From the Blue Lot

Each week, Chris and Dookiestyle will answer questions about the Mountaineers upcoming game…

How big are Geno’s onions, really?

Dookiestyle - I wanna say they are huge, based on last week’s record breaker. But I think we’ll really find out the answer to that question this weekend against Bowling Green. Geno had big numbers against LSU, but also had a few turnovers.

If Geno can light it up again this weekend and lead this team to a huge victory after such a high emotion loss, I think we can classify Geno’s juevos as extra large and hop on his back to a BCS Bowl Game appearance.

Its all about how he handles this weekend though.

Chris - I think the onions are rather large and impressive. Smith has shown he isn't afraid to hang the pocket, and also moves well to the outside. The guy has had impressive drives late in games, great arm strength, and true leadership ability.

Does he need to improve in the redzone? Yes, but his quip from Bruce Feldman's piece earlier this week on cbssports.com says it all. Geno Smith walks by and heads back to the offensive staff room. It's 1:30 a.m. ET. More film?"Yep," he says. "Have to."

The atmosphere at a 3:30 game against Bowling Green will be very, very different than the atmosphere for a night game against LSU. Are Mountaineer fans fair-weather fans?

Chris - Yes in our view, mainly because we want to be LSU or Ohio State, and sellout every single game. However, having 55,000 to 60,000 a game is nothing to be ashamed of. The bigger issue is the student section. When it empties at halftime, the entire atmosphere of Mountaineer Field changes.

The new policy that doesn't allow you to come back seems to have paid off. Keeping seats filled for four quarters not only helps the atmosphere, but also looks good on television. Looking good on ESPN, MASN, SNY or whatever the station may be is more important than one may think.

Dookiestyle - I don’t think they are any more fair weather than other schools. Big games, especially night games, bring more people, more out of towners and more booze to the game.

Smaller opponent...smaller crowds, less out of towners and less time to get wasted.
Also, as prices for things at WVU sporting events skyrocket...you find less and less people from around the state that can come to every game. They’d much rather spend their money on Pitt, LSU, Marshall or another Big East game than to see Bowling Green.

Will WVU win the turnover battle?

Dookiestyle - I’m going with the law of averages here. They HAVE to at some point, right? This BG team is very young, and I have to believe our defense is going to be really on their game for the rest of the season. They basically got a full season’s experience last week.

I hate to overstate that, but we won’t play another team like LSU again this year, until we get to our BCS bowl. That will do wonders for both the offense and the defense. Time to rebound. Time to learn. Time to win the rest of our games.

Chris - Yes. At some point this team needs to force and recover a fumble. They haven't done it in four games, so you would have to think they are due. Same goes with pressure on the quarterback. Only one sack through four games is a disaster. The two can seemingly go hand-in-hand, so we'll see if that occurs.

It will also help if WVU can get up early on Bowling Green. This will force the Falcons to take risks down the field, which could play into the hands of the Mountaineers.

But, defensive leaders need to step up. Bruce Irvin, Julian Miller, and Keith Tandy have to start making plays for this young team.

WVU-Bowling Green Preview

West Virginia looks to get back on stride against a tough MAC team in Bowling Green. The Mountaineers continue to improve under new coach Dana Holgorsen, but how will they react off the first loss of the season? The Falcons are no pushover. Statistically, a very proven team already this year, Bowling Green will give everything they have at the Mountaineers. Will it be enough to hang with the high-flying West Virginia?

Offense:

West Virginia: The unit continues to make big strides. Geno Smith and the boys ended up gaining more than 500 yards against LSU. The team was 3-for-3 in the redzone, and even ran the ball well against the Tigers. As good as the skilled positional players were, the offensive line was the real story. The boys up front kept Geno on his feet the entire game, and also push around the big boys from Baton Rouge a little bit. Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, and Ivan McCartney continue to create havoc for the secondary, and Tyler Urban may be the new go-to in the redzone. Dustin Garrison may have emerged as the number one running back after his performance last week. Tempo has improved as well. The biggest problem for this unit is the mistakes. The team has to hold onto the football, and just play cleaner.

Bowling Green: The balanced offense has had a lot of success early on. Matt Schilz is one of the more efficient quarterbacks in the nation, having already thrown 14 touchdowns. His top targets, Kamar Jorden and Eugene Cooper will be tough covers for the WVU corners. Anthon Samuel has nearly 500 yards on the ground already, with a very impressive 7.0 average per-carry. The Mountaineers better have learned how to tackle if they want to slow this offense down. The line is good, but has been suseptable to the sack this year, allowing 11 in four games. The Falcons are also nearly 50% on third downs. Efficiency is the word.

