Ask me your questions about WVU...

[JonGrudensAgent]

I will answer as honestly as I can.
My credentials... former lay journalist, issued press credentials by WVU. Friend of the program. Mostly realistic. Ask away...

Have you ever wondered what Dana Holgorsen would look like with John Denver's hair?

 

[aaronvol]

West Virginia's D4H???

Best post of this thread.

 

[njvols]

WVU's fans are funny. If you remember in 2006-2007 WVU was a win away from playing in the national championship game. WVU was a 35 point favorite over Pitt and lost 13-9. Our kicker, who want on to have a long NFL career, missed two easy FGs and Rich Rod refused to throw against a cover 0.

So WV's fans expect the worst to happen. Going into the season most are optimistic but certain something bad will happen that will break our hearts.

We expect the worst.

So we hope WVU wins the Big 12, but we know something odd will happen that prevents it.

As far as the Big 12 goes... The Big 12 has been very good to us in terms of money. It's hurt WVU in recruiting and our fans get far more excited to play the Vols or NC St than they do Texas or Oklahoma. We're just too far away.

The hope is that one the next round of realignment hits WVU will get an invite to the ACC or SEC. WVU has been the SEC's second choice three times.

Personally I don't think WVU has the resources to compete in the SEC. Sure WVU is a SEC team by culture, but the ACC is where WVU would have the most success.

I love the Big 12. It's full of great people. Nice people. That's part of the problem there's nobody to hate.

I'd bounce Mizz in a trade for WVU w/ Big 12 in a heart beat

 

[StrictlyEducational]

So I’m just curious... I asked this in another thread also. I have seen the posts and articles by WVU fans and sports writers that they believe they are a possible contender for a spot in the playoffs due to their “best receiving corps in the country.” I’ve seen all the hype about Grier and how this is the best WV team ever. How does a WVU fan see it playing out if they get a playoff spot against Clemson or Georgia? How does a WVU fan think the “nations top receiving corps” would fare in a BCS championship game against Bama?

Well, we played Bama pretty well in 2014 with a much, much worse roster. We put 500 yards on the 2011 LSU secondary which was insanely talented. I'm not sure if that means anything, but it's something.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

Gown do you see WVU holding up down the stretch? I agree that they have a lot of talent in that starting 22, but their depth doesn’t seem very good at all.

I wish we got them to week 8-9 instead of week 1.

 

[Negan]

Well, we played Bama pretty well in 2014 with a much, much worse roster. We put 500 yards on the 2011 LSU secondary which was insanely talented. I'm not sure if that means anything, but it's something.

I disagree that you played Bama “pretty well.” And it proves the point that if we shut down the run, control time of possession, and control the LOS while running it down WVU’s throat Tennessee has a chance. Alabama rushed for almost 300 yards against WVU in 2014 compared to WVU’s 28 rushing yards. Alabama had possession of the football for over 37 minutes compared to WVU having possession just over 22 minutes. WVU has an offense that strikes fast which is a weakness in the SEC.

 

[82_VOL_83]

I don't have a sister, but if I did take a look at my photo and you would have the answer. She would be considered butt ugly by the majority but far too pretty for you I bet.

Just kidding...

Some advice... before you start making incest jokes about WV I would compare the incest rates for WV and Tenn.

Fact: Kentucky has the highest reported incest rates.

I can find no false statement here.

 

[ProudVOLfan]

That's it, exactly.

West Virginia (and Virginia and North Carolina, for that matter) seem like extensions of the "family." Mizzou never has, and never will. It is an outsider just as much as West Virginia is an outsider among the Big 12.

And no, this is not a "confederacy" thing (duh, WVa's creation and existence are potently anti-confederacy). It's more about shared culture, shared geography (the Appalachian Mountains loom large as a common bond), shared outlook on life.

Missouri is a Gateway state connecting the Mid-West to the Great Plains. There's nothing in that linking them to the southeastern US or the Appalachian region.

