Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Steve Slaton Waived

The Houston Texans waived Steve Slaton today, ending an up-and down tenure in the Lone Star State. Slaton rushed for over a 1,200 yards in his rookie year, and seemed poised to be the next breakout star. However, a slow start the following year (which included a fumbling issue) and a season-ending injury derailed his career.

He came back, but found himself out of favor with the Gary Kubiak, and eventually ended up as the fourth string running back to start this season. He now finds himself without a job.

Slaton certainly still has talent, but will he get an opportunity. And if he does, will he take advantage of it? The life span of an NFL career is short, and even shorter for a running back.

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate - WVU’s All Gold Uniforms

By, Dookiestyle

Mountaineer football is very steeped in tradition. But things were changing in the 00’s. New coaches. New offensive philosophies. WVU was back in the national mix.

In 2007, Steve Slaton showed up in Playboy magazine rocking an all gold WVU strip in their preseason All-American college football issue.

Blue helmet. All gold, head to toe. It WAS interesting. It was different. The WVU football program was on “jet.”

However, I’ve always maintained that these uniforms are an eyesore.

Up to that point, WVU had maintained a pretty standard uniform, almost always wearing a blue top with gold pants. You knew WVU was playing at home. Not only was it pretty much tradition, but it could even be called a whole state’s identity.

I just happen to find the all gold uni’s ugly.

Upon hearing the news that WVU would be sporting the all golds, I groaned. Why. We’re playing a team with the same gold in their uniform. Gold helmets to be exact, and gold pants. That’s a lot of gold on the field at one time.

I get it. When we have a “Gold Rush,” everyone in the stands wears gold. The team wears gold. It looks great on TV, and great for recruiting.

HISTORY OF THE ALL GOLDS (I researched this by looking up photos from every game played. I could have missed some, but I feel pretty accurate about this.)

2007
WVU beats Mississippi St.
WVU beats Louisville

2009
WVU beats Colorado

2010
WVU beats South Florida.

As much as I hate them, and will continue to hate them, you can’t argue with the record. Surely that played a part in the decision to wear them.

So now we’re 4-1 in the all golds. I can roll with it. Just don’t overuse it.

And wear gold to every Mountaineer Game!

UPDATE:

Editors Note: I knew my research would be flawed. Thanks to Snider for pointing it out.

2007
WVU beats Louisville
WVU loses to Pitt

2009
WVU beats Colorado

2010
WVU beats South Florida.

As much as I hate them, and will continue to hate them, they do have a winning record. Surely that played a part in the decision to wear them. But its important to note that we had the biggest loss in our program's history wearing the golds.

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Week 3

Anthony Becht, TE, Chiefs: Did play for the Chiefs in week 3, though didn't register any stats in the loss to the Chargers.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Another solid performance, averaging 44 yards a punt that includes three inside the 20.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Started at fullback and registered one tackle in a win over the Patriots.

Ryan Mundy, FS, Steelers: Finished with two tackles in the win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Chris Neild, NT, Redskins: Registered two tackles in Washington's first loss of the season.

Robert Sands, FS, Bengals: Inactive once again this week. Has yet to dress for Cincinnati this year.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: The big man got some action in week 3, including six yards on four carries. However, he was stuffed on the goal-line. Also had one catch for 13 yards.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans: Due to injuries, Slaton had a few carries on Sunday. He finished with eight yards on four carries.

Injuries:

PacMan Jones: PUP List

Brandon Hogan: Pup List

J.T. Thomas: Injured Reserve