Defense:

West Virginia: No pressure and no technique continue to haunt this unit. It's not a bad group at all. In fact, there's a lot of talent, including guys (Bruce Irvin, Julian Miller, Keith Tandy) who will play at the next level. However, this "unit" has struggled to play as one. In fact, it looks more like three units playing on the same field. That shoudn't come as a big surprise. This is a young group, which had many new parts coming in. Overall, they has been pretty good. They didn't give up a touchdown in the first two games, but struggled the last few weeks. The effort has been there, the technique has not. The line can't get a puss rush, the linebackers are not wrapping up, and the secondary look lost at times. They go up against another good offense on Saturday, so the spotlight will certainly be on.

Defense: The Falcons are allowing less than 20 points per game. This is one of the better numbers in the nation. Now, it's not against stellar opponents, but the bottomline is they're getting the job done. The line has done well to keep teams honest. The Falcons have consistently gotten to the opposing quarterback, and have done well against the run. That pressure has relieved a young linebacking unit. The secondary has done well, but haven't faced a passing attack like West Virginia's. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Falcons play early against the West Virginia offense.

Special Teams:

West Virginia: Just a train wreck so far. Yes, Tyler Bitancurt has been fine kicking, and Tavon is a good return man. But everything else needs major work. Net punting is dead last in the country, tackling on coverage is shambolic, and blocking on returns isn't much better. Dana Holgorsen talked about this being potentially the major issue, and changes may be made before tomorrow's game. Mistakes from this unit can be a death sentence.

Bowling Green: The kicking game is strong. All averages are fine, including punter Brian Schmiedebusch's 49 per-kick. The return game has been fine, nothing huge. Look for Steven Dunlap to get most of the opportunities. WVU will have to not make any of these kids household names.

Overall: West Virginia is going to score. So, will the Mountaineer defense step up? Bowling Green will have to take risks to stay in this game, so look for WVU to play aggressivley to force mistakes...something that has eluded this defense so far. Expect a close game early, but just too much Geno and company will ultimately make the difference. Bowling Green will need the perfect game, which won't be the case. The Mountaineers make it big late.

Prediction: 49-24 West Virginia

Big East Preview, Week 5

Conference play opens up for the first time this year for the Big East. It's highlighted by another big Thursday night game that could push South Florida even closer to the Top-10. Or can Pittsburgh finally get their season rolling? On to the picks...

Last Week: 6-1

Overall: 24-6

Bye Week: None

Marshall at Louisville: The Cardinals are coming off a bye, with a whole lot of confidence. Louisville handled some adveristy in the last game, and took down not-so mighty rival, Kentucky. Young quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater played solidly after starter Will Stein went down. Stein may be out again this week, so look for Bridgewater and the running game to attack the Herd as much as possible. Marshall has been completely run over the last few weeks, so the Cards should have success. If the Herd stack the box, look for Bridgewater (or Stein) to go down the field. DeVante Parker and the boys should be able to beat Marhsall's secondary at will. Louisville has struggled to finish drives this season, but this is the kind of game that could change that. Dominique Brown being under center at times could also be another factor in finding more consistency in the redzone. It might stay close early, but the Herd just aren't scary enough to hang around.

Prediction: 29-13 Louisville

Cincinnati at Miami(OH): The Bearcats go on the road to take on a MAC opponent. It's been a strange year so far for Miami. Three games that could have gone either way have them as a scary 0-3 team. Have the Redhawks faced an offense like Cincinnati? Yes and no. They did play Missouri in week 1 and held them to 17 points. However, it was the first game of the year, when teams tend to be susceptible. The Bearcats' offense is clicking on all cylinders, and is coming off a dismantling of NC State. Cincinnati is now 4th in the nation in scoring, and shouldn't have too much trouble moving the ball this weekend. The only thing that could slow down the train is mistakes. The Redhawks will have to play opportunistic, which certainly could backfire...and probably will. This is just a solid matchup for Cincy. Expect another comfortable.

Prediction: 38-17 Cincinnati

Bowling Green at West Virginia: The Mountaineers fought LSU hard last week, but turnovers and tackling would be their downfall. WVU now faces a solid offensive team in Bowling Green, and better be ready defensively. Geno Smith and company should be able to move the ball on the Falcons, and look for the rushing attack to have their first big game. But can Bowling Green keep it close? Probably early on, but too much Geno will seperate the two in the second half. Full preview coming tomorrow.

