame in S Bend, ON THIS. is Lawrence, KS, another way referred to as basketball united states of america. Traveling puts like Morgantown and taking part in groups like WVU is not going to permit Weiss to revel in his 1st yr as HC of the JayHawks.
Synopsis: WVU has the gear and the skill to get it performed. Lou Holtz stated it easiest: "THE LARGE East is underrated." How else can one give an explanation for the Mountaineers scoring over FORTY FOUR pts/gm over its 1st 6 wins, however could not reasonable higher than 25 pts/gm over the general three. In fact, they scored five extra issues total, of their ultimate three common season video games than they did towards Clemson within the Orange Bowl. Then there may be an away slate of most effective 4 video games. Truthfully, rather then an impressed efficiency by a few of the groups in this schedule, it's most probably that the Mountaineers should beat themselves (TOs, neglected opportunities, dropped passes, blocked kicks, neglected assignments, and so forth). to maintain them from taking house their first Big-12 identify and most effective their 3rd undefeated season at school history.
Why WVU Is not going to Pass Undefeated
In the former article it was proven how WVU may just battle their approach thru this season's time table and are available out unscathed. Large a Mountaineer fan as I am, even IT'S NOT THAT I AM so boastful as to imagine the Sun, Moon, and Stars will line up for WVU week after week after week; no longer on this convention. If there has been enough common sense for why WVU may just win the Big-12 & cross undefeated, there may be simply as so much to turn the way it would possibly not occur. Time to play devils' advocate…
Offensive Intensity: Everyone is aware of approximately beginning QB, Geno Smith and his beginning tandem of receivers, Tavon Austin & Steadman Bailey. Who is at the back of those three? Smith's backup, Paul Millard, is alleged to be capable, however he hasn't taken a large number of snaps, not to mention taken good thing about the few snaps he is had. Baily's backup, Ivan McCartney, has the possible to be a deep risk however have been hobbled by accidents 12 months after yr. Newcomer, Jordan Thompson was spectacular within the spring game, and appears to again up Austin, however he is nonetheless a rookie. Excellent as he looks, he is no "Tavon Austin." If the Mountaineers don't remain wholesome on the talent positions, particularly at QB, it is gonna be a long, exhausting season.
The offensive line is identical manner. Remaining year, Jeff Braun, a herbal at Guard, performed Take on as a result of shuffling required because of partly by the damage to Josh Jenkins. If Center, Joe Madsen, have been injured, the shuffling might get even worse; let alone its have an effect on upon Geno Smith's timing…and protection.
Defense: Long past are DC, Jeff Casteel, over part the protective staff, and with them the 3-5 abnormal stack, which has perplexed and befuddled many a good offense over time. Input Joe DeForest & Keith Patterson as Co-DCs. DeForest involves WVU from ADEQUATE St, the place the Cowboys snared a large number of INTs, but additionally gave up numerous pts and yardage. Patterson comes from Pitt, the place the Panthers did dangle 7 in their combatants to 21 pts or much less. In addition they allowed Maine to attain 29, and SMU to attain 28 in a loss to the Mustangs within the Compass Bowl. DLC, Erik Slaughter, involves WVU from Stephan F. Austin. Hmmm… Well, the Lumberjacks had been defensively sound in 2010, keep for a FORTY EIGHT pt drubbing from TX A&M. Then ultimate 12 months all over a five recreation loosing streak, they gave up an ordinary of FORTY pts/game. They did, however, permit lower than 15 pts/game over the opposite six. So, I ASSUME the jury's nonetheless available in the market. Daron Roberts, in just his Second yr with Holgorsen (after stints with the KC Chiefs & Detroit Lions) movements from offense to safeguard to train the CBs, which might be the power of WVU's security. Given the quality of QBs within the Big-12, WVU's gonna want its Secondary to be sharp!
