2010 WVU Football

[Homer Bailey]

Aren't too many WVU fans on here, but there are some, and some haters :cool:. Anyway, I didn't want to sidetrack the UC thread more than I already had, so I figured I'd start this.


Pat White (and Slaton before him) leaving obviously is going to sting, but its what you do to replace them both in terms of recruits and coaching them up. Rodriguez is the only one who would have been capable of doing that in Morgantown.

Stewart has brought them in, but the talent well is going to eventually dry up with Doc Holliday moving to Huntington. I don't think Holliday will have a massive impact at Marshall, but his loss will be felt in Morgantown, as Stewart is pretty much the equivalent of "The Emperor without any Clothes".


Jarret Brown replaced White last year, and he was an RR guy, and a 5th year senior. Otherwise, RR left the QB cupboard bare. Stewart has brought in 3 4* QB's in two recruiting classes, including this year's starter Geno Smith. He's probably WVU's most highly regarded QB recruit of the last 20 years (PW was not that highly regarded coming out of HS).

Slaton was replaced by Devine (an RR recruit), and Devine looks to be replaced by Tavon Austin, a 5* out of Maryland. WVU has GOT to get this guy more touches this year, as he is truly lightning in a bottle.

YouTube - Tavon Austin 2nd College TD 10 24 09 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO7l0f6b4X0)

My point is, on paper, Stewart has replaced most of the offensive talent (he has brought in many talented WR recruits as well). How well he can coach them and get the most out of them, is of course the question.

The biggest issue for me is the offensive line. It was incredibly bad last year, and basically the same line is back this year. Are they a year stronger and better? Or are they simply a mediocre group. Time will tell. I'm starting to get really excited about football season. Hopefully the refs don't rob us of our biggest game of the year again this year!

[Slyder]

We shall see what he does on the field with this talent. I am still of the opinion that Stu would be better out on the recruiting trail and leave the field stuff for everyone else. He would be great talking with the recruits and their parents but he's just awful when it comes to game day. Before you read the rest just note I have zero, nada, nil, nein, zilch, absolutely no faith in Mullen's abillities to improve on last year. And I have slightly more faith in the playcalling abilities of said OC.

If I had to predict right now:
Spitt wins the Big East

Looking at WVU's schedule...
Coastal Carolina: If we dont win by 30 the entire offensive staff should be fired/resign immediately.
@Marshall: Thank You Gov Joe for this worldwide waste of a game. WVU Struggles just like the last couple years but Marshall runs out of gas WVU streaks to the finish (WVU by 14 2-0) give Holliday time Herd fans.
Maryland: One of the rivalries is back... The King Turtle is in the pressure cooker, does he have an escape plan? My guess is no. Games a lot closer than it probably should be with a young QB and an idiot for an OC. WVU wins by 10.
@LSU: One word describes this if we arent 1000% ready... U-g-l-y. LSU by 20 if theyre nice. (WVU 3-1)
UNLV: Soft part of the schedule, get to lick our wounds... I hope. (WVU by 28 4-1)
USF: UPSET SPECIAL RIGHT HERE. They replace a guy who had WVU's number with a guy very capable or recreating his success and now has Florida recruits at his beck and call IM SCARED. Skip shows Mountaineer Field what a real d1 coach looks like meanwhile running circles around Stew and the offense.(USF wins by 10 4-2; 0-1 big east)
Syracuse: Theyre Sorrycuse. (WVU wins by 30 5-2; 1-1 big east)
@UConn: They have been a bit of a thorn in the side of Stu, took a 52 yd scamper by Divine to bail us out last year. I think it will be close again. (WVU wins by 4 6-2; 2-1 Big East)
Cincinnati: This game being at home could be the difference, Cincinnati is not going to be the same they were last year. They need to really be hitting to have any chance of repeating as Big East Champions. Although they like USF got a really good midmajor coach who was a RR assistant at one time (maybe Nehlen) and runs a similar package as RR. Omitting this one just because I have really no idea what to expect and the board were on.

@Louisville: Last year took a Herculean effort by our defensive line to keep Louisville out of the end zone because our offense was just that bad. Games at Louisville, I expect it to be just as bad. Louisville wins by 8 (WVU 6-3; 2-2 big east with any bcs hope GONE)

@sPitt: sPitt gets bit as Wannstedt has his one game this season that leaves you thinking WTF? (WVU wins by 3 7-3; 3-2 Big East)

Rutgers: Schiano has brought Rutgers a long way but until they actually beat WVU I'm not picking it. (WVU wins by 12 8-3; 4-2 Big East)

Looks like Gator Bowl again for the Mou... oh wait thats right we lost that bowl bid because the conference can't get anyone actually travel to the game besides WVU. WVU goes to the Dang Yankee Bowl (sPitt takes BcS and Champ Sports takes USF)... Where we will play probably some crap tastic mid major like Temple, UCF, or Nevada and struggle to beat one of the little sisters on national tv as the Big 12 is lucky to have 7 teams let alone have 7 teams qualify for bowls.

There will be those that just look at the total number of wins and salute job well done and make excuses. Then there will be those like me who will want to break stuff as we will look HORRIBLE throughout the season as a whole and barely escape a bunch of games we should THROTTLE opponents in and probably be largely ignored as we decend back to Nehlen ball (Bunch of cupcake wins and no real resume).

ESPN doesnt care as we are still one of the bigger cash cows there is not named Texas, USC, or (insert Fla School here).

[Slyder]

I'm starting to get really excited about football season. Hopefully the refs don't rob us of our biggest game of the year again this year!

The Refs didnt shut us down the entire 2nd half... we did that ourselves. We were actually lucky our d kept us in that game to the end.

[will5979]

10-2 (losses to LSU and USF), bookmarkit, and we finally return to OUR rightful place as Big East Champs with a BCS bid that looks good for the conference, thats right UC fans, we don't let the Big East down in our BCS games, we win em', in good fashion!

[Boston Red]

Looking at WVU's schedule...
Coastal Carolina: If we dont win by 30 the entire offensive staff should be fired/resign immediately.
@Marshall: Thank You Gov Joe for this worldwide waste of a game.

This is a funny contrast. WV schedules Coastal Carolina, but it's the Marshall game that's a waste. Amusing.

And WV should handle Louisville this year. Unless WV is pretty bad.

[Slyder]

This is a funny contrast. WV schedules Coastal Carolina, but it's the Marshall game that's a waste. Amusing.

And WV should handle Louisville this year. Unless WV is pretty bad.

Just because I dont say it in my description doesnt mean I don't think Co. Carolina isnt a joke because I do believe it is. But every school almost schedules that really really bad D1 team or a D1AA/D2 team for a quick payday to start the year.

And I take nothing for granted for the Louisville game when I look back at...

http://www.bigeast.org/fls/19400/stats/football/2009/flouwvu.htm

17-9 final. Where we lost TOP, total yds, and took a 5 sack day from our d to keep us in front of a 4 win Louisville. This is what happens when you have an awful Offensive Cordinator like we have, an awful special teams coverage, and an underperforming offensive unit.

[Degenerate39]

Who's starting QB this year for WVU?

[Slyder]

Who's starting QB this year for WVU?

Most of the pundits say its going to be Geno Smith. Pat's brother is in the mix but Geno's the more polished passer at this point, both are really athletic.

[marcshoe]

I'm nervous about the coming season. Very nervous. I've lost all faith in Stewart.

[will5979]

I'm nervous about the coming season. Very nervous. I've lost all faith in Stewart.

I'm more nervous about the upcoming sanctions that are going to be imposed rather than this upcoming season, 10 wins is likely this year and all us WVU fans can definitely live with that!

[Degenerate39]

Noel Devine is going to have a huge year. Mark it down

[WVRed]

I'm more nervous about the upcoming sanctions that are going to be imposed rather than this upcoming season, 10 wins is likely this year and all us WVU fans can definitely live with that!

10 is extremely optimistic, especially with a new QB. I'm going with either 9-3 or 8-4. WVU will drop a game to either Louisville or Pitt and the swing game IMO will be Cincinnati. Knowing Stewart, it wouldn't shock me if they lost all of those games and finished at 7-5.

[marcshoe]

Pitt could be very good this year. What I'm worried most about, though, is that the offense won't execute. When the sanctions come, I hope Stewart steps down. I have no doubt that Luck will use a little more care in selecting the next coach, and I wonder if he isn't impatient for the opportunity.

[Homer Bailey]

10 is extremely optimistic, especially with a new QB. I'm going with either 9-3 or 8-4. WVU will drop a game to either Louisville or Pitt and the swing game IMO will be Cincinnati. Knowing Stewart, it wouldn't shock me if they lost all of those games and finished at 7-5.

19 starters back from a 9 win team? 10 is very realistic. WVU will not miss Jarrett Brown at all. I'm not worried about the transition at QB because JB was a problem last year, and Geno has a ton of upside. Offensive line is the only major concern.

[WVRed]

19 starters back from a 9 win team? 10 is very realistic. WVU will not miss Jarrett Brown at all. I'm not worried about the transition at QB because JB was a problem last year, and Geno has a ton of upside. Offensive line is the only major concern.

I say its optimistic because Stewart is still the coach.

If WVU sticks to the ground game and let Noel Devine and Tavon Austin carry them, 10 wins is possible. If Stewart decides to spread the wealth and get away from the gameplan (Gator Bowl), WVU could lose a couple more than they should.

[Homer Bailey]

I say its optimistic because Stewart is still the coach.

If WVU sticks to the ground game and let Noel Devine and Tavon Austin carry them, 10 wins is possible. If Stewart decides to spread the wealth and get away from the gameplan (Gator Bowl), WVU could lose a couple more than they should.

Stew has said that he's going to back to a more conservative offense this year. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm hoping it means lots of running the football.

[REDSEER]

The only reason that I worry about Geno is that he isn't as mobile as Jarrett was. Just think of all of the times that Brown escaped trouble in the pocket and made a play with his legs. I understand that Geno is somewhat mobile as well, but I get the feeling from Stewart's comments early in fall camp that Geno will not be Brown running the football.

The offensive line will have to perform much, much better this year to secure a 10-win season.

[marcshoe]

and now there's evidence that WVU wore light pads in practices earlier than allowed, both this year and last.

[will5979]

and now there's evidence that WVU wore light pads in practices earlier than allowed, both this year and last.

What is this Mickey Mouse stuff, what is it about the NCAA getting on to school's athletic programs for PRACTING??? Heaven Forbid.

[WVRed]

What is this Mickey Mouse stuff, what is it about the NCAA getting on to school's athletic programs for PRACTING??? Heaven Forbid.

YouTube - Allen Iverson talks about PRACTICE. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frsId3goYYE)

[WVRed]

Article regarding the WVU-Marshall series continuing:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5477716

I wish there was a central place in the state that the game could be held and accomodate the fans from both schools instead of constantly fighting over venue.

