About This AD Thing

I can barely remember a time when Ed Pastilong wasn't the AD at WVU. That might be from all the drinking, etc. that has taken place since he took over. Anyway, we've taken some shots at him and the department in general over the past few years. Mostly out of anger that everything didn't come up smelling like roses. Even though I think you would be hard pressed to find a time in WVU's history that the sports teams were more successful.

So we won't take any shots at him today. Rather, I just want to say thanks for all the years of service and what you helped to create here at WVU, Mr. Pastilong. There's no doubt you're leaving the program better off than when you started.

I guess what scares me is the possibility that Mike Parsons might take over. Because he's kind of a dick. Between that and Governor Manchin putting in his two cents where it doesn't belong, I'm a little worried about the future of WVU athletics.

It would be nice to see Jerry West or Oliver Luck in the AD spot. But I really don't know how likely either would be. Jerry obviously isn't going to be around for 20 years, and Oliver might or might not depending on what opportunities would come his way. I have a feeling he's going to want to be out on the west coast to see his son play for Stanford.

Whoever it is that takes over, they need to be a savvy businessman combined with a magnetic personality. Thankfully, that excludes Mr. Parsons. Who exactly fits that mold? I don't know. I guess we'll know when we know.

Let's Honor Jack Fleming

A friend of mine started a Facebook Group to have the press box named after Jack Fleming. So if you are on Facebook, click the link and join.

How Can There Be A Jihad Without WVU?

Tongue firmly in cheek with that headline, but this is what I'm referring to. We certainly don't like DickRod, but knowing him, anything he does at Michigan was at least tried out in Morgantown. And don't lie, until he left WVU we were all for this guy that turned two and three star recruits into world beaters.

Personally, I doubt anything he has done at Michigan relating to spending more time than is allowed for football activities is more than bending the rules a bit. Seriously, he is no Barry Switzer.

If I was Michigan fan I would be happy to some extent that he is trying to do something to bring the program back to one of the top football programs in the country. He's the kind of guy that is going to do things to let everyone know who is in charge. To set the tone. The first year is usually the hardest. You see people leave the program, and you see him going after his type of player. It wasn't pretty at WVU and it hasn't been pretty at Michigan so far. But there's a huge difference between what is alleged at Michigan and say what is alleged at USC. I won't go as far as to try to prove something is OK by pointing out that something else is much worse. But it will be interesting to see what, if any, sanctions are handed out at both schools. If Michigan gets the same or worse sanctions than USC it might actually be time for a Jihad. A Jihad against the NCAA. Not that they haven't already done enough to deserve one.

West Virginia Football National Champs at Last!

Make your own transitive national champs thing, but we are the one true transitive national champion.

If you are one of these teams, better luck next year.

Of the 120 College Football Div 1-A schools, all but 5 (Southern Methodist, Washington, Washington State, North Texas and Western Kentucky) can claim to be the best through the Transitive Property.

Greg Isdaner Going Pro

Well, this is a bit of a kick in the shin. Greg Isdaner has decided to enter the draft and pass on his senior season.

Stanchek was an All-American last year and Isdaner was first-team all-conference. He didn't make an all-conference team this past season, though WVU finished in the top 15 in rushing yards again.

"He has been an integral part of our success, and I want to thank him for everything he has done for Mountaineer football," Coach Bill Stewart said.

WVU also loses Stanchek, center Mike Dent and right guard Jake Figner to graduation.

So basically, we have one starter returning on the offensive line. Awesome!! We'll find out what we have as far as depth goes. Josh Jenkins and Gino Gradowski were both highly recruited, but have yet to see significant game experience. Eric Jobe filled in for Mike Dent at center after the UConn game. Capers returns at tackle, although he is listed on BGN as a senior. I should really pay more attention to stuff like that. The thing that scares me is that behind the starting five, whom ever that might be, there isn't much depth.

But hey, good luck Greg. Maybe you'll get to block for Slaton again.

For not reason...

Because Christmas is Just Around the Corner

OK, so Christmas is actually like 350-some days away. But don't get caught with you pants down this time! Too much snark, because this is something I actually want to pass along that seems kind of cool. It gets really cool when you look at who didn't get one, though.