Prediction: 49-24 West Virginia

Western Michigan at Connecticut: The Huskies better be ready, and better be disciplined this weekend. The Broncos are certainly no pushover, and nearly took down an undefeated Illinois last week. The Huskies struggled to score against Buffalo. So, it's no surprise that UConn is only a 3-point favorite. Connecticut's defense will make it difficult for WMU to move the ball. UConn has done well staying in games due limiting opposing teams opportunities. The Husky defense is ranked 13th in points against. Meanwhile, the Broncos have had their own struggles offensively, especially holding onto the football. Look for UConn to play an aggressive style to try and force mistakes. This will probably be the Huskies' saving grace. Until the offense gets more consistent play, primarily at the quarterback position, UConn has rely on the solid defense. This one will be close all day, with the Huskies holding on late.

Prediction: 17-14 Connecticut

Rutgers at Syracuse: I honestly have no idea what to make of Syracuse. The Orange have played four games, and practically underachieved in all of them. However, a 3-1 record is solid. Sure, two of those games were won in overtime, and the other was a tight game against Rhode Island, but the team is winning. Meanwhile, Rutgers is coming off a nice win over Ohio, and continue to get good play from Chas Dodd, and his dynamic receivers. The Knights should have success moving the ball against the banged up defense of Syracuse. However, the Orange have done a pretty good job in the redzone, so Dodd will have to be more patient than he has been in those tight situations. Rutgers has struggled to run the ball so Syracuse can be more cognizant of the pass throughout. However, the same goes on the other side of the ball. Rutgers can key on the pass until Syracuse can prove they can pound the rock. And, with a few injuries to deal with this week don't expect the Orange to bust out Saturday. So, does this game come down to Dodd v Ryan Nassib? Possibly. Both have performed well, limiting the big mistakes. Expect Nassib to play a bit better, considering he'll have the home field advantage, and already has a step on maturity. Should be a fun game to watch, back and forth all the way. A few big plays for the Orange in the second half will be the difference in this one.

Prediction: 31-27 Syracuse

Game of the Week: (16) South Florida at Pittsburgh: The Bulls have just been killing people since beating Notre Dame. The Panthers have lost two straight, including one to Notre Dame. Though, Pitt did look better...kind of. While the defensee kept the Panthers in the game, Todd Graham's offense continues to struggle to get off the ground. As talented as Ray Graham is, the running back is starting to dance a little too much. Meanwhile, Tino Sunseri continues to look timid behind the center, and needs a breakout game to get going. Will it happen tonight? Maybe. The Bulls' defense hasn't been lockdown, but haven't had to be. With giant leads in the majority of their games, USF has essentially breezed through second halves. The Bulls will certainly stack the box and make Sunseri prove he is a threat. A quarterback who hasn't struggled with complacency is B.J. Daniels. The junior is having an outstanding start to the season, with nine total touchdowns and only one INT. The running game has been solid too, with Darrell Scott averaging nearly seven yards a carry. Look for the balanced attack to just be too much for the Panthers' defense. It's a Thursday night game in Pittsburgh, which could help, but if Sunseri doesn't have a dynamic game it's hard to see the Panthers winning this game.

Prediction: 27-17 USF

Steve Slaton now a Dolphin

A day after being released by the Houston Texans, Steve Slaton has been claimed by the Miami Dolphins. Slaton will join a backfield that includes rookie running back Daniel Thomas, classic underachiever Reggie Bush, and some guy named Lex Hilliard.

Slaton was a 1,000-yard rusher his rookie year, but due to a case of Fumbilitis and a few bad injuries, he found himself buried on the depth cart in Houston. And, after a good start for Ben Tate, it was evident that Slaton was expendable.

It will be interesting to see what kind of opportunity Slaton gets in Miami. It seems that he could be a pretty solid 3rd down back in the NFL. And, with Reggie Bush struggling to get going, maybe Slaton will get a chance to prove his worth.

Big East Power Rankings, Week 4

1. South Florida (4-0): The Bulls continue to cruise, after dismantling UTEP. Next Step...Thursday night at Pittsburgh.

2. West Virginia (3-1): Hung around with LSU for three quarters, then fell apart. Next Step...avoiding a letdown against Bowling Green.

3. Cincinnati (3-1): A solid statement win last week on national television over NC State. Next Step...On the road at Miami...no, not that one.

4. Louisville (2-1): Probably spent the bye week still celebrating the win over rival Kentucky. Next Step...Hosting Marshall.

5. Syracuse (3-1): Literally stole a win from Toledo, but that's on the refs not Cuse. Next Step...Still looking for a good four quarter performance against Rutgers.

6. Pittsburgh (2-2): Could be lower, but given the benefit of the doubt with the tough schedule. Next Step...Tough Thursday night battle against USF.

7. Rutgers (2-1): Nice win over Ohio to ignite some momentum. Next Step...Looking to keep that momentum going against Syracuse.

8. Connecticut (2-2): Tough win over Buffalo, but a win is a win. Next Step...Hosting a pretty tough Western Michigan.

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.