Consistency: The inconsistency malicious program has reeked havoc over the Mountaineers for the previous four seasons. Even Geno Smith, who is thrown best 7 INTs in every of his closing seasons, has had a few unhealthy video games once a year the place he is thrown a couple of INTs and has even misplaced fumbles. Tavon Austin could also be great, however has dropped many a move in his fingers which might has been just right for 1st downs. (UNDERSTAND THAT LSU & Louisville ultimate 12 months)? Even the safety has gotten into the act, permitting 27 or extra pts six times, and permitting 21 or fewer pts six occasions. (Did somebody occur to note that Clemson scored 33 pts on WVU?) Which brings us to…
Uncharacteristic Losses: This factor in reality is going again to the Rodriguez era, wherein once a year WVU misplaced a minimum of one sport it do not have. In 2011 it was at house to Louisville. In 2010 it was at house to Syracuse and at UConn. 2009 was arguably fair, however they made up for it in 2008 dropping at Colorado, at house to Cincinnati, and at Pitt. Talking of the Panthers, dare I point out 2007, the place WVU additionally misplaced at S Florida? The Big-12 is loaded with groups from best to bottom, which will beat any staff on any given day. Did I occur to say IA St's house wins over Iowa and Top-10 ranked GOOD ENOUGH St? Did I additionally occur to say that WVU visits IA St this year, in addition to GOOD ENOUGH St, TX Tech, and Texas?
Big-12 Offenses: WVU's new safeguard will face a plethora of robust offenses that includes correct passers, fast receivers, and punishing flooring video games. The query is still even if WVU can resist the similar punishment week in and week out.
Baylor: OK, RGIII, Terrance Ganaway & Kendal Wright are long gone. That does not imply the cabinet is naked. QB, Nick Florence, won't have RGIII's mobility, however he is mentioned to be a extra correct passer, and he's going to have Tevin Reese, Lanear Sampson, and Terrance Williams (blended for 152 catches, 2406 yards, and 21 TDs) to throw to. The bottom recreation must do neatly in spite of Jarred Salubi & Glasco Martin now not having boasted numerous yardage in 2011. They did, however, boast FIFTY SEVEN. & SIXTY SEVEN. yards/carry respectively. So, the Bears could be capable.
IA St: Sr QB, Steele Jantz, sputtered into oblivion by mid-season, however was a drive towards IA; finishing nearly SIXTY EIGHT% of his passes for 279 yards & four TDs; no INTs. Whilst backup, Jared Barnet, took over, he confirmed his steel in 3 immediately wins, together with the win over ADEQUATE St. With veteran receivers returning (Josh Lenz & Aaron Horne), the prospective is definitely there for an additional dissatisfied in Ames.
Kansas: The Top-3 RBs & three of the Top-4 WRs (comprises Top-2) go back to assist QB, Jordan Webb, strengthen on is numbers from ultimate yr; which, for a sophomore, were not unhealthy. Upload the X-Factor, Charlie Weiss, to the equation, and who knows?
KS St: Whilst a QB like Coline Klein can go for over 1900 yards, and rush for over 1100 more, that is something. While his whole offensive line returns, he is complemented by returning scat-back, John Hubert (rushed for nearly ONE THOUSAND yards) and his 5 prime receivers additionally return, that spells bother for opposing defenses, particularly new ones. Talking of defense, ultimate 12 months they both performed smartly or bad on that aspect of the ball. This year, with all who is returning, they are anticipated to improve.
Oklahoma: Want I say extra? They boast an ancient report of 819-310-53 and seven Nationwide Championships; one in every of them belonging to HC, Bob Stoops, together with 7 Big-12 Championships. For the reason that Stoops took over his Sooners are 139-34. He might lose gamers to graduation, even suspensions, however this software does not rebuild; it reloads. In 2011, beginning QB, Landry Jones can have had an "off yr" (PROPER! Handiest handed for 4463 yards & 29 TDs.), and he will have misplaced of his easiest receivers (Ryan Broyles - NFL; Jaz Reynolds - discipline), however his 2nd best, Kenny Stills, returns, along side three very popular 4-star recruits in Trey Metoyer, Sterling Shepherd, and Durron Neal. AND, this does not come with a operating recreation that includes 600+ backyard gainers who each averaged FIFTY FIVE. yards/carry. They also have arguably the 2d easiest safeguard within the Big-12. And the ultimate time they performed the Mountaineers, WVU embarrassed them within the 2008 Fiesta bowl. For the reason that motivation issue alone, Morgantown should not be making ready for a customer. They need to get ready for an invasion.
