Deep Thoughts, WVU-Style

Brad Starks may be on the outside looking in. Both Dana Holgorsen and Asst. Coach, Shannon Dawson have said very little about the speedy wideout. And what has been said isn't very appealing to the guy. It's really not surprising. In a pass-happy system, you would think you'd want receivers that have plenty of experience at the position. Starks, a converted quarterback, has put up some decent numbers over the last two seasons. However, he isn't known for his route-running and hands...not a good combination in this system. Starks might be better suited to go back to quarterback at this point.

The running back battle has been confusing. WVU may have 11 backs on the roster, but has one stepped up yet? Or two? Or three? Possibly. The names that keep getting thrown around the most are all actually all freshmen. Vernard Roberts was the preseason number one. But, both Andrew Buie and Dustin Garrison continue to impress. Meanwhile, Shawn Alston will probably be heading over to practice with the big backs, considering he is now listed with the fullbacks...unofficially.

More praise for Goode. Holgorsen continues to praise Najee Goode for his play and maturity. The linebacker didn't get a ton of publicity heading the season, especially with three potential high round picks along side him in Keith Tandy, Julian Miller, and Bruce Irvin. However, Goode may be the most important part, as he anchors the linebacking core. He finished with 47 tackles last season, and is certainly poised to break out in 2011.

Wherever Virginia Tech Goes is where WVU should go. Who doesn't miss the Battle for the Black Diamond Trophy? Ideally, the Mountaineers would be in a conference with all the good rivals. Let's throw WVU, Pitt, V-Tech, Penn State, Notre Dame, Maryland, Syracuse, and a few others together and call it good.

Anyone else feel this is the year Marshall gets decimated? I sure as hell do. The Herd's chance was last season. Marshall now has to deal with a WVU football team looking to make a statement as soon as they possibly can. A head coach looking to show what he can do. A quarterback with a chip on his shoulder. A defense that continues to be told it's not deep enough. Good luck, Doc.

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Preseason Week 1

Here's a quick look at the participation for former Mountaineers in the NFL last week.

J.T. Thomas, OLB, Bears: Did not play in the first game with a hip.

Wes Lyons, WR, Steelers: Was targeted once with no receptions.

Ryan Mundy, S, Steelers: Led the team with eight tackles, and chipped in with a pass breakup

Mortty Ivy, LB, Steelers: Second on the team in tackles with six.

Chris Neild, DT, Redskins: Played late in game, didn't register a tackle.

Selvish Capers, OL, Redskins: Saw time in game one.

Robert Sands, S, Bengals: Registered four tackles in his first career NFL game.

Pac Man Jones, CB, Bengals: Did not play in game one.

Jarrett Brown, QB, Browns: 1-2 for 13 yards and a pick in limited time.

Jock Sanders, WR, Buccaneers: Targeted once, with no receptions. However, led team in punt return average with 17.0 ypr, including a long of 21.

Darius Reynaud, WR, Giants: Had one catch for five yards, and returned two punts for a total of 14 yards.

Sidney Glover, CB, Bills: Didn't record any stats in game one.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Didn't record any stats in game one.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Averaged over 45 yards per punt, and even nailed a PAT.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: Registered one carry for two yards.

Brandon Hogan, CB, Pathers: Still not back from ACL injury

Ellis Lankster, CB, Jets: Two tackles in his Jets' debut

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans: Did not play in game one

Scooter Berry, DT, Texans: Didn't record any stats

WVU 20th in Andy Staples' Preseason Power Rankings...and is Fleetwood Mac

West Virginia is getting some preseason love from si.com. Andy Staples has placed the Mountaineers 20th in his Preseason Power Rankings. WVU is sandwiched by a few old foes; Virginia Tech(19) and Notre Dame(21). Now only if we could play them.

In true Staples' fashion, the rankings are themed. In this case, WVU is compared to Fleetwood Mac (most overrated band ever in my opinion). Staples compares the offseason drama in Morgantown to that of Mick Fleetwood and Bob Weston, amongst other things. It's actually quite dead-on. Also, check out LSU's write-up. I think that's the best one.

The Mountaineers are the Big East favorite this season, with some believing they could be a dark horse for the National Championship. Bottom-line is the pressure will be on heavy for first-year coach Dana Holgorsen.

YouTube Time: Famous Amos' First Carry

Amos Zereoue was a fine Mountaineer. Famous Amos rushed for over 4,000 yards in his three seasons at WVU, finishing with 40 touchdowns. By the time Zereoue was gone he had broken nearly every rushing record.

Strangely enough, his first carry as a Mountaineer might be his most famous. The 1996 Big East Rookie of the YEar took his first collegiate carry 69 yards to the house against rival Pittsburgh.

Zereoue would go on to play in the NFL for six years, before retiring. After football, he opened an African restaurant in New York City, and now plays club soccer.

Predicting the Big East Offensive Awards

Offensive Player of the Year: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

If Mountaineers are going back to the BCS this season, they will need Smith to have a epic year. Considering we are picking WVU to win the league, it only makes sense he wins this award.

Others Considered: Zach Collaros, Ray Graham

Quarterback of the Year: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

See Above

Others Considered: Zach Collaros

Running Back of the Year: Ray Graham, Pittsburgh

Last year's breakout star is looking for an even bigger 2011. It should happen now that he is the lone star in the Panther backfield. Look for Graham to be active in the passing game as well.