At the same time though, I am hoping the series does not get renewed. I'd rather WVU and Marshall meet in the St Petersburg Bowl (wouldn't surprise me if that happened sometime) and for Marshall to win. Then when WVU calls wanting to renew the series, tell them "Thanks but no thanks". :)

[RedsBaron]

Since WVU will not agree to a home-and-home series with Marshall I would prefer for the series to end. As the article pointed out, WVU has had home-and-home arrangements with East Carolina, which is in the same conference as Marshall.

[reds1869]

Since WVU will not agree to a home-and-home series with Marshall I would prefer for the series to end. As the article pointed out, WVU has had home-and-home arrangements with East carolina, which is in the same conference as Marshall.

This. Any legitimacy to the "smaller conference" argument about 1-1 goes out the window when you play a team from Marshall's own division.

[Slyder]

This. Any legitimacy to the "smaller conference" argument about 1-1 goes out the window when you play a team from Marshall's own division.

East Carolina and WVU have been playing for 20+ years. Marshall and WVU have not. East Carolina just invested into a big renovation and expansion in their football program that puts (in terms of seating) near Mountaineer Field. Joan C. Edwards stadium holds 37k. Comparing Marshall and ECU in terms of financial gain is a joke.

WVU and ECU has played 17 times since 1985. 10 times in Morgantown, 6 times in North Carolina. That would be 10 to 5 if you dont count 1986 as being the return trip for the games in 1981-1982. Which means you guessed it for 25 years WVU and ECU have been playing 2 for 1s.

[reds1869]

East Carolina and WVU have been playing for 20+ years. Marshall and WVU have not. East Carolina just invested into a big renovation and expansion in their football program that puts (in terms of seating) near Mountaineer Field. Joan C. Edwards stadium holds 37k. Comparing Marshall and ECU in terms of financial gain is a joke.

WVU and ECU has played 17 times since 1985. 10 times in Morgantown, 6 times in North Carolina. That would be 10 to 5 if you dont count 1986 as being the return trip for the games in 1981-1982. Which means you guessed it for 25 years WVU and ECU have been playing 2 for 1s.

And suddenly I remember why I don't try to debate WVU fans. The Dave Poe school of thinking reigns supreme among the Eers fan base.

[WVRed]

This. Any legitimacy to the "smaller conference" argument about 1-1 goes out the window when you play a team from Marshall's own division.

Problem is, ECU and Marshall are two different teams. Since the GMAC bowl game, ECU has taken off and become the class of C-USA while Marshall never really adapted.

At least Marshall has beaten ECU once. :)

[reds1869]

Problem is, ECU and Marshall are two different teams. Since the GMAC bowl game, ECU has taken off and become the class of C-USA while Marshall never really adapted.

At least Marshall has beaten ECU once. :)

Marshall was set back badly by probation. People really underestimated the impact those lost scholarships would have. And then, we hired Mark Snyder. :D

Things are changing quickly in Huntington. The past several days have seen some changes Herd fans have been clamoring for, all at the direction of AD Mike Hamrick: no more Country Roads, the removal of the "Band Lady" as announcer, a new Marco costume, the adoption of kelly green by the entire athletic department and much more. The stadium renovations of this summer will surprise a lot of WVU fans who haven't seen Huntington since the last WVU-MU game there.

[Slyder]

And suddenly I remember why I don't try to debate WVU fans. The Dave Poe school of thinking reigns supreme among the Eers fan base.

Distance:
Marshall: 206 miles 3:15
Greenville: 480 miles 8 hours

There is a HUGE base of alumni in Charolotte area for WVU. They use this game as a means to reach that base. Anyone from Huntington can travel up to Morgantown for any game they choose.

Marshall has no room for any sort of expansion in the current stadium and no where to add on to it because of the design of it. Its stuck in a division IAA sized stadium playing IA football.

East Carolina played for years on 2 for 1 games with WVU. Now they have shown they are spending the money neccessary to upgrade so they could have a position to get 1 for 1 with WVU. East Carolina is constantly on the short list of possibilities if the football schools ever get the balls to expand. Just because the two schools are in the same conference means nothing when you look at the other issues with scheduling.

[WVRed]

Marshall was set back badly by probation. People really underestimated the impact those lost scholarships would have. And then, we hired Mark Snyder. :D

Things are changing quickly in Huntington. The past several days have seen some changes Herd fans have been clamoring for, all at the direction of AD Mike Hamrick: no more Country Roads, the removal of the "Band Lady" as announcer, a new Marco costume, the adoption of kelly green by the entire athletic department and much more. The stadium renovations of this summer will surprise a lot of WVU fans who haven't seen Huntington since the last WVU-MU game there.

I'm guessing the Dave Poe you are referring to is the one from the Parkersburg News & Sentinel.

No matter what improvements Marshall makes, it isn't going to matter. Until Marshall wins (and likely even after that), WVU is going to perceive Marshall the same way that many of WVU's supposed "rivals" view them, secondary.

[Slyder]

2009 CUSA Attendance numbers
No. School Avg. Attendance
1. East Carolina 41,742
2. UCF 38,078
3. Southern Miss 30,696
4. UTEP 29,010
5. Memphis 25,795
6. Houston 25,242
7. Tulane 25,147
8. Tulsa 22,502
9. Marshall 22,236
10. SMU 21,348
11. UAB 17,987
12. Rice 13,552

41k would be a new highest attendance for Marshall at their current stadium.

[RedsBaron]

Marshall has no room for any sort of expansion in the current stadium and no where to add on to it because of the design of it. Its stuck in a division IAA sized stadium playing IA football.


While WVU fans have made some decent point on this thread (for example I checked online and confirmed that its series with East Carolina has largely been on a 2 for 1 basis), that statement seems to be incorrect. I can recall friends in the construction and architectural trades that previously told me that the stadium was designed for expansion. I do know the stadium has been expanded from its original 30,000 seats to 38,000 (a client of mine did the expansion work). An online search I did a few minutes ago found articles indicating that the stadium was designed to be expanded to either 50,000 or 55,000 seats.
That does not of course mean that MU will obtain funding for such an expansion, and, yes, MU generally hasn't drawn that well in recent years, but the losing seasons posted by the Mark Snyder regime didn't help.

[Homer Bailey]

I certainly don't want to spend too much of my time debating the Marshall-WVU series, but please don't compare it to the ECU series. WVU also schedules that game for recruiting purposes, as well as many of other reasons already listed.

[Slyder]

I said it before and I'll say it again there is no excuses for letting Coastal Carolina to stay within 30 of us. If we do not beat CC by AT LEAST 30 the entire offensive staff ought to resign immediately.

[will5979]

I said it before and I'll say it again there is no excuses for letting Coastal Carolina to stay within 30 of us. If we do not beat CC by AT LEAST 30 the entire offensive staff ought to resign immediately.

Honestly I'm watching the game until 4:10, then I switching to what really matters, the Fox baseball game of the week!

[Boston Red]

I'm a fan of neither Marshall nor WV, but re: the Marshall/WV series, it's too bad it couldn't have been worked out in time for the Marshall golden years in the late '90s/early 2000s. Those games would have been fun for me, as a neutral observer, to have watched.

Marshall has fallen off a cliff for now, though, so there is no reason for anyone without a dog in the fight (or money on the game) to watch. Which is too bad.

[Homer Bailey]

I didn't get to watch today as I was at the ND game, and working under the assumption that it would be available on demand on espn3.com, but of course it isn't. Only thing I want to know about is the O-Line. I've heard it was not good, and by looking at the stat sheet, I'm guessing that is accurate. Anyone got a report?

[reds1869]

Judging from the opening week, you WVU fans don't have too much to worry about against us on Friday. The Herd looked completely lost and mentally unprepared.

There, hopefully I jinxed you!

[Homer Bailey]

Judging from the opening week, you WVU fans don't have too much to worry about against us on Friday. The Herd looked completely lost and mentally unprepared.

There, hopefully I jinxed you!

From what I read about the WVU game, we have every reason to be worried. Offensive line was my only concern going into this year, and it sounds like we've made zero improvements. If Noel Devine is averaging 4 yards a carry vs. Coastal Carolina, then something is very very wrong.

[Slyder]

From what I read about the WVU game, we have every reason to be worried. Offensive line was my only concern going into this year, and it sounds like we've made zero improvements. If Noel Devine is averaging 4 yards a carry vs. Coastal Carolina, then something is very very wrong.

Jeff Mullen wasnt a good OC at Wake, he hasnt been even average here, what makes you think he's going to suddenly improve? The dudes be HORRENDOUS with the weapons WVU has had.

[WVRed]

Judging from the opening week, you WVU fans don't have too much to worry about against us on Friday. The Herd looked completely lost and mentally unprepared.

There, hopefully I jinxed you!

I think this game will be closer than a lot of WVU fans want to believe.

1. The game is in Huntington. WVU fans would be wise to stay at home.

2. Doc Holliday knows the WVU players and their strengths and weaknesses. This would be the perfect game to plan against.

In the end, I think WVU pulls it out in the second half, but like every other game in this series, 3/4 of the state will be on the edge of their seats at halftime. Marshall will run out of gas and WVU will cruise in the second half.

That being said, this is the most winnable game for Marshall of the entire Friends of Coal Bowl series. If Marshall doesn't do it this season, it probably will not be done unless the two meet in a bowl bid sometime in the future.

[Homer Bailey]

I think this game will be closer than a lot of WVU fans want to believe.

1. The game is in Huntington. WVU fans would be wise to stay at home.

2. Doc Holliday knows the WVU players and their strengths and weaknesses. This would be the perfect game to plan against.

In the end, I think WVU pulls it out in the second half, but like every other game in this series, 3/4 of the state will be on the edge of their seats at halftime. Marshall will run out of gas and WVU will cruise in the second half.

That being said, this is the most winnable game for Marshall of the entire Friends of Coal Bowl series. If Marshall doesn't do it this season, it probably will not be done unless the two meet in a bowl bid sometime in the future.

I don't disagree with anything here, except I can promise you there will PLENTY of gold in the stands on Friday night.

[Homer Bailey]

I have no idea if Stew is going to donate this game tonight or not, but I do know that under 47 points is a lock.

[Homer Bailey]

Sigh. The Coal Bowl has been extended.


Although the configuration of games in the 10-year extension hasn’t been announced, sources with knowledge of the negotiations say it will be a pair of one-for-ones followed by a pair of two-for-ones.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/breaking/x1932551868/Gov-Manchin-announces-Friends-of-Coal-Bowl-extension

[WVRed]

I have no idea if Stew is going to donate this game tonight or not, but I do know that under 47 points is a lock.

From what I've read WVU is only favored by a FG.

IF Marshall does the unthinkable tonight, wonder how much Stewarts job security will take a hit?

[Slyder]

From what I've read WVU is only favored by a FG.

IF Marshall does the unthinkable tonight, wonder how much Stewarts job security will take a hit?

New Year, Same story so far. Just like the last two years Marshall outplays and outcoaches WVU in the first half. Will they be able to wear Marshall out? For Stew's sake I hope so.

And If our esteemed government had anything to do with this **** game being extended they need kicked out for ignoring REAL problems.

I am seriously considering changing my signature.

[Slyder]

I wish to take back my prediction of 9 wins. We'll be lucky to get to 8.

