Hot Reads: Rocky Thoughts - A Well Done Article on the Vols from WVU

[WVMULE]

Jed Drenning, aka @thesignalcaller, is a friend and sideline reporter for MSN on IMG. Jed was the QB for Rich Rod at Glenville State when he invented the read-option QB run (by accident) when his RB ran the wrong play and went in the opposite direction. The defense followed the RB leaving Jed with an open field all the way to the end zone.

Unfortunately Jed, being a prostyle QB, only made it twenty yards down field. Years later WVU would in 4 consecutive bowl games, including two BS bowls, using a version that accidental play.

This is very good look at the history of the Vols program and its claim to once and future glory. Jed says Tennessee will be very good in 2018 if...

Well, read it for yourself....

Hot Reads: Rocky Thoughts - West Virginia University

p.s. If you want to engage in some fun, well-meaning smack talk or discuss the game you can find me at @theDudeofWV on Twitter.

 

[InstrumentalVol]

I hope you guys lose. But thank you for sharing.

 

[WVMULE]

I hope you lose too.

WVU has nothing but mad respect for Tennessee. I hope that's mutual.

 

[InstrumentalVol]

I hope you lose too.

WVU has nothing but mad respect for Tennessee. I hope that's mutual.

Absolutely. Ive grown up with some WVU friends & fans and they're great people. At the end of the day it will be settled on the field, the same field that will read UT 42,000 WVU 3 by the end. Good luck!

 

[Volumnus 2011]

I really don't like any school that isn't Tennessee, BUT having respectful fan interactions does help me not hate the other teams. I don't hate WV at all. In fact, I'd say the representation from the Mountaineer fan base has been so good, I hope you win 11 games this year.

That being said, #wgwyfa

 

[VolGirl1126]

Great read! Unlike many writers these days, this one deserves to be called a writer. It is very refreshing to see someone who obviously does research and puts a story together so well. Thanks for posting this!

 

[WVMULE]

I miss the days when opposing teams feared for their lives when coming into Morgantown. But that reputation also kept us out of the ACC.

We are all cautiously optimistic we have one of the best CFB teams in the country for 2018 but we are far too smart not to understand that any advantage we may have is razor thin.

Tennessee has the resources and will and be an elite program year in and year out. WVU is your cousin who does't have as much money as you but is just as passionate and learned to do more with less.

We accept that WVU can't compete for a Big 12 title or a playoff spot every year. We hope that every four years or so we are lucky enough to have all the ingredients necessary to make a run.

In my opinion, hopefully an educated opinion, this really is the best team WVU has ever had. It's not as deep as 1988 or 2007... but it has more talent, it's bigger, stronger, faster and more experienced than any Mountaineer team previously.

That doesn't always translate into wins. We know that better than most... (see 13-9).

WVU has depth problems on defense at LB and CB. No question...

Grier has proven he has a magic cannon for an arm, but he hasn't demonstrated patience in taking what the defense is giving.

The RBs (except Leddie Brown) don't seem to understand the concept of surfing for the hole or hitting the gap hard with pads low on a power play.

This can be a special season for WVU - if nobody gets hurt.

 

[ProudVOLfan]

I miss the days when opposing teams feared for their lives when coming into Morgantown. But that reputation also kept us out of the ACC.

We are all cautiously optimistic we have one of the best CFB teams in the country for 2018 but we are far too smart not to understand that any advantage we may have is razor thin.

Tennessee has the resources and will and be an elite program year in and year out. WVU is your cousin who does't have as much money as you but is just as passionate and learned to do more with less.

We accept that WVU can't compete for a Big 12 title or a playoff spot every year. We hope that every four years or so we are lucky enough to have all the ingredients necessary to make a run.

In my opinion, hopefully an educated opinion, this really is the best team WVU has ever had. It's not as deep as 1988 or 2007... but it has more talent, it's bigger, stronger, faster and more experienced than any Mountaineer team previously.

That doesn't always translate into wins. We know that better than most... (see 13-9).

WVU has depth problems on defense at LB and CB. No question...

Grier has proven he has a magic cannon for an arm, but he hasn't demonstrated patience in taking what the defense is giving.

The RBs (except Leddie Brown) don't seem to understand the concept of surfing for the hole or hitting the gap hard with pads low on a power play.

This can be a special season for WVU - if nobody gets hurt.

 

[InstrumentalVol]

I miss the days when opposing teams feared for their lives when coming into Morgantown. But that reputation also kept us out of the ACC.

We are all cautiously optimistic we have one of the best CFB teams in the country for 2018 but we are far too smart not to understand that any advantage we may have is razor thin.

Tennessee has the resources and will and be an elite program year in and year out. WVU is your cousin who does't have as much money as you but is just as passionate and learned to do more with less.

We accept that WVU can't compete for a Big 12 title or a playoff spot every year. We hope that every four years or so we are lucky enough to have all the ingredients necessary to make a run.