#1 of the edition given to Don Nehlen
#2 given to Bill Stewart

Other prints to follow, and again we like who isn't on the list as much as we like who is on the list.

A new Legends of Mountaineer Field Special Edition Print will be available soon. Print to include autographs by Don Nehlen, Sam Huff, Major Harris, Bobby Bowden, Jeff Hostetler, and Pat White.

Why Yes, It Is A Great Day To Be A Mountaineer

And a great day to drink! If that's your thing. There's a lot of mixed emotions with it being the last time we'll see Pat White in a Mountaineer uniform. If we don't retire his number right away, I would call on Stew to at least ban anyone from wearing #5 next year. Something needs to be done to honor Pat and all he's done. That's all I'm going to say on that at the moment.

On to basketball where West Virginia throttled Ohio State @ Columbus 76-48. Sadly, I didn't get to watch much of the game. I only caught the last ten minutes. But enjoyed Clark Kellogg mentioning West Virginia scoring points "buffet style." Which means three offensive rebounds in a row before scoring. Even with Joe Mazzulla out, this team is really starting to come together. The young players are stepping up and taking charge. It's a beautiful thing, and it made this one of the better days to be a Mountaineer fan.

WVU-UNC 2nd Half Liveblogish

If anything, WVU has been a 2nd half team this year. That trend will need to continue, obviously! Let's see what White and the offense can do to start the second half, and what plan Casteel comes up with to stop Nicks.

9:30 WV moved the ball down the field with ease, but the drive stalled at the UNC 8. Pat McAfee makes the 25 yard field goal. White was sharp and even hit Tyler Urban for a couple first downs. The running game wasn't much help in the drive, though. That needs to change if we can hold UNC on their next drive. Time for some separation, Bill! 24-23 WVU

6:23 Nicks just made the sickest catch you are likely to see this bowl season, trapping the ball with one hand against his back and then bring it around his back to the other hand and running for the first down. I hate him!

4:29 Yates makes a great effort to stretch the ball over in the corner of the end zone to give UNC a 30-24 lead. He just made my hate book as well, considering he's the one throwing to Nicks most of the time.

3:13 The WVU drive stalled in UNC territory, and McAfee drops the ball on the two yard line. Let's see something, defense!

1:38 Wow, we got a huge break on 3rd and 10 when Little dropped a perfect pass that could have gone for a TD. UNC punts and the Mountaineers will take over at the WVU 48.

:42 Arlic Arnett fumbles after a catch and UNC takes over. The play is being reviewed, but I'm not sure he had the ball or not. At first glance you think he does, but a close up shows the ball bouncing around in his hand. But it was a fumble. UNC 30-24 at their own 41.

End of the Third

4th Quarter

14:17 WVU defense holds again and UNC has to punt. Jock Sanders muffed the punt near the goal line, and probably should have let it go. He barely made it out of the end zone and ended up at the 4 yard line.

9:01 The WV drive stalls at the WVU 44 and the Mountaineers call time out facing a 4th and inches. Work that magic, Bill! It's a bowl game, you're down 30-24 in a game that means more to the kids playing than any standings or other measurables. Let them win it!

Another reason to not listen to me as White is pulled down behind the line. When you can't move the ball a few inches, it might as well be a mile.

8:19 Fumble and the Mountaineers recover! Woot! UNC had moved into field goal range. Play under review. Looks like it came out before he was down...the play stands. And on the first play, White hits Sanders down to the UNC 30.

7:14 White hits Arnett for a 20 yard TD! Are you getting sick of the !!!!? WVU takes the lead back, 31-30.

4:24 On third and 10, John Holmes (sure to get me more google porn hits) makes the sack to force the punt. WV takes over and needs to run some clock and score if possible. But we must hold on to the ball!

3:27 It's third and about 5 for WV, and UNC is using their timeouts now. So we need to get a first down and the game is virtually over. But I mean that in a please don't jinx the team kind of way.

3:21 White is sacked again on a corner blitz and WVU will have to punt. Hopefully the punt coverage won't be as bad as the kickoff. We need UNC to have to go the entire field. Fair catch at the UNC 25, yippee!

1:53 Pat Lazear picks off the pass and hopefully secures the win for WVU!

Final WVU31 UNC 30

You sir, are awesome!!