Out of the Question:
@LSU
USF
Pitt
Cincy

Home Field Bailout:
Maryland
Syracuse
UNLV

Toss Up:
Rutgers (at end of the year with a staff minus Stu or Stu's last game)
@UConn
@Louisville

[marcshoe]

I wouldn't be surprised if Stew beats the rush and announces after this game that he'll be stepping down at the end of the year.

Even if they pull this out.

[Slyder]

I wouldn't be surprised if Stew beats the rush and announces after this game that he'll be stepping down at the end of the year.

Even if they pull this out.

No, No, No, NO!!! This guy is NOT Don Nehlen he should NOT get to pick his time, he should be thrown out for the complete waste of time his tenure has been for WVU fans. He has been a revisit to the last half of the Don Nehlen era where he feasted on cupcakes got fat and lazy and lost to anyone with a bit of talent (FSU comes to mind).

[Slyder]

Stu Must Go.
I like Geno!

[marcshoe]

Glad to see you don't have any strong feelings on this. :)

That they pulled it out shouldn't change Stewart's fate. The lack of preparation for this game was ridiculous. Should have been a blowout.

[Slyder]

Marshall Choked its as simple as that. They went to the prevent too early and went away from what was working and that was getting helmets in Geno's face. They dropped off and Geno showed why he was so highly sought after out of high school.

Stu must Go.
I (man) love Geno!

[WVRed]

Marshall Choked its as simple as that. They went to the prevent too early and went away from what was working and that was getting helmets in Geno's face. They dropped off and Geno showed why he was so highly sought after out of high school.

Stu must Go.
I (man) love Geno!

I wish after Marshall recovered the ball and got into first and goal they would have thrown conventional wisdom out the window and kicked the FG right then. Score would have been 24-6 and the pressure would have been on WVU to score 3 TD's (or 2 TD, 1 conv, and 1 FG to tie) instead of 2.

One thing is for sure after watching this game, WVU is going to lose some games this year. I don't think Marshall choked as much as they simply ran out of gas. Schools with more depth and better talent will be able to hold onto leads.

Doesn't help that Doc Holliday coached at WVU last year and knew what the most predictable coach in college football was going to call either.

[reds1869]

I am still reeling after last night. Congrats to the Eer fans; that was a great finish.

[Boston Red]

For the WV fans, I would look to the wisdom of the late, great Skip Prosser. On the road, all he wanted was to "get in, get a win, and get out". So not exactly impressive, but mission accomplished.

[WVRed]

Saw these on facebook, "proof that Marshall cheats":

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs633.snc4/59361_10150256584420621_692900620_14748232_3224196 _n.jpg

And the idiot who ran out onto the field:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs660.snc4/59991_10150256584235621_692900620_14748230_498426_ n.jpg

[RedsBaron]

I wish after Marshall recovered the ball and got into first and goal they would have thrown conventional wisdom out the window and kicked the FG right then. Score would have been 24-6 and the pressure would have been on WVU to score 3 TD's (or 2 TD, 1 conv, and 1 FG to tie) instead of 2.

One thing is for sure after watching this game, WVU is going to lose some games this year. I don't think Marshall choked as much as they simply ran out of gas. Schools with more depth and better talent will be able to hold onto leads.

Doesn't help that Doc Holliday coached at WVU last year and knew what the most predictable coach in college football was going to call either.

I wouldn't have kicked a FG on first down but I wouldn't have given the ball to a freshman "scatback" like Tron Martinez either. At that time holding on to the football was the most impotant task the runningback had and I would not have entrusted that job to a relatively small, freshman runner. Holliday defended Martinez, and the decision, and I understand that, but he shouldn't have made that decision IMO.

[WVRed]

I wouldn't have kicked a FG on first down but I wouldn't have given the ball to a freshman "scatback" like Tron Martinez either. At that time holding on to the football was the most impotant task the runningback had and I would not have entrusted that job to a relatively small, freshman runner. Holliday defended Martinez, and the decision, and I understand that, but he shouldn't have made that decision IMO.

FG would have been perfect. Instead of trying to run up the score, tack on three more points, keep WVU's momentum down, and make them score three touchdowns instead of two to get the victory. It took them up to the 12 second mark just to tie it, so the desperation would have been even more extreme.

Out of curiosity, is there any good WVU message boards? I saw the scout.com message board (BlueGoldNews.com) and its pretty much the standard of every Rivals or Scout board out there, the quality level of discussion is generally lacking. One Marshall poster posted on there with a pretty decent post about the game even commending WVU and was eaten alive.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=159&f=2508&t=6349901&p=1

[reds1869]

Out of curiosity, is there any good WVU message boards? I saw the scout.com message board (BlueGoldNews.com) and its pretty much the standard of every Rivals or Scout board out there, the quality level of discussion is generally lacking. One Marshall poster posted on there with a pretty decent post about the game even commending WVU and was eaten alive.

http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=159&f=2508&t=6349901&p=1

Wow, that was pretty brutal. Reading most other message boards makes me thankful for Reds Zone.

[Homer Bailey]

The scout WVU board is comically bad.

Don't have a lot to say about the game other than that it was pretty embarassing. Amazing comeback, but there is no way WVU should have EVER been in that situation. Stewart is an absolute joke.

[RedsBaron]

FG would have been perfect. Instead of trying to run up the score, tack on three more points, keep WVU's momentum down, and make them score three touchdowns instead of two to get the victory. It took them up to the 12 second mark just to tie it, so the desperation would have been even more extreme.


Kick the FG on fourth down, not first down. If MU had done that the Herd could've burned another minute or two off of the clock. A field goal would have put Marshall up by more than two scores, 24-6.
I understand why Holliday wants to defend and protect Martinez, and fumbles happen. I just think that in that situation you do not give the ball to a relatively small freshman running back.

[Slyder]

The scout WVU board is comically bad.

Don't have a lot to say about the game other than that it was pretty embarassing. Amazing comeback, but there is no way WVU should have EVER been in that situation. Stewart is an absolute joke.

Ya raise concerns about ANYTHING about Stu and they want to revoke your fandom. Anytime anything big is breaking I'll check in on it but otherwise I hardly go there. If youre not "a win is a win regardless how bad we look" fan dont bother going to the scout board.

Its not just about one game for me. We have seen replays of the game too many times against inferior teams for me to stomach this coaching staff any longer. The defense at least USUALLY holds up its end of the bargain and is why we havent lost near as many games as we arguably should have.

[WVRed]

Ya raise concerns about ANYTHING about Stu and they want to revoke your fandom. Anytime anything big is breaking I'll check in on it but otherwise I hardly go there. If youre not "a win is a win regardless how bad we look" fan dont bother going to the scout board.

Its not just about one game for me. We have seen replays of the game too many times against inferior teams for me to stomach this coaching staff any longer. The defense at least USUALLY holds up its end of the bargain and is why we havent lost near as many games as we arguably should have.

Which brings me back to my original question:

Is there any good WVU message boards? :)

[will5979]

Which brings me back to my original question:

Is there any good WVU message boards? :)

Does this one count?

[WVRed]

Does this one count?

Good seasonal thread with about 4 WVU fans posting in it (you, HB, tixe, and Slyder). Thats about it though.

[reds1869]

Good seasonal thread with about 4 WVU fans posting in it (you, HB, tixe, and Slyder). Thats about it though.

Reds Zone often has better threads about football, soccer, hockey, etc. than boards dedicated to those sports. I can't stand WVU but I enjoy discussing the Eers with the folks here. Homer et al are fun and rational, even when they tick me off.

[Homer Bailey]

I'm yet to find a good WVU board, which is actually a pretty good microchasm into the WVU fanbasee as a whole. Then again, I compare that board to this one, which is about as broad of a spectrum as one can imagine.

I'm actually randomly headed to Morgantown for the Maryland game this weekend, and Baton Rouge next weekend for the LSU game. Wouldn't be surprised if WVU dropped both of them. I like the under again for this Maryland game.

[will5979]

I'm yet to find a good WVU board, which is actually a pretty good microchasm into the WVU fanbasee as a whole. Then again, I compare that board to this one, which is about as broad of a spectrum as one can imagine.

I'm actually randomly headed to Morgantown for the Maryland game this weekend, and Baton Rouge next weekend for the LSU game. Wouldn't be surprised if WVU dropped both of them. I like the under again for this Maryland game.

Call me a homer or dumb but I feel that we'll beat Maryland and of course lose to LSU. Call it a hunch, 31-17.

Next weekend vs. LSU 38-20

[will5979]

Reds Zone often has better threads about football, soccer, hockey, etc. than boards dedicated to those sports. I can't stand WVU but I enjoy discussing the Eers with the folks here. Homer et al are fun and rational, even when they tick me off.

I enjoy posting about WVU here more than anywhere even though there are just a handful of fans. 1. If we really tick each other of we are all still Reds fans, and the Reds are #1 on my totem poll of favorite teams, so sorry WVU but the Reds trump you.

B. If you try going to a WVU board and bash ole' coach Barney Fife you get crucified...Stewart knows what he's doing, he is a good man, he is better than Rich Rod, blah-blah-blah!!!

[reds1869]

I enjoy posting about WVU here more than anywhere even though there are just a handful of fans. 1. If we really tick each other of we are all still Reds fans, and the Reds are #1 on my totem poll of favorite teams, so sorry WVU but the Reds trump you.


I feel the same way. I'm Marshall born and bred and have a graduate degree from Xavier. I love both of my schools but the Reds dominate my sports world. In the end, my love of the Reds trumps that for all other sports teams.

[WVRed]

I enjoy posting about WVU here more than anywhere even though there are just a handful of fans. 1. If we really tick each other of we are all still Reds fans, and the Reds are #1 on my totem poll of favorite teams, so sorry WVU but the Reds trump you.

B. If you try going to a WVU board and bash ole' coach Barney Fife you get crucified...Stewart knows what he's doing, he is a good man, he is better than Rich Rod, blah-blah-blah!!!

To a lesser extent, I see your point, but something to keep in mind:

If you are posting on a website like Scout.com or Rivals, recruits tend to read those websites. They want to portray the image that they support the coach because otherwise, the program would suffer. You pretty much have to be a full on homer to post there and that likely applies to any college message board.

I know I had my fill of it toward the latter years of Orlando Tubby Smith at Kentucky.

[marcshoe]

I'm yet to find a good WVU board, which is actually a pretty good microchasm into the WVU fanbasee as a whole. Then again, I compare that board to this one, which is about as broad of a spectrum as one can imagine.

I'm actually randomly headed to Morgantown for the Maryland game this weekend, and Baton Rouge next weekend for the LSU game. Wouldn't be surprised if WVU dropped both of them. I like the under again for this Maryland game.


I just got a call from by brother in law that he had won two tickets to the game tomorrow, so we're heading up in the morning. This might be an indicator game; we'll see. After last week, I am at least looking forward to getting a look at Geno.

[Boston Red]

Always nice to beat Maryland, but WV should consider playing a whole game and not just half of one next week in Baton Rouge.