In my opinion, hopefully an educated opinion, this really is the best team WVU has ever had. It's not as deep as 1988 or 2007... but it has more talent, it's bigger, stronger, faster and more experienced than any Mountaineer team previously.

That doesn't always translate into wins. We know that better than most... (see 13-9).

WVU has depth problems on defense at LB and CB. No question...

Grier has proven he has a magic cannon for an arm, but he hasn't demonstrated patience in taking what the defense is giving.

The RBs (except Leddie Brown) don't seem to understand the concept of surfing for the hole or hitting the gap hard with pads low on a power play.

This can be a special season for WVU - if nobody gets hurt.

All great points and I think you're right in thinking that about WVU. It really could be a special season for you. Let me ask you though, I asked buried in another thread, but what strengths do you think UT has over WVU? We have all conceded WVU is better at QB, likely WR, and maybe the OL but Im interested if you have any concessions to us?

 

[WVMULE]

Great read! Unlike many writers these days, this one deserves to be called a writer. It is very refreshing to see someone who obviously does research and puts a story together so well. Thanks for posting this!

If you get the chance check out other coverage on WVU especially Mike Casazza. Mike works for 247 sports. WVU is fortunate to have some of the best beat writers in CFB covering the team.

The best part of all is that Don Nehlen has a radio show on Monday nights following the game where he breaks it down. Coach Nehlen doesn't mince his words.

My favorite Nehlen comment comes in reference to QB Skyler Howard, who injured his ankle in the 1st half so badly they thought it was broken, running a QB keeper on a 4th and 1 that ended up costing WVU the game against KSU.

"My gosh almighty," Nehlen said. "Why do you call that play when your QB can't even limp?"

 

[OneVolNation]

I came into the thread with my guard up and grain of salt ready, but after reading just a couple of paragraphs,
it was enough to appreciate the researched writing. Of course I still hope we whip that tail in Charlotte, but that's football.
Thanks for the share. I'm going to finish reading it now. #WGWYFA

 

[sjt18]

I hope you lose too.

WVU has nothing but mad respect for Tennessee. I hope that's mutual.

Good article. You should hang out with your reasonable friend more...

 

[WVMULE]

All great points and I think you're right in thinking that about WVU. It really could be a special season for you. Let me ask you though, I asked buried in another thread, but what strengths do you think UT has over WVU? We have all conceded WVU is better at QB, likely WR, and maybe the OL but Im interested if you have any concessions to us?[/QUOTE

Depth... WVU's depth is fine on offense... except if Grier goes down we all jump off the New River Gorge Bridge.

On defense...

WVU has 3 linebackers with experience... only 4 ready to play. They have 3 true CBs. None of the CBs are proven.

Even on the DL they have 2 returning starters, 2 grad transfers, a r-frosh and true frosh who will see the majority of the snaps.

Do you see the problem?

Now factor into that how fast WVU's offense usually scores. Week in and week out WVU's defense might expect to see 70-90 snaps.

There's also no question that the Vols have better RBs... at least ones not receivers first and rbs second.

I keep going back and forth on what Tennessee should do and what they have to do to win... despite WVU's inexperience in the secondary I think Tennessee has to pound the ball and make WVU stop the run. If they can they have a good shot at winning because they will keep Grier off the field and the lack of depth on defense means WVU's defense is gassed in the 4th quarter.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Wow, that writer -- Jed Drenning -- really does his homework.

He understands, and explains, where our program is today far better even than any of the local beat reporters in Knoxville.

That was an excellent read.

Thank you, WVMule.

WGWYFA.

 

[solivols]

Absolutely. Ive grown up with some WVU friends & fans and they're great people. At the end of the day it will be settled on the field, the same field that will read UT 42,000 WVU 3 by the end. Good luck!

I married into a family of WVU legacies and you are right, the majority of WVU fans are great fans and respectful. I don't think most people realize how much WVU means to the people of West Virginia. Here in Tennessee we have UT, Vandy, Memphis, Middle, Titans, Grizzlies, etc. Multiple teams with multiple decent size cities to spread the fandom around. West Virginia has WVU. It is everything. Marshall fans don't really exist outside of Huntington. Knoxville is like 3x the size of WV's most populous city. It's just a really dedicated and loyal fanbase up there in WV.

 

[WVMULE]

I came into the thread with my guard up and grain of salt ready, but after reading just a couple of paragraphs,
it was enough to appreciate the researched writing. Of course I still hope we whip that tail in Charlotte, but that's football.
Thanks for the share. I'm going to finish reading it now. #WGWYFA

Keep in mind that West Virginians know football. WV born coaches have 15 national championships. The Coaching Cradle That Claims Nick Saban, Jimbo Fisher and 15 National Titles

 

[VolunteerCeltic]

What a great read, very well researched and probably one of the better analysis of Tennessee's current status that I have read this pre-season. Tennessee Football is indeed a blue-blood in the ranks of College Football, and I have a feeling, it may be no more than a whisper, that the Vols can take down the high-octane Mountaineers tomorrow. I hope to see a Tennessee football team that hits WV in the mouth over and over and over.......