332 yards passing (career high!), 3 TD's. 55 yards rushing. An awesome post game interview that I'm sure will make the Youtubes over the next few days. Thank you, Pat! Thank you!!

WVU-UNC Liveblogish

The game is about to get underway. Stew is fired up and wants Mountaineer fans to take over the city of Charlotte. We don't quite know what that means, but we just nod our heads and go along to get along. Right? Right!

West Virginia kicks off to start the game. Full house, which is nice for a second tier bowl. Thanks to some timely penalties on the Tar Heels, WVU's D forces a three and out 13:06.

8:56 WVU moves the ball down the field after the punt for a 7-0 lead. It was a good mix of run and pass. We could use a little less high snap, thank you. Jollah and Devine both broke some tackles to turn short gains into big ones. Devine's being a 17 yard TD in which he broke several arm tackles. Let's hope arm tackles are the word for the day!

8:29 Chris Spielman, in a rare goof on the ESPN playbook is complimenting WVU on their speed and focus while pointing out the lack of focus for UNC. And just that quick, Nicks catches a tipped ball and carries a WVU defender into the endzone for a 73 yard TD. 7-7. Shit!

5:11 OMG!!!1! Alric Arnett with a 43 yard beautiful one hand TD catch. Boom Mother F'ers! We could be in for an offensive shootout. 14-7 WVU

4:57 Shit!!!!1! Nicks on one play ties the game up at 14. What was I saying about the defense earlier? Forget I ever said it. Not really, but shit man!!

2:23 Bradley Starks catches a 35 yard bomb from White to put WVU up 21-14. Yeah, we're still in the first quarter. White is 7-7 for 140 yards so far.

1:03 Nicks catches a pass that doesn't go for a TD. The D is stiffening up now, yes? No. UNC is moving the ball just as easily as WVU.

End of First Quarter: WVU 21-14 with UNC on the WV 2 yard line. WVU 180 yards of total offense, and UNC 202. WVU no penalties, UNC 3-31. With everything else looking equal, penalties might tell the tale if WV can keep this up.

2nd Quarter

13:27 UNC goes for it on 4th and goal and WVU's number one ranked Red Zone defense comes through again holding UNC on four straight plays from inside the two yard line. And of coulay is being rerse UNC gets the safety on the next play. Shit! 21-16 WVU.

10:43 Kickoff coverage is killing WV. No shit, we would be better off onside kicking every time. At least we would have a good shot at getting the ball. UNC couldn't start in any better field position than what they already are. The seem to be starting in WVU territory way too much. Thankfully, UNC is countering this play with drive killing penalties. 3rd and 11 from the WVU 26.

10:37 That Nicks guy scores on an easy pitch and catch. UNC leads 23-21. Shit! It was a nice route, though. Bastard! He's killing us Bill! Get someone on him! Oh, that guy you were going to put on him is out for today's game? OK, keep scoring!

8:54 Mountaineers first punt of the game. Now WVU defense needs to figure this thing out or it could get ugly. We have to keep it close so we can go out in the second half and take the lead if not sooner. But we have to get back in this game. We can't let UNC get a big lead and try to pass our way back into the game. We pass well when the game is close, not when we're behind.

7:21 The D holds and UNC will make their second punt of the game.

2:30 WVU is moving the ball down the field with short plays, just enough for the first down. With 3rd and 3-4 at the UNC 35, that trend needs to continue. Now if we can score to end the half and again to start the second half, the game will be in our hands. Our defense could use the break as well. I've seen quite a few hands on hips on defense.

1:30 Pat White is just out of his mind, passing for 160 yards on 15-17 passing with 2 TDs. I say this because we average 135 yards passing a game. No matter. This is exactly the type of game you want to see him have in his last game.

:52 Of course the next play is an interception! That's the way the karma thing works, right?

End of the Half UNC runs the clock out up 23-21. New post for the second half

Because We Car Care

Hey, we'll be liveblogging the WVU-UNC game today. We might do the WVU-tOSU basketball game later today. It really all depends, ya know?