Maybe they're working their way up to playing a full game. Played about 10 minutes last week, 30 minutes this week and hopefully 60 minutes next week.

[marcshoe]

I liked it that they didn't completely cave after they gave up the second half points. They made a ton of mistakes (it was idiotic for Jock Sanders to throw that pass while he was being tackled, for instance,) but the defense stepped up in the end. I was pretty impressed with Geno Smith, even though many of the completions were more on the receivers (yeoman's job by Steadman Bailey) than on him, simply because he had the confidence to throw the ball when he needed to instead of prematurely tucking and running. I think he's going to be a good one.

On the whole, a fun game. Well, except for the sunburn I'm treating right now. Next week will likely be another story, but this one gives me a little more hope for a decent season.

[will5979]

Always nice to beat Maryland, but WV should consider playing a whole game and not just half of one next week in Baton Rouge.

Maybe they're working their way up to playing a full game. Played about 10 minutes last week, 30 minutes this week and hopefully 60 minutes next week.

Sure seems that way don't it?!

Oh well we are 3-0 and hopefully the Big East title is coming back home where it should be in Mo-Town this year...I'm sick of pretenders (you know who you are!) NOT representing the Big East well in their BCS games!

[marcshoe]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v710/marcshoe/img_0355.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v710/marcshoe/img_0348.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v710/marcshoe/img_0347.jpg

[will5979]

Geez you can tell there are a lot of Reds fan that are WVU supporters, look at all those damn empty seats in the stadium, just like GABP that is embarassing. The only reason I didn't go yesterday was I had to work. :thumbdown

[reds1869]

Geez you can tell there are a lot of Reds fan that are WVU supporters, look at all those damn empty seats in the stadium, just like GABP that is embarassing. The only reason I didn't go yesterday was I had to work. :thumbdown

I was shocked by the empty seats. I grew up in WV and, even though I'm a Herd guy, attended plenty of games in Morgantown. I can't believe how poor the attendance was; it has not been like that in the past.

[Boston Red]

Especially shocking for a Maryland game. I thought that was a big rival?

[marcshoe]

If the empty seats thing's coming from the picture with the band on the field, that was pre-game. Those seats almost all filled up when the game started.

Attendance was 60,122. Seating capacity is officially 60,000.

[Homer Bailey]

Attendance was not poor at all yesterday. Typical student section exit after halftime, but every other seat was filled.

[marcshoe]

Friedgen thought there were plenty of fans there as well. There was a fun series toward the end of the first half where the crowd noise bothered Maryland to the point that a series of false start and delay of game penalties backed them up almost to the goal line.

The fans in the section I was sitting in were wild and loud, mostly in a good way.

[Homer Bailey]

Tixe,

I think you are referring to their first drive. That was one of the coolest experiences I've had at MF recently. The crowd absolutely would not allow the offense to get a snap off. It was incredible. I haven't heard the stadium that loud since White's run with 2 minutes left vs. UL in 2007.

[marcshoe]

It may be; my brain's scrambled. That makes sense when I think about it, with WVU scoring quickly to open the game, then holding Maryland and scoring again.

[reds1869]

If the empty seats thing's coming from the picture with the band on the field, that was pre-game. Those seats almost all filled up when the game started.

Attendance was 60,122. Seating capacity is officially 60,000.

That makes sense. It kind of surprises me though, as there was a time when the joint was packed and rockin' during the band's pregame.

[will5979]

as there was a time when the joint was packed and rockin' during the band's pregame.

Well 3 major things happened that changed the atmosphere...

1. Virginia Tech is no longer on our schedule...I still love going to a Mountaineer game on Saturday in Mo-Town but trust me the atomsphere was at its finest when the Hokies were in town. I guess I just miss the old Big East, especially that Virginia Tech rivalry, that was our best rivalry hands down!

2. They don't sell beer there anymore, which I'm pretty sure they don't sell beer at ANY college football game anymore.

3. Coach Good Golly Gee Barney Fiffe Stewart wants us to clean up our image and be respectable "lads." Granted that is great for the real world but at Mountaineer Field I'm one of those fans that takes great pride in being an sob to the opposing team (especially a rival)! It adds to the luster and lore of Mountaineer Field being a hostile environment where people hate coming to, except WVU fans of course!

[reds1869]

2. They don't sell beer there anymore, which I'm pretty sure they don't sell beer at ANY college football game anymore.


UC sells beer at Nippert and I know from this past weekend that Bowling Green sells beer at Doyt Perry. Xavier sells beer at home hoops games. It is probably more common than you think to sell beer in a college stadium.

I agree with your other points. As a Herd fan I hate playing in Morgantown. Your fans give the Eers a tremendous homefield advantage.

[WVRed]

Well 3 major things happened that changed the atmosphere...

3. Coach Good Golly Gee Barney Fiffe Stewart wants us to clean up our image and be respectable "lads." Granted that is great for the real world but at Mountaineer Field I'm one of those fans that takes great pride in being an sob to the opposing team (especially a rival)! It adds to the luster and lore of Mountaineer Field being a hostile environment where people hate coming to, except WVU fans of course!

This is my main contention with WVU fans. Don't get me wrong I have met some good knowledgable fans while living in Parkersburg, and even on this board. The older fans get it, but the younger fans, especially the current students have made WVU what it is. I think the Rich Rodriguez era has given WVU fans a general sense of cockiness when the closest they have ever came to a NCAA title game was sniffed out the last week of the season by Pitt.

My girlfriends sister currently attends WVU. I went over for dinner one night and her dad brought up how WVU was rated having the rudest fans in the Big East. Her response was "At least we are number one at something!".

The Coliseum and Milan Puskar can both be intimidating venues to play without acting like a drunken redneck. Places like Ohio and Michigan Stadiums, Rupp Arena, and Cameron Indoor are intimidating places to play without the fans acting the way they do in Morgantown.

[Boston Red]

UC sells beer at Nippert and I know from this past weekend that Bowling Green sells beer at Doyt Perry. Xavier sells beer at home hoops games. It is probably more common than you think to sell beer in a college stadium.


In the Big East, UC, Louisville, Syracuse, UConn and USF all sell beer at the games. I assume Pitt does as well since they play at Heinz Field, but I've never been to a Pitt game. And UC's and Syracuse's stadiums are right in the heart of campus, so it's not completely an on-campus vs. off-campus stadium issue.

[will5979]

This is my main contention with WVU fans.

The Coliseum and Milan Puskar can both be intimidating venues to play without acting like a drunken redneck. Places like Ohio and Michigan Stadiums, Rupp Arena, and Cameron Indoor are intimidating places to play without the fans acting the way they do in Morgantown.

I appreciate your kind words sir! (No sarcasm)

Again I take pride in being a rude fan on gamedays in Morgantown. Yes the Rich Rod era gave us a great sense of confidence. But I have also been a fan since the Nehlan era. 2 legit shots at National titles in a 5 season span is pretty damn good if you ask me.

Also I think you should revise your NCAA history. WVU has played in an NCAA title game, 89 Fiesta Bowl vs. Notre Dame, and also for a share of the title in the 94 Sugar Bowl.

[WVRed]

I appreciate your kind words sir! (No sarcasm)

Again I take pride in being a rude fan on gamedays in Morgantown. Yes the Rich Rod era gave us a great sense of confidence. But I have also been a fan since the Nehlan era. 2 legit shots at National titles in a 5 season span is pretty damn good if you ask me.

Also I think you should revise your NCAA history. WVU has played in an NCAA title game, 89 Fiesta Bowl vs. Notre Dame, and also for a share of the title in the 94 Sugar Bowl.

Apologize for the lapse. I should mention I wasn't very old during the Nehlen years, so that era is a bit fuzzy. :)

It wouldn't surprise me if something ever happened at a WVU game in which the fans caused a forfeit. To be honest, it should have happened during the Pitt game last year when the fan threw a penny and hit Tom Herrion (who ironically is now the coach at Marshall) in the eye after Huggins told the fans they were being stupid.

[will5979]

It wouldn't surprise me if something ever happened at a WVU game in which the fans caused a forfeit. To be honest, it should have happened during the Pitt game last year when the fan threw a penny and hit Tom Herrion (who ironically is now the coach at Marshall) in the eye after Huggins told the fans they were being stupid.

I can't say that I would have been devastated...basketball really has no bearing on my life, sure making the Final Four last year was great and all but when we lost to Duke the feeling of emptiness and failure did not at all affect me the way a loss in football does (really the only thing I was upset about was the fact that I lost a 20.00 bet to my cousin who is a huge Duke fan and I really just made the bet so I would be interested in the game, like I said I don't like basketball). I probably would have been on suicide watch had Marshall upset us the other day, that is how serious I take Mountaineer Football!

[Cedric]

I can't say that I would have been devastated...basketball really has no bearing on my life, sure making the Final Four last year was great and all but when we lost to Duke the feeling of emptiness and failure did not at all affect me the way a loss in football does (really the only thing I was upset about was the fact that I lost a 20.00 bet to my cousin who is a huge Duke fan and I really just made the bet so I would be interested in the game, like I said I don't like basketball). I probably would have been on suicide watch had Marshall upset us the other day, that is how serious I take Mountaineer Football!

I went to a WVU game once and thought I was going to get killed. That was the game where Ohio State demolished WVU.

That is still my pick as the best Ohio State football team in my lifetime.

[Homer Bailey]

LSU is a 10.5 pt favorite against WVU Saturday. Wow.

[WVRed]

LSU is a 10.5 pt favorite against WVU Saturday. Wow.

I find that hard to believe.

LSU's offense isn't up to par. Defensively they are stout, but its going to be a slugfest regardless. Will definitely be a test as to whether or not WVU is for real this year.

Playing at night in Death Valley though will make for an interesting evening.

[will5979]

I find that hard to believe.

LSU's offense isn't up to par. Defensively they are stout, but its going to be a slugfest regardless. Will definitely be a test as to whether or not WVU is for real this year.

Playing at night in Death Valley though will make for an interesting evening.

I honestly expect us to lose, but I do think it will be a close one.

[Slyder]

I honestly expect us to lose, but I do think it will be a close one.

I'm glad theres one of us that does. I think this is going to be UGLY in a bad way especially if we dont have early success like vs Maryland.

[Slyder]

Please see the sig, I have seen enough of the offense and special teams.

[Boston Red]

Not over yet, but WV likely gave this one away with their ineptitude in the first quarter. LSU was up 17-0 without doing a thing on offense.

[will5979]

Bill Stewart sucks, he should be castrated, oh yeah I forgot he never had it to begin with.

[marcshoe]

I was pretty impressed with the D. I was expecting a blowout, but the defense kept them in the game. They may be elite on that side of the ball this season.

Problem's the offense, of course. This week, there are excuses. Death Valley's an amazingly tough place to play, and it obviously affected Geno. The line didn't look good at all, maybe because of the shifting caused by the injury to Jenkins.

Here's the thing: look at the schedule and the way Big East teams are playing right now, and I'm not sure this team will lose more than two more games. They may not even lose that many, as good as the defense looks. That means Stew will be back.