I would much rather have WV in the SEC as Mizzou.. Hell they can Vandy to boot if Mizzou isnt enough for them
I believe we have a lot in common with WV and their fans..

 

[Negan]

Well, we played Bama pretty well in 2014 with a much, much worse roster. We put 500 yards on the 2011 LSU secondary which was insanely talented. I'm not sure if that means anything, but it's something.

In the LSU game, yes, WVU had a lot of yards. Far more yards than LSU, yet LSU destroyed WVU by 26 points after generating 4 turnovers. Again, shut down the rush and controlled the clock. WVU appears notorious for one dimensional teams with the pass. I’m not saying Tennessee compares with these LSU or Bama teams this year, but we will be tougher than people think. Also, a one dimensional team will not be playing for a BCS championship. Just too much talent and complete teams in other conferences outside the mighty big 12.

 

[aaronvol]

In the LSU game, yes, WVU had a lot of yards. Far more yards than LSU, yet LSU destroyed WVU by 26 points after generating 4 turnovers. Again, shut down the rush and controlled the clock. WVU is one dimensional with the pass. I’m not saying Tennessee compared with LSU or Bama this year, but we will be tougher than people think. Also, a one dimensional team will not be playing for a BCS championship. Just too much talent and complete teams in other conferences outside the mighty big 12.
View attachment 164482

Time of Possession makes no sense at all.

 

[StrictlyEducational]

I disagree that you played Bama “pretty well.” And it proves the point that if we shut down the run, control time of possession, and control the LOS while running it down WVU’s throat Tennessee has a chance. Alabama rushed for almost 300 yards against WVU in 2014 compared to WVU’s 28 rushing yards. Alabama had possession of the football for over 37 minutes compared to WVU having possession just over 22 minutes. WVU has an offense that strikes fast which is a weakness in the SEC.
View attachment 164479
View attachment 164480

Considering we were coming off a 5 win season and had an absolutely terrible QB, we did pretty well.

 

[Negan]

Time of Possession makes no sense at all.

Just noticed that it doesn’t add up myself.

 

[WVU_19]

The Big 12 question is polarizing topic for WVU fans. Some like it, some don't, but it sure is a hell of a lot better than the AAC. I think all Mountaineers would agree though that one day they would like to see WVU play in an eastern football conference (ACC, SEC)

 

[VolFan..But]

This year? I would say 16 on the 1st team depth chart - maybe more.

This WVU team has more talent than any other in history.

WVU is the 14th best program in CFB from a historical standpoint. WVU has the most wins of any program without a national championship. The Mountaineers have played for the national championship in 1988 and just missed out in 2007. WVU has 3 BCS bowl wins and a .500 record against the SEC.

This team... is loaded... and we know that another like it may never come again.

Look, WV has a total population of 1.8 million. The program has always done more with less. It's always been good, but rarely great. And when its had the chance to be great something has happened.. like Major Harris separating his shoulder against ND or Pat White breaking his hand against Pitt, to break our hearts.

The downfall has always been depth. WVU's starters are as good as anyone in the country. This year that's especially true... but they can't afford any injuries. If Grier goes down the season is over. If David Long gets hurt the defense is toast.

The Vols get a fresh injury free WVU.

WVU doesn't have the resources of Tennessee. It doesn't often get a five star recruit. But this season Tennessee gets to play a WVU team with the chance to be more than special.

Think of the 2018 Mountaineers as if they were a thousand year flood...