OK St: The Cowboys is also with out Brandon Weeden & Justin Blackman, however backup QB, Clint Chelf were given in a few first rate enjoying time, together with a 200+ yd/2 TD attempt towards Kansas. To not mention, his Top-3 RBs return, together with 1200+ backyard & 24 TD gainer, Joseph Randal. As though that is not enough, WVU visits the Cowboys, whose venue is among the hardest puts to play on this u . s .. Do not believe me? Ask Georgia. Hell, ask the Sooners.
TCU: The Horned Frogs & Mountaineers have so much in commonplace. Each are Large 12 learners. Each function a powerful passing assault. 2011 marked Casey Pachall's first season as TCU's QB. His stats appeared eerily very similar to WVU's, Geno Smith, while he first took over for the Mountaineers. Not just do his most sensible three receivers go back (blended for 1850 yards, 17 TDs) however his best three rushers go back in addition. (EVERY won SEVEN-HUNDRED or extra yards in 2011.) Now for the unhealthy information: Offense hasn't ever been the mainstay for HC, Gary Patterson. His 109-30 file (comprises SEVENTY SEVEN wins over the past seven years; 5 greater than Bob Stoops within the comparable time period) is because of his safety. They even led the country in yards allowed/game for 3 consecutive years (2008, 2009 and 2010). OK, they took a step again ultimate season by permitting 351 yards/game (ranked 31). So did WVU among 2010 & 2011, however you higher consider Patterson may have his safeguard firing on all cylinders 2012. This is some other tid-bit for you. During the last 10 years TCU has successful information in opposition to each and every convention they faced, together with the SEC, store for one convention: the massive 12, the place the Horned Frogs are batting .500.
Texas: Want I say more…again? Texas: The very title instructions admire. The Longhorns have four Nationwide Championships. Their general file of 858-333-34 is Second most effective to Michigan in wins. On account that Mack Brown took over, they are 141-39 with Big-12 Championships, and a kind of Nationwide Championships. Well, this won't be their season, however you'll guess your Military beans they're going to have so much to mention as to whose season that is. The Longhorns at all times have skill and are all the time in a position to beating the most efficient. Simply take a look at the 5-win 2011 workforce that beat #FIVE Nebraska…in Lincoln! They're having QB issues, however their floor recreation is excellent. AND, their safeguard is the most productive within the convention. If WVU does not fall to the Longhorns in Austin on Oct 6th, it could possibly be the Mountaineers actually are ok to run the table.
TX Tech: Following the tip of the 2011 season, so much had been speaking approximately Boise St's, Kellen Extra; Clemson's, Tajh Boyd; Oklahoma's, Landry Jones; ADEQUATE St's, Brandon Weeden, Stanford's, Andrew Success; USC's, Matt Barkley; yes, WVU's, Geno Smith; even Houston's, Case Keenum. Few, if any, mentioned Tech's, Seth Doege, who quietly finished 68.5% of his passes for 4004 yards and 28 TDs (10 INTs). That is the similar QB who threw for 441 yards and four TD's in Norman. Not just does he return, however such a lot of his receivers do as well, together with his Top-4. Relax assured, Leach will not be on the helm, however Tommy Tuberville is and can have his Raiders (particularly the security) able to tackle any and all comers.
Synopsis: The Mountaineers offense is simply too tough for them to not win nearly all of their video games this season. (A susceptible non-conference time table may even assist that alongside). And with seven returning starters, the defense, in spite of the changes, will have to supplement the offense, as will advanced unique groups play. However this isn't the large East. With regards to each and every ballot within the historical past of mankind presentations six out of ten Big-12 groups ranked within the pre-season, together with WVU. That means, of the 12 groups WVU will face, 5 of them start nationally ranked. Instead of LSU, just one different group WVU confronted in 2011 completed ranked: Cincinnati. All the way through 2011, part the groups WVU confronted went to bowls, together with LSU's go back and forth to the Nationwide Championship. In 2012, WVU will face 7 groups from the massive 12 convention alone, which participated in bowl video games. This isn't a recipe for working the desk. WVU can simply lose as many as 5 common season video games in 2012. However, nine or 10 common season wins is simply as most probably. For a 1st 12 months within the Big-12, who may well ba distana far offte ashamed of that?
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