Geno Smith has the potential to be a first class QB. It's a crime to not have a better offense for him to work in. Something needs to be done. It's not as if I have any pull, but I think that they really need to get rid of Mullen and bring somebody in who can approach the offense with a fresh perspective. I'm not sure who's out there; Steve Logan comes to mind, but that's without really thinking about it.

[Boston Red]

Here's the thing: look at the schedule and the way Big East teams are playing right now, and I'm not sure this team will lose more than two more games. They may not even lose that many, as good as the defense looks. That means Stew will be back.


I know I'll just feel terrible for you poor guys if you have to suffer through an 11-1 or 10-2 season and keep your coach.

[will5979]

I know I'll just feel terrible for you poor guys if you have to suffer through an 11-1 or 10-2 season and keep your coach.

Our coach is holding back this program's true potential...

[Homer Bailey]

Did we really just score 49 points?

Man, if this team had an offensive line, I seriously think we could do some major damage on the national scene.

[will5979]

Did we really just score 49 points?

Man, if this team had an offensive line, I seriously think we could do some major damage on the national scene.

Good day to be a Mountaineer, reminded me of the good old days of the Rich Rod era, hopefully we can return to that style of football every game.

[Homer Bailey]

Fire. Him.

[Slyder]

I told you there would be at least 1 game vs someone that we shouldnt that we lose. But Seriously SYRACUSE? FREAKING SYRACUSE! PLEASE NOTE THE SIGNATURE!

Stu is just so far over his head that its not even funny any more. Please Mr. Luck find another position within the athletic department and hire a real football coach. And clean house on the offensive side.

[WVRed]

I told you there would be at least 1 game vs someone that we shouldnt that we lose. But Seriously SYRACUSE? FREAKING SYRACUSE! PLEASE NOTE THE SIGNATURE!

Stu is just so far over his head that its not even funny any more. Please Mr. Luck find another position within the athletic department and hire a real football coach. And clean house on the offensive side.

The funny thing is, as inept as Bill Stewart is, WVU still could win the Big East. I think Pitt will lose a game, and it may be to WVU.

I was at work listening to the game yesterday and people were calling for Stew to pull Geno. I was thinking, "and replace him with who?"

[Slyder]

The funny thing is, as inept as Bill Stewart is, WVU still could win the Big East. I think Pitt will lose a game, and it may be to WVU.

I was at work listening to the game yesterday and people were calling for Stew to pull Geno. I was thinking, "and replace him with who?"

Barry Brunetti would probably be the backup. I think Johnson still has his head elsewhere in his possible search for a transfer (homesick). Coley White if you wanted to try and work the option more.

I think the thought process was that you let Geno sit the rest of teh game out. Watch the tape once and then burn it. Let him start fresh for UConn.

[will5979]

The funny thing is, as inept as Bill Stewart is, WVU still could win the Big East. I think Pitt will lose a game, and it may be to WVU.


Ha I needed a good laugh this evening! Trust me man, we suck, I'm tired of living in this false hope and denial that the Rich Rod era gave us. As long as that lying scumbag is our headcoach we'll continue to suck.

[WVRed]

Ha I needed a good laugh this evening! Trust me man, we suck, I'm tired of living in this false hope and denial that the Rich Rod era gave us. As long as that lying scumbag is our headcoach we'll continue to suck.

If WVU sucks, then everybody in the Big East outside of Pitt sucks worse.

Are there problems? Yes. But Bill Stewart cannot control how well everybody in the Big East is doing as well. The Big East in football is equivalent to the SEC in basketball. The worst major conference in one sport and completely dominant in the other.

If I were a WVU fan, I would be hoping the entire conference improves. Whoever wins out of that conference this season whether it be WVU or Pitt is likely looking to get demolished in a BCS bowl game, regardless of the other conference.

[WMR]

If WVU sucks, then everybody in the Big East outside of Pitt sucks worse.

Are there problems? Yes. But Bill Stewart cannot control how well everybody in the Big East is doing as well. The Big East in football is equivalent to the SEC in basketball. The worst major conference in one sport and completely dominant in the other.

If I were a WVU fan, I would be hoping the entire conference improves. Whoever wins out of that conference this season whether it be WVU or Pitt is likely looking to get demolished in a BCS bowl game, regardless of the other conference.

I disagree with that on two counts.

A) The SEC is not really that dominant this year in football. I would definitely classify this as a 'down year' for the SEC in terms of national power. Still probably the #1 conference, but not by a whole lot.

B) SEC basketball is on the rise. Georgia, Florida, Mississippi State, UT, and UK are all looking very strong. I think our league will be the overall strongest it has been in some time.

[Slyder]

You get beat at home during Homecoming and you challenge the guys to come out and play like champions... and this is what you get? Something has got to change.

[Boston Red]

That was a brutal half of football. I think the CAA will be lobbying for its champ to get an automatic BCS bid after watching Big East games like this all year.

[Homer Bailey]

It's almost comical at this point.

[WVRed]

Can I take back what I said earlier this week?

Wow.

Edit: I type this and WVU fumbles two yards from scoring a TD.

[WVRed]

16-13 final, UConn wins in OT.

I'm not a WVU fan by any stretch, but Bill Stewart needs to go.

[Boston Red]

Those were two awful football teams. It's unbelievable that WV is that bad.

[Slyder]

I refuse to watch another game until Mullen is removed from play calling. A defense gives up 13 pts in 4 quarters should have the luxury of knowing the offense can score 2 touchdowns and not botch it up. Every player needs to run through the dummies securing the football and practicing handoffs.

It's the BASICS that I have wailed on and on about Stew's entire tenure they never get better. We start fast, other team makes adjustments and were done.

We need to quit trying to make Geno into Pat White. There is only 1 Pat White, there will not be another one. We need to figure out what Geno can do better and he seems so much more comfortable looking down the field on the move, he has enough speed to be a threat to run that you have to respect but at the same time he's not trained to make plays with his feet as evidence of sliding a yd short.

I would call for more play action passes moving the pocket both ways giving Geno a run/pass option.

[WVRed]

I read the WVU scout board last night as the game ended. One of the threads was titled "Bill Stewart is crying, leave him alone". I think its since been deleted.

The more I think about it, the more I think Gus Malzahn would be a perfect fit in Morgantown. The guy is an offensive genius which WVU desperately needs. The pieces are certainly in place, they just need somebody new to make it happen.

[Homer Bailey]

I read the WVU scout board last night as the game ended. One of the threads was titled "Bill Stewart is crying, leave him alone". I think its since been deleted.

The more I think about it, the more I think Gus Malzahn would be a perfect fit in Morgantown. The guy is an offensive genius which WVU desperately needs. The pieces are certainly in place, they just need somebody new to make it happen.

You gotta think he'll get better job offers this offseason, no?

[dabvu2498]

You gotta think he'll get better job offers this offseason, no?

What better jobs are going to be offered to a guy who has never been a head coach and has only been coaching collegiately for 5 years?

[Homer Bailey]

What better jobs are going to be offered to a guy who has never been a head coach and has only been coaching collegiately for 5 years?

His name is extremely hot right now. Stewart isn't exactly leaving the WVU program in a great spot for the next coach. It's not going to be the most desirable job.

[dabvu2498]

His name is extremely hot right now. Stewart isn't exactly leaving the WVU program in a great spot for the next coach. It's not going to be the most desirable job.

But seriously, what programs are going to have openings that will go for a coach who's never been a head man before?

I think he'll be a head coach next year, almost assuredly if he wants to. I just don't think it will be at Georgia or Michigan or anywhere of that nature.

West Virginia? Vanderbilt? Minnesota? More realistic.

[Homer Bailey]

But seriously, what programs are going to have openings that will go for a coach who's never been a head man before?

I think he'll be a head coach next year, almost assuredly if he wants to. I just don't think it will be at Georgia or Michigan or anywhere of that nature.

West Virginia? Vanderbilt? Minnesota? More realistic.

I think he'd be better off riding out his job as an OC until a premier job opens up.

Look I'd want him in a heartbeat at WVU, I'm just trying to approach this with a sense of realism.

[dabvu2498]

I think he'd be better off riding out his job as an OC until a premier job opens up.

Look I'd want him in a heartbeat at WVU, I'm just trying to approach this with a sense of realism.

Guys with his resume don't generally get "premier" jobs as their first HC gigs.

[Boston Red]

I think he's too unconventional in offensive approach to start at a premier job.

[WVRed]

But seriously, what programs are going to have openings that will go for a coach who's never been a head man before?

I think he'll be a head coach next year, almost assuredly if he wants to. I just don't think it will be at Georgia or Michigan or anywhere of that nature.

West Virginia? Vanderbilt? Minnesota? More realistic.

My guess is the dominos will start when Rich Rod is canned. Jim Harbaugh and Les Miles will probably top the list, and if Les decides to leave this time, LSU could be a darkhorse candidate for Malzahn.

I only mention WVU for Malzahn because of the options that WVU has returning. Tavon Austin, Ryan Clarke, and Geno Smith would all thrive under Malzahn. I'm not comparing Geno to Cam Newton or even Austin and Clarke to McFadden and Jones, but the talent is clearly there for WVU to dominate. The playcalling however desperately neeeds to change.

Somewhat ironic that both Stewart and Rich Rod could be hitting the unemployment line at the same time.

[Homer Bailey]

Somewhat ironic that both Stewart and Rich Rod could be hitting the unemployment line at the same time.

Ironic, yes, but not surprising at all. It was clear from day 1 that RR was a terrible fit for Michigan, and Stewart was a terrible fit for.... well.... anywhere.

[WVRed]

Ironic, yes, but not surprising at all. It was clear from day 1 that RR was a terrible fit for Michigan, and Stewart was a terrible fit for.... well.... anywhere.

I wanted to see Rodriguez succeed, but mostly because of my lack of affection for Ohio State and that I thought the spread option (which OSU had trouble containing) could completely change the face of the Big Ten. I will admit now that I was wrong.

I had a college professor who is the president of a pretty successful bank in West Virginia (ironic enough, Rich Rod ran an advertisement in which he said "I'm committed to West Virginia and so is my bank). He and Rodriguez are still friends but he made the comment that Ed Pastilong told him and Ken Kendrick (owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks and a big WVU booster) during the Fiesta Bowl that they were going to wait before hiring a new coach and sort through all the options. The next day, Stewart was hired as coach.

[BearcatShane]

UC at WVU tomorrow. The winner still has hope for the conference championship. Go Cats!

[Homer Bailey]

No refs helping UC this year.

YouTube - Cali Swag District-Teach Me How To Dougie (Clean Version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz1FsGSjgy8)

[WVRed]

No refs helping UC this year.

YouTube - Cali Swag District-Teach Me How To Dougie (Clean Version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz1FsGSjgy8)

I think they tried on that one play (down and then ruled a fumble), but it didn't matter. UC is going to be down for a long time.

I'm interested in seeing how the Louisville game goes.

[Boston Red]

I'm interested in seeing how the Louisville game goes.

I think it will be the kind of close, grinding, frankly boring game you would expect when two such mediocre teams collide.

