wvucrazed Wrote:

CatsClaw Wrote:

wvucrazed Wrote:After watching the first 3 games, I have to say this: I really don't think WVU is a Top 5 team. Top 10-15, yeah.... but I just don't see us, at least so far, in the same league as LSU, USC or Oklahoma.

Against a very physical defense that can put 7 in the box and not fall apart in the 2nd half, we'll have trouble. And everyone knows our defensive problems. They played better tonight, but Maryland hasn't exactly put up incredible offensive numbers this year.

I think really the BE is wide open. From what I've seen thus far, I'd give a slight edge to Rutgers overall because I think they are as good offensively as WVU and UL but have a slightly better defense. USF I'm not sure what to make of them just yet... the Auburn game was such a weird one with all the turnovers and missed field goals. I'm anxious to see what they do against UNC.

And I haven't even mentioned UC yet, heh. And then Pitt and UCONN are both still 2-0, and the Backyard Brawl is always wild....

It's going to be a really interesting BE season this year....

West Virginia is a legit Top 5 team. West Virginia is going through the same thing as Ohio State their national title year but in reverse. Everyone kept saying that Ohio State didn't have the offense to win so they relied on defense. It isn't pretty, and you don't get bonus points for style, but West Virginia is getting the job done. And I would put West Virginia up against any team in the country. I mean really, what has Oklahoma done? They pounded on a Miami team that isn't half as good as Maryland. What about USC? They haven't proven anything yet (we'll see vs Nebraska).

I would imagine Miami is probably about the same as Maryland, and OU blew them apart. Miami may not be the 'Canes of old, but they still have athletes down there. I'd love any BE team to notch a win over them, cuz it still carries prestige. More prestige than beating Maryland.

I'm proud of the team, don't get me wrong, and Pat White is a warrior. But I don't predict an undefeated BE season by WVU, or any BE team.

The "Miami has athletes" thing is blown WAY out of proportions. These teams that are pounding them are pounding them BECAUSE they don't have any athletes, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Maryland would handle Miami. Miami may have more prestige as far as a win, but they don't have the athletes or talent that Maryland has. that being said, I don't think anyone, Big East or otherwise, is going undefeated this year.

MichaelSavage Wrote:

MOUNTAINEERFAN64 Wrote:

CatsClaw Wrote:Latest excuse: "Oh, Maryland wasn't that good anyway!"

Did you actually expect anything different? The Big East will always be the redheaded stepchild. You would think they would talk a little more about the amazing runs of Noel Devine instead of finding these excuses. At least give the rest of the Big East some props!

What game were you watching? They've been praising Devine all night. There was even a Barry Sanders comparison. What excuses were they making for Maryland or the ACC?

Two comments is all I heard out of those three. In the same conversation, they stated his balance was Barry Sanders like as well as his stats and average. The other comments were about Deion Sanders being his guardian. They mentioned his name when he had the ball, but nothing like if it would have been a USC player out there making those fantastic cuts on a dime. Oh Yeah, they did say he was living up to the hype. I watched the entire game and seen a true freshman from West Virginia make some of the most incredible cuts I have ever seen an individual make. To me it was almost as if he were gliding more so than running. I, myself thought he should have been acknowledged a little more for his athletic ability. Reggie Bush would have been talked about all night long if it were him out there making the runs Devine made. As for the Maryland and ACC excuses, "Well Maryland isn't that good anyway."

CatsClaw Wrote:

wvucrazed Wrote:

CatsClaw Wrote:

wvucrazed Wrote:After watching the first 3 games, I have to say this: I really don't think WVU is a Top 5 team. Top 10-15, yeah.... but I just don't see us, at least so far, in the same league as LSU, USC or Oklahoma.

Against a very physical defense that can put 7 in the box and not fall apart in the 2nd half, we'll have trouble. And everyone knows our defensive problems. They played better tonight, but Maryland hasn't exactly put up incredible offensive numbers this year.

I think really the BE is wide open. From what I've seen thus far, I'd give a slight edge to Rutgers overall because I think they are as good offensively as WVU and UL but have a slightly better defense. USF I'm not sure what to make of them just yet... the Auburn game was such a weird one with all the turnovers and missed field goals. I'm anxious to see what they do against UNC.

And I haven't even mentioned UC yet, heh. And then Pitt and UCONN are both still 2-0, and the Backyard Brawl is always wild....

It's going to be a really interesting BE season this year....

West Virginia is a legit Top 5 team. West Virginia is going through the same thing as Ohio State their national title year but in reverse. Everyone kept saying that Ohio State didn't have the offense to win so they relied on defense. It isn't pretty, and you don't get bonus points for style, but West Virginia is getting the job done. And I would put West Virginia up against any team in the country. I mean really, what has Oklahoma done? They pounded on a Miami team that isn't half as good as Maryland. What about USC? They haven't proven anything yet (we'll see vs Nebraska).