We're most likely going to go without Sidney Glover and Brandon Hogan on defense. But we are deep at safety and cornerback, and by this time of the year if you don't know what you are supposed to do there are bigger problems than injuries. I don't expect a drop off because we have a pretty good defensive coordinator in Jeff Casteel. He and the 3-3-5 have taken a lot of crap over the years, but he's really proven himself this year after losing eight starters.

Something that doesn't matter at all but worth mentioning, WVU is 1-5 against Butch Davis and 0-1 against UNC.

We're not into doing a big preview of the game. We'd rather just go with it. But check here, here, and here if you're into that type stuff. Look here, here, and here for the UNC side of things.

Merry Mountaineer Christmas

We'll be back after the break to cover the football and basketball games Saturday. Until then, respect the Ruoff!

Who is This UNC That You Speak Of

The best thing about this bowl game with UNC is that it's not a long drive for either school, and that's showing in ticket sales.

When I first read this title, "Seven UNC Players Selected to All ACC Teams," I was thinking it meant first team. Thankfully, I was wrong.

Butch Davis likes the way Nick Saban thinks! At least as far as his recruiting efforts go.

In the case of Davis, he would appear to be on course to set a new standard for over-recruiting, even with tricks like gray shirting or medical hardships. The Tar Heel coach's tactics have caught the attention of rival North Carolina State and its recruiting coordinator, Jerry Petercuskie.

"We're not in the market of oversigning, unless there's a case where there are some borderline students who may not make it," he said. "And in that case, there's a plan for them." This gets to the heart of the matter. Recruiting is about building trust. If you can't be trusted to honor a commitment, your reputation takes a hit. Is this where Davis and his staff want to take the program?

Everything worked out fine for Alabama, but sooner or later someone is going to get disappointed. Careful who you sign with, kids.

We All Just Need to Relax and Give Stew the Bene...WHAT?!?!?

If anyone can tell me what this was in reference to, I would be very eager to learn!

We've got enough coal in the state of West Virginia to heat the world. We've got enough oil in the state of West Virginia to lubricate the world. We've got enough brains in the state of West Virginia...to run the world.

I had been mulling over a post about how we need to all calm down and stop calling for the firing of Bill Stewart. How it would be in the best interest of the program to have some stability. But without the context of those words, I'm just going to hold off on that post.

Maybe this will shed some light.

I have no idea what that meant, but Stewart, who is a powerful and effective speaker, was bothered and he bit back. Could be the media. Could be the fans. Could be the people who call his talk show. Could be all three.

He keeps up on what people say and write about his team and he cares what people think. Was this an accumulation, a reaction or just calculated?

It was a little awkward, but I enjoyed the entire scene, even the parting shot. Part of me — a big part, in fact — likes Stewart’s class and restraint. Few people in his profession are like him and that’s refreshing. It’s not fair to criticize that side of his personality because it’s genuine. It is who he is. Not only that, but he was pretty calm when he 48-28′d Oklahoma.

Still, another part of me thinks he is, at times, too cool and the fire that burned so hot leading up to the Fiesta Bowl hasn’t been here at all times this season. WVU has lacked an edge and I think that’s contributed to slow starts. I also think there’s an edge in the second half, so perhaps something is said at halftime. IrRegardless, he’s heated up the past few weeks and the nature of that Pitt loss must have had his blood boiling. We saw enough Stewart to heat the world.

White, Mountaineers Hold On 13-7

I think if we're honest with ourselves, we can say that South Florida lost that game. Or at the very least blew every opportunity they had to win.

I can't count the number of times Grothe missed on sure touchdown passes. I also can't count the number of times a South Florida receiver got open for a first down when West Virginia was dropping eight in coverage.

As has been the case for South Florida in most of their losses this year, they turned the ball over and gave their opponent way too many chances. You have to take your hat off to the Bulls defense for only giving up six points on three turnovers.

White and the offense had difficulty at times moving the ball. Devine, despite not playing in the first quarter, had 90 yards on 17 carries. Whatever the reason, it seemed to motivate him. Although there is still a bowl game to play, the coaches have to find a way to get the ball in Devine's hands next year. He's just too dynamic a player to not touch the ball 20-25 times a game.

Speaking of bowl games, we are headed to the Car Care Bowl. Most likely, we will play North Carolina. But we'll have to wait on that call tonight.