[Slyder]

No refs helping UC this year.

YouTube - Cali Swag District-Teach Me How To Dougie (Clean Version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz1FsGSjgy8)

This is the type of stuff I hear on the B&G news site that drives me absolutely batty. The questionable fumble came in the 2nd quarter. We had a FULL FREAKING HALF in order to return the favor and we get nearly shut down. Its this kind of stuff that I hear all the time from Stewart fans and I am sick of it.

Theres 100s of calls in EVERY game if this happened with like a minute to go in the 4th then you may have a point but it was still in the first half. The O played like crap but yet Im sure Stewart blamed the D for not getting the key turnover or whatever.

[Homer Bailey]

This is the type of stuff I hear on the B&G news site that drives me absolutely batty. The questionable fumble came in the 2nd quarter. We had a FULL FREAKING HALF in order to return the favor and we get nearly shut down. Its this kind of stuff that I hear all the time from Stewart fans and I am sick of it.

Theres 100s of calls in EVERY game if this happened with like a minute to go in the 4th then you may have a point but it was still in the first half. The O played like crap but yet Im sure Stewart blamed the D for not getting the key turnover or whatever.

They gave them a free 7 points. To act like that had no bearing on the game would be asinine.

And I'm far from a Stewart fan.

[Slyder]

They gave them a free 7 points. To act like that had no bearing on the game would be asinine.

And I'm far from a Stewart fan.

If it were just about one game I wouldnt mind so much. But we are CONSTANTLY relying on the defense to keep us in games. If your defense allows less than 20 pts in a game you better be able to to at least find 3 ways to score without botching it. But listening to Stew the last few weeks you would think we still had RR's offense scoring 30+ pts a game and the defense couldnt stop a high school team. He is NEVER critical of the problem and thats the offense. Its been that way since he took over. Its the same song and dance each week. We did not have less talent than Syracuse or UConn, we were outcoached by better coaches thats a direct look at the issue we have.

The defense is the ONLY reason we are even remotely capable of still playing for the Big East Crown, without the defensive staff in place we are done as long as Bill Stewart is Head Coach.

[Homer Bailey]

If it were just about one game I wouldnt mind so much. But we are CONSTANTLY relying on the defense to keep us in games. If your defense allows less than 20 pts in a game you better be able to to at least find 3 ways to score without botching it. But listening to Stew the last few weeks you would think we still had RR's offense scoring 30+ pts a game and the defense couldnt stop a high school team. He is NEVER critical of the problem and thats the offense. Its been that way since he took over. Its the same song and dance each week. We did not have less talent than Syracuse or UConn, we were outcoached by better coaches thats a direct look at the issue we have.

The defense is the ONLY reason we are even remotely capable of still playing for the Big East Crown, without the defensive staff in place we are done as long as Bill Stewart is Head Coach.

I don't think we are talking about the same thing anymore.

[Slyder]

I don't think we are talking about the same thing anymore.

Sorry the drinks I had clouded my reading comprehension earlier.

I am tired of the constant excuse making you hear every week out of him. And that UC game last year was just one of many built in excuses people and him used as to why we didnt go to the goal of BcS game.

This isnt his first year, its his third year and always during press conferences and radio appearances he is constantly making up excuses and this was one of them he spouted last year... as if this was the final play of the game and stew defenders would say we should have won 17-16 if not for that call. There was another half to play in that game. Plenty of time for us to make adjustments and look at what worked in the first half (Clarke).

Making excuses as to why we only beat Liberty by 13, excuses as to why we struggle with Marshall, Colorado, etc and everyone else seems to have little trouble with them that are looking for similar goals as we (BCS, league championship, etc). Constantly piling on the d when its the ONLY thing we have going for us right now (and why the trajectory has not rivaled Kragthrope). You hear people say that this team is "young" when we returned 18 starters I believe.

I am tired of people building up bad teams to try and make Stew look better. His big win since Oklahoma we were an underdog vs Pittsburgh. Every other even remotely big game we've come out with egg on our face as we squeak by barely if we win at all. I thought Cincy was having a better year but after reading the UC thread theres just as many questions as there are answers with all the changes going on there. People went running "how do you like Stew now" as if we beat Ohio State.

This team has talent the LSU is proof of that, but it is so poorly managed on the offensive side (in most games) of the ball, but yet there has been no even rumor of change when this is the third year where we are maybe average to below average. Casteel is the one holding the team together because he's gotten the most out of his guys. They've been nearly standing on their heads just to try and hold people under 14 just for a chance to win.

I am just tired of the excuses. He is back half of the 90s with Nehlen, he's not Bowden. I wouldn't embarrass Bowden by even sniffing like that was even remotely accurate.

[Slyder]

Its such a contrast in listening to Coach Stewart and Coach Huggins. WVU wins by 14 over Davidson in a tournament game. Post game you would think that Davidson won by 14. Constantly showing guys what theyre doing wrong, where they need to improve, all things that Stew lacks.

I could listen to Huggins talk basketball all day.

[Revering4Blue]

Report: WVU’s Stewart to retire


http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/28/report-wvus-stewart-to-retire/

[Revering4Blue]

Report: WVU’s Stewart to retire


http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/28/report-wvus-stewart-to-retire/



West Virginia: West Virginia says there is no truth at all to the report that surfaced late last night about Bill Stewart retiring.

http://footballscoop.com/the-scoop

[WVRed]

I think the finish to the season combined with the win over Pitt has probably saved Stewart's job for now. If WVU had managed to drop either or both of the Louisville/UC games and lost to Pitt, I could see it being a possibility.

Over the long haul though, it could be a problem. I've often said that Bill Stewart reminds me a lot of Tubby Smith, a good family man that you know will take care of your kids and will contend on a regular basis for awhile, but will never take the program to the next level of success.

[Homer Bailey]

Stewart will stay, Mullen and Johnson will be gone. That's my official prediction.

[Slyder]

Stewart will stay, Mullen and Johnson will be gone. That's my official prediction.

I would be content with that.

[will5979]

I would be content with that.

Agreed, I'm not a Bill Stewart fan, but if I had to choose one or the other to go it would definitely be Mullen.

[Homer Bailey]

Let's go Bulls!

[WVRed]

Let's go Bulls!

I will be at the WVU game on Saturday. My gf's family bought tickets for us to go. Only downside is I have to work as soon as I get back into Parkersburg that night and will have to leave as soon as the game is over.

[Slyder]

I will be at the WVU game on Saturday. My gf's family bought tickets for us to go. Only downside is I have to work as soon as I get back into Parkersburg that night and will have to leave as soon as the game is over.

Good Luck getting out of there... youlll probably need it. Drive Safe.

[WVRed]

Good Luck getting out of there... youlll probably need it. Drive Safe.

Fortunately I won't be driving, but it looks like it could be a fun trip with the snow.

[Homer Bailey]

I will be at the WVU game on Saturday. My gf's family bought tickets for us to go. Only downside is I have to work as soon as I get back into Parkersburg that night and will have to leave as soon as the game is over.

Very nice, enjoy the game. Your g/f is a keeper, I can tell :cool:.

[WVRed]

Very nice, enjoy the game. Your g/f is a keeper, I can tell :cool:.

Even better, 50 yard line eight rows back. :)

[will5979]

Very nice, enjoy the game. Your g/f is a keeper, I can tell :cool:.

Thats funny, it reminds me of how I knew my wife was a keeper. I was a dating a psycho-hose-beast that I wanted to dump and then my wife came along and found the perfect way to steal my heart. She said "I heard you were a Reds fan and I'll drive us to Cincinnati, pay for the hotel room, and take you to 2 Reds games!" I had to ask who is your favorite team, in baseball it was the Reds, in college football it was WVU, and her favorite style of music was 80s rock, I said you are my dream woman and I will marry you, and I did!

[WVRed]

Heard a very interesting rumor that Pitt could be looking at Rodriguez if the "Michigan Man" is dumped in Ann Arbor if they fire Wanndstedt.

That would be a guaranteed sell-out and probably overall destruction of Milan-Puskar stadium.

[will5979]

Horrible year for WVU, co-Big East Champs with 2 other teams, more important 3rd year in a row on the outside looking in to the BCS, this sucks.

Fire Bill Stewart.

[WVRed]

Horrible year for WVU, co-Big East Champs with 2 other teams, more important 3rd year in a row on the outside looking in to the BCS, this sucks.

Fire Bill Stewart.

To be completely honest, with the quality of the Big East this year, better UConn gets embarrassed in a BCS bowl game than WVU.

Thoughts on WVU after getting to watch them live and in person:

1. I can see why fans are critical of Jeff Mullen and the offensive playcalling. The final score was 35-14 but could have and should have been more. You can't blame the offensive coordinator for the mistakes made in the red zone but some of the calls were pretty questionable.

2. Geno Smith is the type of QB who is going to make you say "Wow that was a really great play" or "Wow that was really dumb". At the same time, refer back to point 1 and realize that Geno is a sophomore and hopefully will only get better.

3. Noel Devine is not the player he was when he first came to WVU. He has lost that initial explosiveness that has carried them in the past and they will need it come the bowl game.

4. Tavon is lightning in a bottle and would be even better utilized next season when Noel is gone.

5. Serious question that I thought during the game: WVU has a lot of talent coming from Florida and that pipeline is pretty well known. I realize Doc Holliday had a lot to do with that, but still, how would you go about recruiting players (especially five star recruits) from the sunshine state away from home to play in Morgantown with bitter weather and the quality of the Florida schools being a factor?

6. Rutgers probably isn't the best example, but outside of WVU, defense really isn't a trademark for the Big East. With how undersized a lot of WVU's players are, the specialty is to set up blocking and set up for big gains and create as much space for Sanders/Austin/Devine to run as possible. If a team in the Big East ever adapts and starts to implement a defense that focuses on laying vicious hits, WVU is going to run into some problems.

Overall, it was a good experience from where I was sitting. :)

[Homer Bailey]

Pretty spot on WV.


To be completely honest, with the quality of the Big East this year, better UConn gets embarrassed in a BCS bowl game than WVU.

I think WV's defense is good enough that they won't get "embarrassed" in a BCS bowl game. Add in the fact that the Orange would have taken WV over Stanford, and I think it is safe to conclude that WV could absolutely beat VT. Not saying they would, but they certainly have at minimum a 40% chance of winning that game.



1. I can see why fans are critical of Jeff Mullen and the offensive playcalling. The final score was 35-14 but could have and should have been more. You can't blame the offensive coordinator for the mistakes made in the red zone but some of the calls were pretty questionable.

I can get behind a scenario where Stewart stays, but I can't support bringing Mullen back. #2 defense in the country, and we lose 2 Big East games in this awful conference? Unforgiveable. Makes me sick to my stomach. Every team can pretty much say this, but WVU lost 3 games by a total of 14 points. In the games they lost, they gave up 20, 19, and 16 points. Ugh.


2. Geno Smith is the type of QB who is going to make you say "Wow that was a really great play" or "Wow that was really dumb". At the same time, refer back to point 1 and realize that Geno is a sophomore and hopefully will only get better.