I would imagine Miami is probably about the same as Maryland, and OU blew them apart. Miami may not be the 'Canes of old, but they still have athletes down there. I'd love any BE team to notch a win over them, cuz it still carries prestige. More prestige than beating Maryland.

I'm proud of the team, don't get me wrong, and Pat White is a warrior. But I don't predict an undefeated BE season by WVU, or any BE team.

The "Miami has athletes" thing is blown WAY out of proportions. These teams that are pounding them are pounding them BECAUSE they don't have any athletes, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Maryland would handle Miami. Miami may have more prestige as far as a win, but they don't have the athletes or talent that Maryland has. that being said, I don't think anyone, Big East or otherwise, is going undefeated this year.

We'll see... it will be interesting what Miami does in the ACC, although at this point that won't mean much. Does the ACC have one good signature OOC win at all this year? (Does Georgia Tech over Notre Dame still count considering how awful the Irish are?)

The only team I see possibly going undefeated is Oklahoma, cuz I don't think Nebraska and Texas are that good. The Big 12 looks mediocre for the most part.

And as a sleeper, Penn State. They look to be better than Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin thus far.

Devine is a god, I was born a Miami fan so naturally I was sad that he never qualified for being a Cane, but I'm glad to see him in the BE, (even though it isn't for my team, the Bearcats). WV has a great one in their midst, congrats on the victory and let's keep showing the nation how awesome the BE conference is, a national championship would be nice too

funny they never mentioned prime time doing everything in his power to get devine to renege on his commitment to wvu so he can go to prep school because he was supposedly not ready for college (what a great idea that was).

they were very complementary of wvu, all i heard was them deifying white and slaton all night (rightfully so), and pointing out how strong owen schmitt is and the obscene rushing average devine was putting up. they also pointed out the defense answered some questions tonight and how they were easily handling a team who was treating this game like their superbowl.

USFMike Wrote:they were very complementary of wvu, all i heard was them deifying white and slaton all night (rightfully so), and pointing out how strong owen schmitt is and the obscene rushing average devine was putting up. they also pointed out the defense answered some questions tonight and how they were easily handling a team who was treating this game like their superbowl.

Thank you. I knew it couldn't be just me who watched all that on ESPN. I think Big East fans have been playing the "We don't get any respect" card for so long that they see it even when it doesn't apply.

Impressive win for West Virginia! Congrats.

MichaelSavage Wrote:

USFMike Wrote:they were very complementary of wvu, all i heard was them deifying white and slaton all night (rightfully so), and pointing out how strong owen schmitt is and the obscene rushing average devine was putting up. they also pointed out the defense answered some questions tonight and how they were easily handling a team who was treating this game like their superbowl.

Thank you. I knew it couldn't be just me who watched all that on ESPN. I think Big East fans have been playing the "We don't get any respect" card for so long that they see it even when it doesn't apply.

In this case, I would say you are right. I did not hear a whole lot of talk about how good the B is, but they were falling all over themselves regarding WV.

cuseroc Wrote:

MichaelSavage Wrote:

USFMike Wrote:they were very complementary of wvu, all i heard was them deifying white and slaton all night (rightfully so), and pointing out how strong owen schmitt is and the obscene rushing average devine was putting up. they also pointed out the defense answered some questions tonight and how they were easily handling a team who was treating this game like their superbowl.

Thank you. I knew it couldn't be just me who watched all that on ESPN. I think Big East fans have been playing the "We don't get any respect" card for so long that they see it even when it doesn't apply.

In this case, I would say you are right. I did not hear a whole lot of talk about how good the B is, but they were falling all over themselves regarding WV.

I'm not saying they didn't give props to Devine and West Virginia, all I'm saying is that they sure as hell didn't talk it up like they would John David Booty, Darren McFadden or the freshman QB from Notre Dame "name escapes me right now" Claussen maybe. I'm just tired of these guys getting all the hype when we have one of our own that's just as good or better.

MOUNTAINEERFAN64 Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:

MichaelSavage Wrote:

USFMike Wrote:they were very complementary of wvu, all i heard was them deifying white and slaton all night (rightfully so), and pointing out how strong owen schmitt is and the obscene rushing average devine was putting up. they also pointed out the defense answered some questions tonight and how they were easily handling a team who was treating this game like their superbowl.

Thank you. I knew it couldn't be just me who watched all that on ESPN. I think Big East fans have been playing the "We don't get any respect" card for so long that they see it even when it doesn't apply.

In this case, I would say you are right. I did not hear a whole lot of talk about how good the B is, but they were falling all over themselves regarding WV.