WV is 15-20-1 vs the SEC
All games
2016/09/03 West Virginia 26 - Missouri 11 W
2014/12/29 West Virginia 37 - Texas AM 45 L !! Liberty Bowl !!
2014/08/30 West Virginia 23 - Alabama 33 L
2011/09/24 West Virginia 21 - LSU 47 L
2010/09/25 West Virginia 14 - LSU 20 L
2009/09/19 West Virginia 30 - Auburn 41 L
2008/10/23 West Virginia 34 - Auburn 17 W
2007/10/20 West Virginia 38 - Mississippi St 13 W
2006/10/07 West Virginia 42 - Mississippi St 14 W
2006/01/02 West Virginia 38 - Georgia 35 W !! Sugar Bowl !!
2000/12/28 West Virginia 49 - Mississippi 38 W !! Music City Bowl !!
1995/01/02 West Virginia 21 - South Carolina 24 L !! Carquest Bowl !!
1994/01/01 West Virginia 7 - Florida 41 L !! Sugar Bowl !!
1983/12/22 West Virginia 20 - Kentucky 16 W !! All American Bowl !!
1981/12/31 West Virginia 26 - Florida 6 W !! Peach Bowl !!
1979/10/06 West Virginia 10 - Kentucky 6 W
1977/09/24 West Virginia 13 - Kentucky 28 L
1976/09/25 West Virginia 10 - Kentucky 14 L
1974/09/21 West Virginia 16 - Kentucky 3 W
1969/11/01 West Virginia 7 - Kentucky 6 W
1968/11/02 West Virginia 16 - Kentucky 35 L
1967/11/04 West Virginia 7 - Kentucky 22 L
1966/10/29 West Virginia 14 - Kentucky 14 T
1965/10/30 West Virginia 8 - Kentucky 28 L
1964/10/31 West Virginia 26 - Kentucky 21 W
1962/09/22 West Virginia 26 - Vanderbilt 0 W
1961/09/23 West Virginia 6 - Vanderbilt 16 L
1954/01/01 West Virginia 19 - Georgia Tech 42 L !! Sugar Bowl !!
1947/11/08 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 15 L
1946/11/16 West Virginia 0 - Kentucky 13 L
1945/11/10 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 19 L
1944/11/18 West Virginia 9 - Kentucky 40 L
1942/11/14 West Virginia 7 - Kentucky 0 W
1941/10/25 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 18 L
1940/11/17 West Virginia 9 - Kentucky 7 W
1939/11/18 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 13 L

 

[tlester3672]

WV is 15-20-1 vs the SEC
All games
2016/09/03 West Virginia 26 - Missouri 11 W
2014/12/29 West Virginia 37 - Texas AM 45 L !! Liberty Bowl !!
2014/08/30 West Virginia 23 - Alabama 33 L
2011/09/24 West Virginia 21 - LSU 47 L
2010/09/25 West Virginia 14 - LSU 20 L
2009/09/19 West Virginia 30 - Auburn 41 L
2008/10/23 West Virginia 34 - Auburn 17 W
2007/10/20 West Virginia 38 - Mississippi St 13 W
2006/10/07 West Virginia 42 - Mississippi St 14 W
2006/01/02 West Virginia 38 - Georgia 35 W !! Sugar Bowl !!
2000/12/28 West Virginia 49 - Mississippi 38 W !! Music City Bowl !!
1995/01/02 West Virginia 21 - South Carolina 24 L !! Carquest Bowl !!
1994/01/01 West Virginia 7 - Florida 41 L !! Sugar Bowl !!
1983/12/22 West Virginia 20 - Kentucky 16 W !! All American Bowl !!
1981/12/31 West Virginia 26 - Florida 6 W !! Peach Bowl !!
1979/10/06 West Virginia 10 - Kentucky 6 W
1977/09/24 West Virginia 13 - Kentucky 28 L
1976/09/25 West Virginia 10 - Kentucky 14 L
1974/09/21 West Virginia 16 - Kentucky 3 W
1969/11/01 West Virginia 7 - Kentucky 6 W
1968/11/02 West Virginia 16 - Kentucky 35 L
1967/11/04 West Virginia 7 - Kentucky 22 L
1966/10/29 West Virginia 14 - Kentucky 14 T
1965/10/30 West Virginia 8 - Kentucky 28 L
1964/10/31 West Virginia 26 - Kentucky 21 W
1962/09/22 West Virginia 26 - Vanderbilt 0 W
1961/09/23 West Virginia 6 - Vanderbilt 16 L
1954/01/01 West Virginia 19 - Georgia Tech 42 L !! Sugar Bowl !!
1947/11/08 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 15 L
1946/11/16 West Virginia 0 - Kentucky 13 L
1945/11/10 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 19 L
1944/11/18 West Virginia 9 - Kentucky 40 L
1942/11/14 West Virginia 7 - Kentucky 0 W
1941/10/25 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 18 L
1940/11/17 West Virginia 9 - Kentucky 7 W
1939/11/18 West Virginia 6 - Kentucky 13 L

This is .500 in WV math.