We're All Tomorrow's Parties

Along with Charlie from WBGV, we were interviewed by Holly from Dr. Saturday for her weekly tailgating piece, All Tomorrow's Parties. Head over and give it a read. Also check Holly over at EDSBS and Snarkastic.

Since we're big Velvet Underground fans, we're obliged to post this video.

Mirror Images of Disappointment

Dammit!

Not so much fun for either team this year. Big expectations and disappointing results. Both are 7-4. West Virginia has done fair inside the Big East, but a couple losses OOC that no one could imagine them losing before the beginning of the year. Surprisingly, South Florida has lost four of six against Big East teams.

Somehow, South Florida is first in total offense and second in total defense in the Big East. Their negative turnover margin explains a lot of how they lost this year as well as the second highest penalty yards per game.

West Virginia is only 6th in total offense and fifth in total defense. Their saving graces have been being first in turnover margin and middle of the pack in penalties. The defense has been better than expected. Especially being first in scoring defense.
Thanks to CFB Stats.

Part of the reason the Big East is being bashed this year is the failure of these teams to live up to expectations. I wish there was a nice way to say that, but there isn't. Pitt and Cincinnati have both improved. It would be respectable if those two teams were 3rd and 4th in the conference, but they are one and two.

The Game

For West Virginia to win, they absolutely have to be able to run the ball. It's going to be cold and most likely snowing Saturday night. The weather should be a huge advantage for the Mountaineers if they can run the ball and get on the board first. South Florida has fallen behind early in all their losses, and playing against a warm weather team in the cold is a good way to make them want to quit early if you jump on them and run the ball. Sorry about all the running of the ball stuff, but I just want to make sure understands where I'm coming from. I think USF is pretty much locked into the St. Pete bowl, so there really isn't anything to play for.

Hat's off to the Bulls for working with WVU for the whiteout.

Grothe will be back next year. Even though he is having his best year statistically, I never really have thought of him as NFL material. He's a great college quarterback, but I would think NFL teams would be weary of his improvising ways.

It should be an electric atmosphere for Pat White's last game. Unfortunately, the game is going to be on at the same time as the Big 12 championship game. So it won't get the national coverage you'd like to see for someone that means as much to WVU football as Pat does. Most of you, like me, don't care about that game as much as our own, though. So tune into ESPN2 about 8pm and try to imagine what Jack Fleming would put together for his pregame intro. Starting out in a docile tone going through all the awards White has gathered in his time at WVU. Slowly building towards climax as he gets down to the things that inspire. Like the games he put the team on his back and willed them to victory, how he came out of nowhere on that faithful night against Louisville in 2005 to take West Virginia to new heights....Sorry Tony Caridi, I'd like to hear what that would sound like.

Stuff, Stuff, and More Stuff

I think I speak for everyone when I say that last nights Big East Roundtable was a big success. Far too much talk about Syracuse sports for me to be much of a factor. The amount of cold meds I'm on also kept me from participating as much as I would have liked. I was seeing two of every letter on the keyboard. But unfortunately I didn't have a gun for each one.


Wait for it...


I want to officially throw my hat in the ring for Tommy Tuberville as the next Syracuse coach. What the Big East needs as much as anything else is good-to-great coaches, and Tuberville certainly falls in that category.

The people have spoken, and it seems we should retire numbers if you go by the poll on the right. Thanks everyone that voted! So, do you retire Darryl Talley's #90? I do before anyone else. If you aren't old enough to remember him in Old Gold and Blue, you really missed out.

My relatives that graduated from Ole Miss are completely ignoring my emails this morning. It wasn't a dominating win, but on the road against an SEC opponent that had won their last 25 non-con home games is a good thing. It was exciting to listen to and probably another reason I wasn't more active in the roundtable.

I don't think we need to be ranked in the top 25 just yet, but looking at this weeks CBB rankings I really have to wonder what the f is going on! Michigan? Navy? Both ahead of WVU? Really?!?!?!?

Thoughts on South Florida and the Whiteout later on this evening.

At Least There's Basketball

Ugh, it just kills me to think about how far the offensive production has dropped off this year. Especially in a depleted Big East. But at least the basketball team gave us something to smile about last night. If you're wondering, my fever riddled brain thought we were playing the Little Rascals last night.