I'm not saying they didn't give props to Devine and West Virginia, all I'm saying is that they sure as hell didn't talk it up like they would John David Booty, Darren McFadden or the freshman QB from Notre Dame "name escapes me right now" Claussen maybe. I'm just tired of these guys getting all the hype when we have one of our own that's just as good or better.

Dont worry about the hype. After Devines performance in that game, it will most certainly follow. But lets keep everything in perspective here. Your concerned about not getting enough hype for your hyped up true super freshman, when Steve Slaton and Pat White aka "The Dynamic Duo" are getting more hype than anyone in the BE, or probably any other conference. Throw in a little bit of Owen Schmidt and there really is no reason to complain. Afterall, things could be worse. You could be getting the kind of negative hype that Syracuse is now getting.

There was no slap in the face to WV or Devine or the BE. It was all good last night.

It's still early in the season, and new players are still getting comfortable with the play calls and formations. There are still way too many mental mistakes, which led to several of Maryland's biggest plays. But overall, this was WVU's best defensive performance of the season.

The 3-3-5 stack can work as a defense, but not with such a loose zone. They need to tighen the coverage in the secondary. A good QB can work that loose zone all night long.

The offense bagged it on the passing game for this game. There were way too many passing opportunities that have turned into negative yardage running plays. It seemed like the only receiver White was comfortable with was Reynaud. Ah well.

But that running game... WOW! If having to stop Slaton, White, and Schmitt wasn't bad enough, now there is Devine influence in the Mountaineer rushing attack. Noel Devine, the highest recruit ever to pan out at West Virginia, is off to a great start to his college career.

Noel Devine's statistics after 3 games.

Rushing...
GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
3 . 17 . 256 .. 0 . 256 15.1 3 . 76 .. 85.3

Kick Return...
No. Yds Avg TD Long
4 ... 98 . 24.5 0 . 26

Receiving...
GP No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
3 .. 2 .. 20 . 10.0 0 . 19 .. 6.7

Quote:The 3-3-5 stack can work as a defense, but not with such a loose zone. They need to tighen the coverage in the secondary. A good QB can work that loose zone all night long.

-- Agree 100%.....its personal not the scheme...it worked fine when Lorrello and Addai where back there....With that being said, it appears to be making strides

Jackson

Jackson1011 Wrote:

Quote:The 3-3-5 stack can work as a defense, but not with such a loose zone. They need to tighen the coverage in the secondary. A good QB can work that loose zone all night long.

-- Agree 100%.....its personal not the scheme...it worked fine when Lorrello and Addai where back there....With that being said, it appears to be making strides

Jackson

Lorello could read a QB like a book, and he had an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. Addai was good at reading the flow of the play and seeing where the ball was heading. He also had the closing speed to seem to appear out of nowhere. He almost never got beat, especially deep.

cuseroc Wrote:

MOUNTAINEERFAN64 Wrote:

cuseroc Wrote:

MichaelSavage Wrote:

USFMike Wrote:they were very complementary of wvu, all i heard was them deifying white and slaton all night (rightfully so), and pointing out how strong owen schmitt is and the obscene rushing average devine was putting up. they also pointed out the defense answered some questions tonight and how they were easily handling a team who was treating this game like their superbowl.

Thank you. I knew it couldn't be just me who watched all that on ESPN. I think Big East fans have been playing the "We don't get any respect" card for so long that they see it even when it doesn't apply.

In this case, I would say you are right. I did not hear a whole lot of talk about how good the B is, but they were falling all over themselves regarding WV.

I'm not saying they didn't give props to Devine and West Virginia, all I'm saying is that they sure as hell didn't talk it up like they would John David Booty, Darren McFadden or the freshman QB from Notre Dame "name escapes me right now" Claussen maybe. I'm just tired of these guys getting all the hype when we have one of our own that's just as good or better.

Dont worry about the hype. After Devines performance in that game, it will most certainly follow. But lets keep everything in perspective here. Your concerned about not getting enough hype for your hyped up true super freshman, when Steve Slaton and Pat White aka "The Dynamic Duo" are getting more hype than anyone in the BE, or probably any other conference. Throw in a little bit of Owen Schmidt and there really is no reason to complain. Afterall, things could be worse. You could be getting the kind of negative hype that Syracuse is now getting.

There was no slap in the face to WV or Devine or the BE. It was all good last night.

It's really not the "hype". What I'm trying to say is if it were any of the guys I mentioned in the previous post, they would have talked all night about him. I just feel if a player from the Big East is a super talent, they don't get their due. That's all I'm saying. BUT ANYWAY. I'm waiting on ECU now, let's put this one behind us.

Belated congrats to the Eers; very nice win, and Devine looked simply awesome.