 

[The Dog]

Unless I missed it, UT and WV have never played each other in football and I find that mind-blowing

 

[Volfan76]

After the game, do you expect to see major mattress and couch fires around WVU campus?

 

[Jack Burton]

I believe this qualifies as most recent.

You think that’s an insult? You must get your jimmies rustled daily.

 

[Behr]

You think that’s an insult? You must get your jimmies rustled daily.

I think you know better, but for the sake of conversation, let's say I do consider that an insult and my jimmies are in fact rustled.

What now?

 

[Crazy Ivan]

I will answer as honestly as I can.
My credentials... former lay journalist, issued press credentials by WVU. Friend of the program. Mostly realistic. Ask away...

does WVU stay in its base 3-3-5 regardless of the opponent's offensive scheme and personnel it brings in for particular plays? I understand that in the Big 12 your defense sees a lot of wide open passing attacks, but w hat sort of adjustments might your DC make if an opponent lines up in a more pro-style or I-formation style of offense?

Sorry if this has already been asked, but don't want to scroll through all the posts.

 

[StrictlyEducational]

does WVU stay in its base 3-3-5 regardless of the opponent's offensive scheme and personnel it brings in for particular plays? I understand that in the Big 12 your defense sees a lot of wide open passing attacks, but w hat sort of adjustments might your DC make if an opponent lines up in a more pro-style or I-formation style of offense?

Sorry if this has already been asked, but don't want to scroll through all the posts.

I answered you in the other thread, but we basically stay in the stack. Extremely rare to see us with 4 down lineman. Extremely rare. The spur safety does come down into the box making the D look like a pseudo 3-4, but we still technically have 5 DB's on the field.

 

[Crazy Ivan]

I answered you in the other thread, but we basically stay in the stack. Extremely rare to see us with 4 down lineman. Extremely rare. The spur safety does come down into the box making the D look like a pseudo 3-4, but we still technically have 5 DB's on the field.

Much appreciated. I had scrolled through your thread looking for a response but apparently missed it.

Do you have any examples of power offenses WVU has faced and how has the 3-3-5 fared against those type offenses?

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Hey, where'd the OP get off to?

He hasn't said a peep since my Three Gorges Dam comment yesterday afternoon. I was really looking forward to his response.

Was he a flash in the pan? Come back, Mr. almost-honest WVU reporter, we have more questions!

 

[MyBloodRunnethOrange]

Time of Possession makes no sense at all.

Didn't even notice that until you mentioned it

 

[Volinnooga]

I think this is a bad matchup for Tennessee. WVU is full of talented veterans. Tennessee is playing new schemes on both sides of the ball. A QB in the second year running Dana's offense usually sees a huge uptick on production.

I really think this is the most talent WVU has had in the history of the program.

I would be more concerned if this were game #5 than game #1 because WVU will never have the depth of an SEC team.

Given what WVU has on offense, given that the defense is finally healthy and for the first time in the history of the program has 8 DL who can play... I see WVU winning by more than 10.

WVU has a habit of getting up big and going to sleep. That's both natural but it shows the drop off in talent between WVU's first and second teams.

I appreciate your candor and I think your analysis is, unfortunately for us Vol fans, pretty good. The thing not mentioned, and which makes me optimistic that it will be a close game, is that I think TN will be excited under the new regime, and will play with more toughness and more enthusiasm than last year. I still understand and frankly agree with a 10 oint betting line, but I think Tennessee covers. Prediction: Vols fall behind by 17 early but come back to make it close.