Throws a beautiful deep ball, is pretty accurate, rarely tries to squeeze balls in. All plusses. His pocket presence is pretty poor in my opinion. Takes way too many bad sacks on plays where he actually has decent protection. Needs to learn to move around a bit while still looking downfield.


3. Noel Devine is not the player he was when he first came to WVU. He has lost that initial explosiveness that has carried them in the past and they will need it come the bowl game.

Truly a sad sight to see. Guy has done everything right for 4 years, and gets hurt on a late hit in Baton Rouge. It's to the point where I'd rather see Alston carry the ball than Devine. Guy just does not have his jump cut anymore. Still a top 5 running back all time at WVU. Just never lived up to his amazingly high potential.


4. Tavon is lightning in a bottle and would be even better utilized next season when Noel is gone.

I want this guy at RB still. He's so good with the ball in his hands. He should be first team all Big East this year, IMO, and offensive MVP for WVU. He's the guy that makes the offense go.


5. Serious question that I thought during the game: WVU has a lot of talent coming from Florida and that pipeline is pretty well known. I realize Doc Holliday had a lot to do with that, but still, how would you go about recruiting players (especially five star recruits) from the sunshine state away from home to play in Morgantown with bitter weather and the quality of the Florida schools being a factor?

WVU has never really pulled the 5 stars from Fl (aside from Noel Devine), or from anywhere for that matter. They've done well with the 3 stars, and occasional 4 stars (Geno). I have no idea how Holliday leaving will impact that.


6. Rutgers probably isn't the best example, but outside of WVU, defense really isn't a trademark for the Big East. With how undersized a lot of WVU's players are, the specialty is to set up blocking and set up for big gains and create as much space for Sanders/Austin/Devine to run as possible. If a team in the Big East ever adapts and starts to implement a defense that focuses on laying vicious hits, WVU is going to run into some problems.

Not sure I understand this one, but WVU is in trouble if they don't start recruiting O-linemen better.


Overall, it was a good experience from where I was sitting. :)

Marry her :D:cool:

[WVRed]

Not sure I understand this one, but WVU is in trouble if they don't start recruiting O-linemen better.


It's not a knock on WV, just moreso the Big East in general. Of all the teams in the Big East, WVU is really the only team I have seen with a measurable defense. Nobody else really comes close.

Point being, WVU is extremely undersized, especially at tailback. The gameplan is to create as much space as possible and hope that Austin, Devine, Sanders, etc. can get loose and create. If teams from the Big East ever adapt and brings in players who can deliver vicious NFL caliber hits, I could see fumbles and even injuries piling up. That's why former WVU players most recently haven't translated well over in the pro's, specifically White and Slaton.

Other thoughts, don't know how he projects, but I would be happy if the Bengals used a mid round pick on JT Thomas. He seems like somebody who could translate over very well to a NFL defense.

On a side note, Kentucky is playing Pitt in the BBVA Compass Bowl and any WVU support would be welcome. :) I can't say im looking forward to the game though, as UK hasn't stopped the run all year and Pitt has two quality backs that can run the ball. Randall Cobb vs Jon Baldwin will be fun to watch though.

[WVRed]

Let the Rich Rod to Pitt rumors begin:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5896191

Another name I'll throw into the mix who should be considered is Marvin Lewis. Was an assistant at Pitt and is also from the area. I don't think Bengals fans would mind.

[Homer Bailey]

I can't see Pitt boosters getting behind a Rodriguez hiring. If that happened, my head might explode. I didn't think it was possible for me to hate Pitt more than I do.

The Saban to WVU rumors are running rampant on the interwebs right now. I believe about .01% of it, but some people that are somewhat in the know are running wild with excitement right now.

[WVRed]

I can't see Pitt boosters getting behind a Rodriguez hiring. If that happened, my head might explode. I didn't think it was possible for me to hate Pitt more than I do.

The Saban to WVU rumors are running rampant on the interwebs right now. I believe about .01% of it, but some people that are somewhat in the know are running wild with excitement right now.

I've heard other names besides Rodriguez, but he is probably the most interesting. Milan Puskar Stadium might burn to the ground next November if that happened. I'd love to see Marvin Lewis at Pitt though, just to see what he could do.

Saw the Saban rumors and can't really believe it either. Jeff Mullen should go but Stewart has probably bought himself another year. I wouldn't count on Saban being as loyal as Bob Huggins though. Just seems like Saban isn't happy unless hes constantly moving to a different location and I could see the NFL becoming appealing again.

[WMR]

No way is Saban going back to the NFL. He ended that fascination flaking out like he did.

Alabama is the absolute top of the food chain in college football. No way he would leave for WVU, besides which Bama would meet or exceed any offer WVU could make.

I actually see Saban staying at Alabama for a long time. There is no bigger/better job in college football and the NFL is not enamored with him any longer.

[Homer Bailey]

No way is Saban going back to the NFL. He ended that fascination flaking out like he did.

Alabama is the absolute top of the food chain in college football. No way he would leave for WVU, besides which Bama would meet or exceed any offer WVU could make.

I actually see Saban staying at Alabama for a long time. There is no bigger/better job in college football and the NFL is not enamored with him any longer.

The only even somewhat realistic reason Saban would go to WVU is that he is from WV. Other than that, I agree, there is no reason to leave Bama, ever.

[WVRed]

No way is Saban going back to the NFL. He ended that fascination flaking out like he did.

Alabama is the absolute top of the food chain in college football. No way he would leave for WVU, besides which Bama would meet or exceed any offer WVU could make.

I actually see Saban staying at Alabama for a long time. There is no bigger/better job in college football and the NFL is not enamored with him any longer.

Point is Saban is a job hopper. HB summed up why WVU would be an option for Saban, but I don't see it happening either.

The only way I could see Saban leaving is if he can't deal with the pressure of winning every single year. Tide football is the equivalent of Kentucky basketball in terms of fan support and expectations. Alabama was pretty much a lock for the national championship again but lost three games this season. Think Saban isn't feeling some heat from that?

[WMR]

Do WV fans care more about hoops or football? I'm guessing football?

[Homer Bailey]

Do WV fans care more about hoops or football? I'm guessing football?

Football for sure. However, I'm much more enthusiastic about our future in basketball under Huggins than I am football with Stewart.

[WVRed]

Marry her :D:cool:

Asked her tonight. :) Even better was she tried to find me tickets to Rupp to a basketball game since I went to Mountaineer Field as a surprise Christmas present. I appreciated the thought, especially since one ticket at Rupp likely cost 4x on StubHub what four tickets where we sat were (50 yard line, eight rows back).

[Homer Bailey]

Asked her tonight. :) Even better was she tried to find me tickets to Rupp to a basketball game since I went to Mountaineer Field as a surprise Christmas present. I appreciated the thought, especially since one ticket at Rupp likely cost 4x on StubHub what four tickets where we sat were (50 yard line, eight rows back).

Well, I'm hesitant to say congrats because you only said you "asked" her..... WHAT DID SHE SAY!?!?

[WVRed]

Well, I'm hesitant to say congrats because you only said you "asked" her..... WHAT DID SHE SAY!?!?

She did say yes. :)

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86713&page=2

[Homer Bailey]

She did say yes. :)

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86713&page=2

Congrats dude, that's awesome. You're a Mountaineer now!

[Homer Bailey]

Dana Holgorsen to WVU rumors running rampant. I'm very, very intrigued.

[Slyder]

Dana Holgorsen to WVU rumors running rampant. I'm very, very intrigued.

Certainly would open up the offense more down the field. Helped Mike Leach in Lubbock put up record breaking offenses. I just hope he doesnt inherit Leach's proficiency to letting the other team score quickly just to get the ball back LOL.

Been successful everywhere he's been as an OC in Houston, TT, and now in Ok. State.

[Homer Bailey]

GOT HIM!!!

Holgorsen in as OC and Head Coach In Waiting! Taking over in 2012!

[OnBaseMachine]

GOT HIM!!!

Holgorsen in as OC and Head Coach In Waiting! Taking over in 2012!

Great hire. I'm from WV but not a diehard fan, but this hiring make increases my interest. I love watching wide open offenses and Holgorsen certainly brings that to the table.

[WVRed]

Does it say anything that WVU started pursuing him once they found out he was the leading candidate at Pitt?

Thought something was up when I read this morning that Stewart might be out and UK was looking at David Lockwood as a DB coach.

Should make WVU's offense a lot more exciting. What's surprising to me is that Jeff Mullen is a leading candidate for Kent State's open head coaching job.

[Homer Bailey]

Does it say anything that WVU started pursuing him once they found out he was the leading candidate at Pitt?

Thought something was up when I read this morning that Stewart might be out and UK was looking at David Lockwood as a DB coach.

Should make WVU's offense a lot more exciting. What's surprising to me is that Jeff Mullen is a leading candidate for Kent State's open head coaching job.

I've heard that WVU started talking to him after the UConn loss.

[WVRed]

I've heard that WVU started talking to him after the UConn loss.

With the way this has been handled and the fan reaction from BGN that I have been reading, this could either be a brilliant hire by Oliver Luck or a complete and total backfire that could split the fanbase.

I've always compared Bill Stewart to Tubby Smith at Kentucky. A good family man who you would love for your child to play for, but there is somebody who could do a better job. However, with Tubby there was still a section of the fanbase who supported him even though the program was going downhill. That applies to Stewart, especially since he is from West Virginia.

The only thing I can say is that I hope Dana Holgersen hits the ground running in Morgantown and starts winning and winning big. If he doesn't, that section of the fanbase will voice their frustrations the same way UK did with Gillispie and WVU could be looking for a new coach again, with a lot higher expectations heaped onto Oliver Luck.

I wouldn't necessarily give him the title "offensive genius", although the numbers do speak for themselves. He's been made into what he is by Mike Leach (who WVU could have had as well), and before Mike Leach by Hal Mumme.

[WVPacman]

Its a great day to be a Mountaineer fan!! Nothing against Bill Stewart,but I have been wanting this day to come for awhile now.With DH as our OC this year and Head Coach in 2012 WVU's ofense will be back to normal and putting up alot of points in games.Plus with our great defensive head coach Casteel,this team has the opurtunity to look very dangerous in the not to distant future.:thumbup:

[paintmered]

You guys have to be happy with the Pitt hire too. Heywood to Oakland has the UC fans scratching our heads.

[Homer Bailey]

You guys have to be happy with the Pitt hire too. Heywood to Oakland has the UC fans scratching our heads.

Anytime you can hire a guy who was 10-15 at a MAC school the two years before, you gotta do it.

[will5979]

Its a great day to be a Mountaineer fan!! Nothing against Bill Stewart,but I have been wanting this day to come for awhile now.With DH as our OC this year and Head Coach in 2012 WVU's ofense will be back to normal and putting up alot of points in games.Plus with our great defensive head coach Casteel,this team has the opurtunity to look very dangerous in the not to distant future.:thumbup:

Its a great week to be a Mountaineer fan! I also heard that the stupid Friends of Joe Bowl will not be renewed after 2012!