I'm sure Kentucky won't remind me of a depression era kids show. Game time is 1030pm on ESPN2. Hopefully, I'll be able to put together more than a few sentences after the game.

Turkey Talk

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Normally I wouldn't be on here on a holiday, but the parents have taken over the TV and this seems to be the only thing I can do.

I'm not calling Jason Whitlock a turkey, but this article seems a little over the top to me. I understand his anger with the WWL. I get that way too. But to suggest that ESPN has ruined the Heisman trophy is wrong. I see them reporting on the best player at the biggest schools way more than nice stories like Nate Davis. Yes, I'm sure it's a business decision to draw as many eyes as possible. But if you really want to blame anyone for the Heisman being the joke that it is, you should point that finger at SID's at the schools of Heisman candidates. The kind that rent a billboard in Time Square and put up a picture of Joey Harrington. Those type of stunts have been around a lot longer that Chris Fowler or GameDay. And they've produced names like Gino Toretta, Chris Weinke, and Eric Crouch. At least when ESPN promotes a Big 12 quarterback, they are promoting a player the rest of the country can agree has talent and is in the most competitive conference in the country. BY FAR! As an aside, I remember the 1988 Heisman race between Troy Aikman and RodneyPete that was eventually won by Barry Sanders. All year long we had Aikman and Pete force fed to us. Even thought there was an amazing run/pass quarterback named Major Harris that was doing things no quarterback had ever done. Oddly enough, the only time we saw Sanders play all year was on an upstart network called ESPN. Other than that, Sanders won his Heisman based on video game-type stats.

Making a case for Nate Davis is a nice gesture, but the things he's doing weren't done against top competition. Not even close to what the Big 12 quarterbacks have faced. The thing that sticks out in my mind is the bowl game against Rutgers last year in which he seemed lost most of the game until the outcome wasn't in question. His final stats looked good, but Ball State was out of that game before the halftime gun sounded. Unfortunately for him, that was the last time we saw him play against a top 25 team. At least with ESPN, we can see those games now.

With Pat White reaching some considerable milestones last week, some talk has popped up about retiring his jersey. I'd like to go on record as being against this idea. Not that I don't want to honor White as the best football player West Virginia University has ever had. He is, and I do. I just think it would be a much better idea to create a ring of fame around the stadium honoring Mountaineer greats. His name should be immortalized beside other Mountaineer greats, but the number five and other numbers should be used as a way to let future players know they have something to live up to. Like the way Brad Hunt's #70 was passed along to John Ray. From one West Virginia born lineman to another. If a West Virginia quarterback wants to wear the #5, he should have to earn it. But it should be available. In my mind, that's the best way to honor White. By all means, if you're going to do that do it now. His name should be unveiled on the stadium wall at the end of the South Florida game. Give 60,000 fans the chance to say goodbye and thank you. Anything else doesn't do him justice.

How could I not update with this? 2008 Turkey Awards.

Wouldn't You Rather Beat Maryland?

We're talking bowl choices here, people. What's in front of us? Maybe the Sun Bowl or the Car Care Bowl. Sure, Syracuse could give us the gift we would really like! But let's just accept for a minute that it won't happen, and we'll have to go to a second tier bowl.

My first thought is, "so what." As in the goals at the beginning of the season are shot, so let's go somewhere not too far away and beat a team and a coach we'd really enjoy beating. No Mountaineer fans, Michigan isn't bowl eligible. I'm talking about Maryland and one Ralph Friedgen. Or we could go way the F--- out west and spend a ton on travel and a hotel room. Sure the Car Bowl is pretty craptastic, but is a Sun Bowl appearance really going further the cause any better? Shit no!

I know this is all speculation and we really have no control over what crappy bowl we go to if we don't get a BCS bid. But Charlotte is about five hours from where I'm sitting or a full tank of gas and a six pack of Magic Hat #9 away. The Sun Bowl? Many tanks and many beers. Probably too many. We recruit on the east coast anyway.

No, I don't want Notre Dame to go to the Sun Bowl instead of a Big East team. And no, I don't want West Virginia to finish any worse than second in the Big East. But I'd really like it if I could keep this whole trip under $300 (I got a place places to stay in Charlotte).

Your thoughts in the comments.