Others Considered: Isaiah Pead, Victor Anderson

Wide Receiver of the Year: Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Many are expecting Justin Blackmon-like numbers for Austin in the Dana Holgorsen system. Though smaller in size, Austin can go get it anywhere, and will plenty this season.

Others Considered: Mohammed Sanu, Mark Harrison, Mike Shanahan, D.J. Woods

Tight End of the Year: Josh Chichester, Louisville

This is a bit of a reach, but Chichester easily has the most potential at this position. The former wideout should be used more often in 2011, and his size makes him nearly impossible to defend.

Others Considered: Nick Provo, Ryan Griffin

Lineman of the Year: Moe Petrus, Connecticut

Hard to go against a guy that has started every game of his career. Look for him to be a multiple award-winner at the end of this season.

Others Considered: Justin Pugh, Mike Ryan

Place Kicker of the Year: Dave Teggart, Connecticut

This man has ice in his veins. The most clutch kicker in the league is poised for another big year, especially with an offense that won't find the end zone too often.

Others Considered: Ross Krautman, Chris Philpott

WVU 19th in ESPN Preseason Power Rankings

West Virginia did make one preseason poll...of course it doesn't count for anything. The Mountaineers are ranked 19th on ESPN's Preseason power Rankings list, sandwiched by Georgia at 20, and number 18 Ohio State.

The Mountaineers are the Big East favorite this season, with some believing they could be a dark horse for the National Championship. Bottom-line is the pressure will be on heavy for first-year coach Dana Holgorsen.

The 19-ranking is interesting, considering the Mountaineers couldn't crack the Coaches' Poll. It seems that WVU and the Big East get a little bit more respect from the ESPN pundits. Or maybe the pundits are just looking at how weak the Big East is, and how WVU should easily get to 10+ wins. Whatever the case is, it seems that the 19-ranking is more legit than being out of the top-25 to start the season. You would think a team picked to win a super-six conference should get a little bit more recognition than they have been getting. But, that's just life in the Big East.

2011 Big East Team Predictions

1. West Virginia: Yes, there are some questions surrounding the offensive line and the new-look defense. Plus, it's a new scheme for Geno Smith and company to lock down. However, if the Mountaineers play to up to potential it should be plenty enough to win the Big East.

Biggest Test(s): at home against LSU 9/24

Biggest Trap(s): at Maryland 9/17, at South Florida 12/1

Most Important Factor: The health of Smith

2. Pittsburgh: A lot rides on the success of Tino Sunseri. His numbers were pretty good in 2010, but that's not good enough to make a BCS trip. Either way, Todd Graham should be a refreshing change in Oakland...and should bring success.

Biggest Test(s): at WVU 11/25

Biggest Trap(s): at Louisville 11/12

Most Important Factor: Sunseri, Sunseri, Sunseri

3. South Florida: Some have them winning the conference. However, the Bulls are the perennial choke artist. They need to prove it at this point. Offense should be better this season, and the defense is always stout.

Biggest Test(s): at Notre Dame 9/03, at home against WVU 12/01

Biggest Trap(s): at home against Louisville 11/25

Most Important Factor: BJ Daniels staying consistent

4. Syracuse: The Orange should be right back in the mix again this season, with plenty of talent coming back. This is your prototypical dark-horse pick. If the above teams hit a snag or two don't be surprised if the Orange claim the crown.

Biggest Test(s): at home against WVU 10/21, at Pitt 12/03

Biggest Trap(s): at Tulane 10/08

Most Important Factor: Successfully replacing Delone Carter

5. Cincinnati: Expect the 'Cats to make a solid comeback this season in year two under Butch Jones. Zach Collaros could have an epic final year, but it won't be enough. Cincy just isn't a complete team.

Biggest Test(s): at home against NC State 9/22, at WVU 11/12

Biggest Trap(s): at Miami (OH) 10/01

Most Important Factor: Consistency on the defensive side

6. Louisville: The Cards will continue to improve, and should be a tough out. Charlie Strong will have some questions to answer early on, including who the starting quarterback will be. One thing's for sure: The Card Defense won't make it easy on anyone.

Biggest Test(s): at Kentucky 9/17, at UNC 10/08

Biggest Trap(s): at home against Marshall, 10/01

Most Important Factor: Offensive balance with the new gunslinger

7. Connecticut: New starting quarterback, new starting tailback, new head coach, and a partridge in a pear tree. It could be a long year in Storrs. The Huskies will sell be solid defensively, but way too many questions on the offensive side to have a chance.

Biggest Test(s): at Vanderbilt 9/10

Biggest Trap(s): at Buffalo 9/24

Most Important Factor: Finding a QB, who does more than trick throws

8. Rutgers: Once upon a time, the Scarlet Knights were the worst team in the Big East. And, it seems they may be right back there. Great receivers, not much else. Rutgers won't be terrible, but they sure as hell won't be good.

Biggest Test(s): at UNC 9/10

Biggest Trap(s): at Army 11/12

Most Important Factor: The Maturation of Chas Dodd

Individual Conference Predictions coming tomorrow.