On a side note WVMule, you seem like a Mountaineer I would share a beer with.......good luck this season.......but not tomorrow

 

[37620VOL]

Good writing, very rare these days. Dare I say Marvin Westesque.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Keep in mind that West Virginians know football.

Dude.

This is why people took your lunch money and gave you swirlees in grade school.

Everyone knows football. West Virginians know it. Nebraskans know it. Texans know it. Georgians know it. Michiganites or whatever they're called, know it. And you can bet Tennesseans know it.

You naively think West Virginia has some inside angle on the sport, or your big brother is the best in the world with a yo-yo, or your dad can drive a car better than even the NASCAR guys...that's the reason for all those wedgies.

 

[paulyvolnuts]

Well written.....getting pumped up for the game. Vol fan and financial patron ( two recent grads, last year , year before both in Charlotte.) going to hang out with kids, tail gate with some high school friends (WVU grads some I haven't seen seen since college in 1981 or 82 at wvu pitt game. so I'm wearing orange tailgaiting WVU. Its in charlotte so I don't think I'll worry about getting out alive, maybe razzed a bit.

Go vols! ( with lets go mountaineers.lets go drink a beer! ...rolling in my memories long ago)

 

[WVMULE]

I married into a family of WVU legacies and you are right, the majority of WVU fans are great fans and respectful. I don't think most people realize how much WVU means to the people of West Virginia. Here in Tennessee we have UT, Vandy, Memphis, Middle, Titans, Grizzlies, etc. Multiple teams with multiple decent size cities to spread the fandom around. West Virginia has WVU. It is everything. Marshall fans don't really exist outside of Huntington. Knoxville is like 3x the size of WV's most populous city. It's just a really dedicated and loyal fanbase up there in WV.

I had a discussion with Brett McMurphy (Name dropping!!!!) about WVU once. I said that there isn't a program in the country more important to its state and people than WVU. He agreed.

But its more than that... there are Mountaineer fans all over the south who are not native West Virginians. They were taught their love of the Mountaineers by the parents and grandparents.

That's why a program in a small state like WV with only 1.8 million in population (four deer for every person in WV) manages to be 3rd in the Big 12 in revenue, always in IMG's top 15 in merchandise sales, averages at least 1 million viewers for every national TV appearance and is one of the few self-supporting programs always in the black.

Its all we have. Its what binds us together. WVU football is the light at the end of the long dark tunnel for most in this state.

The story I tell people about how important WVU football is concerns the Sago mine disasters. Those men knew they were dying and decided to write their loved ones notes to say goodbye. Every one of the 12 miners who died that night wrote of their love for WVU football and their regret at not knowing the outcome of the WVU-Georgia Sugar Bowl.

That's what the program means to us.

The talk that WVU is soft was funny to me in that the team is a reflection of the people. They know how important they are to us. They go into the mines to see what hard work really is... and they understand that to put on the old gold and blue is an honor that means they give max effort to get max results. There's not a soft person in the state.

Its hard for outsiders to understand what that's like. How can these college kids understand what it means. Everywhere they go just about everyone knows who they are.

And that knowledge doesn't go away. Bruce Irvin, Kevin White, Tavon Austin and the host of Mountaineers who made it in the NFL in the past decade are regularly on the sidelines. They are part of our family. One of of us. Always... once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer.

(Except Rich)

 

[WVMULE]

Dude.

This is why people took your lunch money and gave you swirlees in grade school.

Everyone knows football. West Virginians know it. Nebraskans know it. Texans know it. Georgians know it. Michiganites or whatever they're called, know it. And you can bet Tennesseans know it.

You naively think West Virginia has some inside angle on the sport, or your big brother is the best in the world with a yo-yo, or your dad can drive a car better than even the NASCAR guys...that's the reason for all those wedgies.

Yea... I say 15 national championships is more evidence that my opinion is accurate and yours not so much.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Yea... I say 15 national championships is more evidence that my opinion is accurate and yours not so much.

You're doubling down, huh?

Grabbing all Nick Saban's success and calling it proof of West Virginia genius.

Okay, brother, if West Virginia is so genius at football...why isn't Nick coaching there?

Just saying. It seems to me that the genius left, and those who remain are the dummies who couldn't keep him home.

Swirlies. Swirlies and wedgies.

 

[bigorange]

Fantastic article.

 

[TNHopeful505]

Wow. I'm genuinely impressed/saddened/shocked that one of the best articles I read on this year's team came from an opposing team's writers.

Excellent article.