[Homer Bailey]

I've defended Stew before as a good man, but not so sure I can I do that now. This is just..... Wow.


http://www.postgazette.com/pg/10350/1111266-100.stm


According to the same source, Stewart did not break the news to Mullen and Johnson, even though Holgorsen, during their meeting in Houston, told Stewart and Luck that, under no circumstances, would he keep Mullen or Johnson on staff.

Johnson only found out he would be terminated at the end of this season --- which ends following a Dec. 28 bowl game --- after he took the initiative to call Luck, who is his former teammate at West Virginia, on Wednesday.

In the interim, between the time Stewart first found out that Johnson was going to be let go, Johnson passed up two coaching opportunities that were extended to him --- one as a Division II head coach.

[will5979]

I've defended Stew before as a good man, but not so sure I can I do that now. This is just..... Wow.


http://www.postgazette.com/pg/10350/1111266-100.stm

I have zero sympathy for the goofy old bastard, he nearly ruined our program, luckily (pun intended!) someone fixed the leak before the ship sank!

[WVRed]

I've defended Stew before as a good man, but not so sure I can I do that now. This is just..... Wow.


http://www.postgazette.com/pg/10350/1111266-100.stm

Not really questioning the article, but there is so much going around right now its hard to tell what to really believe.

I just saw a thread on BGN that made me laugh. "I have forgiven Rich Rodriguez because he has treated us no worse than WVU has treated Bill Stewart".

[Homer Bailey]

Not really questioning the article, but there is so much going around right now its hard to tell what to really believe.

I just saw a thread on BGN that made me laugh. "I have forgiven Rich Rodriguez because he has treated us no worse than WVU has treated Bill Stewart".

Saw that one too. No one has ever accused WVU fans of being smart. Ever.

[WVRed]

Saw that one too. No one has ever accused WVU fans of being smart. Ever.

MSNBC had a pretty scathing article about Oliver Luck's handling of this. I can't say I disagree with any of it.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/16/bill-stewart-meet-undercarriage-of-lucks-bus/


At a press conference held early Thursday afternoon, athletic director Oliver Luck met with the media to further explain the direction the WVU football program has taken. As it pertained to Stewart, Luck started out by praising the coach…

“Let me thank Bill Stewart for what he is doing for West Virginia University, for the football program. He took over during a very challenging time back in 2007, and acted as the consummate professional, calmed the waters and has done a marvelous job leading our team. I think because of his professionalism, I have all the confidence in the world that our transition year will work very smoothly. I look forward to having two great coordinators, Coach Dana Holgorsen and Coach Jeff Casteel, led by a great West Virginian and a great person, Coach Bill Stewart. I’m very much excited about the 2011 season and beyond because I think we will have one exciting brand of football here at Mountaineer filed beginning in 2011.”

…before burying him underneath the axles of a Greyhound.

“I didn’t believe we had an opportunity to win a national championship with the direction of the program [under Stewart]. At the end of the day, results matter. And we weren’t getting the results. I want our Mountaineer program and expect us to compete at the highest levels.

“Our season ticket base has declined from Stewart’s first year to the present time. We’ve had only two crowds since 2004 under 50,000 and both of those took place in the last couple of years. That to me is an indication that our fans aren’t satisfied with the product, and that factors in as well.”

Yikes.

I absolutely respect Luck being forthright and brutally honest, and there is certainly more than a kernel or two of truth to the assessment, but there had to be a more tactful way to frame that part of the discussion. A West Virginia native, the folksy and likable Stewart has given his heart and soul to the football program over the past ten years; he certainly deserves better treatment as he’s being unceremoniously pushed out the door.

I hope for Oliver Luck's sake that Holgorsen works out, because he has likely staked his entire career on this hire with the way he has handled Stewart.

On a side note, some of the same WVU fans I know wanted no part of Gus Malzahn because of what is going on with Cam Newton (on that much we agree). I would be somewhat leary of Holgorsen's background though, given who he has worked for (Mike Leach, Hal Mumme).

I see two extremes, Holgorsen returning WVU to greatness, or having them on probation by the end of the decade.

[Revering4Blue]

Report: Bill Stewart helped recruit Dana Holgorsen to WVU


One of the most bizarre coaching changes of the 2010 season has taken another interesting twist.

Contrary to the original belief that West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck blindsided coach Bill Stewart with the news that Stewart would be done coaching the Mountaineers after 2011, it’s now been confirmed that not only did Stewart know of his release for a month, but that he helped recruit his successor, Oklahoma State OC Dana Holgorsen.



http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/12/17/report-bill-stewart-helped-recruit-dana-holgorsen-to-wvu/

[Todd Gack]

West Virginia made its bed and now they're lying in it.

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever make emotional hires. After RR dumped WVU, WVU should've waited a few days to collect themselves, and then sit down and think about hiring someone new. I remember vividly telling WVU fans that they'd really regret the hiring of Mr. Stewart. Great, WVU won a BCS bowl game. Big deal. And now your fanbase and administration are so emotionally scarred by the loss of RR, that you feel vindicated to hire an 80-year-old man as your coach?

Emotional hires at IU with Bill Lynch and Miami (Fl) Larry Coker both turned those programs upside down or in opposite directions they were going. Both never should have been made and neither should WVU hiring Stewart.

[WVRed]

Looks like the WVU-Maryland series could take an interesting turn. Ralph Friedgen is on his way out (about three years too late) and Maryland is supposedly looking to hire Mike Leach, mentor to Dana Holgorsen.

[redsfan_12]

Im not a fan at all of WVU, but I do like Stew. He is being a lot nicer man about the situation than I would be about it. 9-3 and they are running off their coach. He is in a tough situation, because if they fire him with reason, they dont owe him the 2 million from his contract.

[will5979]

Im not a fan at all of WVU, but I do like Stew. He is being a lot nicer man about the situation than I would be about it. 9-3 and they are running off their coach. He is in a tough situation, because if they fire him with reason, they dont owe him the 2 million from his contract.

Not that I made a difference or that my voice matters but verbally I would like to take a 0.1 percent inclusion in the people that ran off Stewart, agreed he is a very fine man, but he isn't going to take us where we want to go, the BCS Title.

[WVRed]

West Virginia made its bed and now they're lying in it.

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever make emotional hires. After RR dumped WVU, WVU should've waited a few days to collect themselves, and then sit down and think about hiring someone new. I remember vividly telling WVU fans that they'd really regret the hiring of Mr. Stewart. Great, WVU won a BCS bowl game. Big deal. And now your fanbase and administration are so emotionally scarred by the loss of RR, that you feel vindicated to hire an 80-year-old man as your coach?

Emotional hires at IU with Bill Lynch and Miami (Fl) Larry Coker both turned those programs upside down or in opposite directions they were going. Both never should have been made and neither should WVU hiring Stewart.

I don't disagree with a word you said, but I would like to add that at the time, there really weren't many attractive options available for WVU to consider.

Those who were being mentioned for the job:

Terry Bowden: Look up the word "emotional hire" in the dictionary and this one is right underneath Bill Stewart, given the obsession over Bobby Bowden.

Jimbo Fisher: Probably the best choice of the ones being mentioned, but would have never left succeeding Bobby Bowden in lieu of going to Morgantown.

Butch Jones: Former Rodriguez assistant who has wrecked the Brian Kelly train in Cincinnati. If you read the UC football thread, there are a lot of people who aren't happy with Jones right now.

Doc Holliday: Eventually hired by WVU in the same role he held at Florida, then burned bridges on the way out heading to Marshall.

Looking at this list, could you argue that any of the coaches listed would have been better than WVU hiring Stewart? I don't blame WVU for doing it, as it did assure continuity and complete self-destruction of the team, but they should have looked to replace Stewart last season.

[Slyder]

I don't disagree with a word you said, but I would like to add that at the time, there really weren't many attractive options available for WVU to consider.

Those who were being mentioned for the job:

Terry Bowden: Look up the word "emotional hire" in the dictionary and this one is right underneath Bill Stewart, given the obsession over Bobby Bowden.

Jimbo Fisher: Probably the best choice of the ones being mentioned, but would have never left succeeding Bobby Bowden in lieu of going to Morgantown.

Butch Jones: Former Rodriguez assistant who has wrecked the Brian Kelly train in Cincinnati. If you read the UC football thread, there are a lot of people who aren't happy with Jones right now.

Doc Holliday: Eventually hired by WVU in the same role he held at Florida, then burned bridges on the way out heading to Marshall.

Looking at this list, could you argue that any of the coaches listed would have been better than WVU hiring Stewart? I don't blame WVU for doing it, as it did assure continuity and complete self-destruction of the team, but they should have looked to replace Stewart last season.


Also mentioned was Skip Holtz. Which is who I was hoping would get the job. He wasnt ready for the head job when he took over for his dad at So. Carolina, he consistantly built top caliber CUSA teams with everyone's 2nd tier recruits and believe he will take USF consistantly to a top 15 caliber team that will not wilt in the cold.

Plus it would been funny first time daddy came to watch and someone mentioned 88.

[WVRed]

NC State up 10-7 at half. Looks like its been more of a passing game between Geno and Russell Wilson early on.

[WVRed]

23-7 NC State with less than five minutes remaining.

WVU has turned the ball over four times, the last was a Jock Sanders muffed punt return that set up a NC State TD that has pretty much ended the game.

I'll be shocked if Stewart is the head coach next season. I look for him to resign given everything. You can tell that the players just aren't into the game tonight.

[Homer Bailey]

Pathetic performance. Thank God the Jeff Mullen era is over.

[Hoosier Red]

West Virginia made its bed and now they're lying in it.

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever make emotional hires. After RR dumped WVU, WVU should've waited a few days to collect themselves, and then sit down and think about hiring someone new. I remember vividly telling WVU fans that they'd really regret the hiring of Mr. Stewart. Great, WVU won a BCS bowl game. Big deal. And now your fanbase and administration are so emotionally scarred by the loss of RR, that you feel vindicated to hire an 80-year-old man as your coach?

Emotional hires at IU with Bill Lynch and Miami (Fl) Larry Coker both turned those programs upside down or in opposite directions they were going. Both never should have been made and neither should WVU hiring Stewart.

Actually Lynch led IU to its only bowl game in 17 years. IU really didn't have many options. They pretty much had to have him coach the first year because Hoeppner died in May, they had almost no money leftover because they were busy paying off old athletic directors and basketball coaches, and then Lynch led them to a bowl game. Realistically there weren't a lot of options at the time.

[Boston Red]

Actually Lynch led IU to its only bowl game in 17 years. IU really didn't have many options. They pretty much had to have him coach the first year because Hoeppner died in May, they had almost no money leftover because they were busy paying off old athletic directors and basketball coaches, and then Lynch led them to a bowl game. Realistically there weren't a lot of options at the time.

The local high school coach would have been a better choice than Lynch. I'm sure everyone in Muncie was doubled over in laughter at the sheer insanity of IU actually elevating Lynch to head coach. I guess the IU folks just figured those 20 losses in a row at Ball State were bad luck.