While Crystal Ball Run is still building name recognition in the college football world, one thing we have established early on is an ability to secure knowledgeable folks around the nation to talk about different programs and aspects of the game.
We like to call it “Five Burning Questions.”
As we recently evaluated what we’ve covered in this area one team that we couldn’t believe hadn’t been touched on yet was West Virginia.
Not any more.
Giving us his insight into the Mountaineers for 2011 and into the future with Dana Holgorsen is Jim Ashley from HailWV.com. He also started up a funny Twitter account called Holgoritaville.
It’s great to have Jim stop by Crystal Ball Run, and do Five Burning Questions about WVU.
1. It was a pretty crazy offseason in Morgantown with all of the Dana Holgorsen-Bill Stewart drama. Do you think WVU is going to have an lingering effects from this past offseason?
I doubt it. I think they’ve had all spring and summer to get any lingering effects out of their system. Back during June when the whole Stewart/Holgorsen situation came to a head, one player (and for the life of me, I can’t remember which one said it) mentioned in an interview that there were times when he and the players had no clue who to listen to … and there were also times in practice when Holgorsen would overrule Stewart in front of the players. This is the time for players, as well as fans, to reunite.
2. Speaking of Holgorsen, the expectations from the WVU fans is through the roof when they talk about the offense. There are legitimate reasons to be excited with Geno Smith and the talented receiving corps. But do you have concerns that there could be a major letdown?
I do have legit concerns of a letdown. … I say the following statement knowing there are worlds of differences between college football and the NFL. Having said that, I am a Denver Broncos fan, and when Josh McDaniels was hired on (coming from the New England Patriots and their high-powered offense), I was naturally excited. He had a proven track record. Yet, first season was 8-8, and he didn’t even get to finish his second season. So, I would hope people would understand my concerns. But, Holgorsen tailors his system to the players he inherits, and he has a proven track record of success through his stints at Texas Tech, Houston and Oklahoma State with three different head coaches. I think the Mountaineers will be lighting up the scoreboard this season.
3. The Mountaineers’ defense was easily the bright spot last season. There were a number of starters who either graduated or left early for the NFL. What are the expectations for the defense to deliver another big performance?
Well, I would hope the defense could hold their own despite the losses. The 3-3-5 defense works best when the veterans know the system. So, I do expect some struggles this season on defense. However, I’m sure Jeff Casteel has a trick or two up his underrated sleeve.
4. Sticking with the defense, the talk of 2011 so far has been Bruce Irvin. While Irvin is well known in the Big East, explain to the casual fan why they should keep an eye one “BROOOOOOOOOOOSE?”
The guy was No. 2 in the nation in sacks last year and he only played on third down. This year, he’ll be an “every down player” (a term he hates) and he’ll get a chance to do more. Sure, offensive lines will be double-teaming him, but that’ll just give someone else a chance to sack the QB. Look for him to do more than just “sack the QB” this season. Yet, the opposing QBs on WVU’s schedule need to be scared. Very scared.
5. Last season was rough on the Big East’s national reputation, which was already low. WVU is the odds-on-favorite for 2011. So how much pressure is on the Mountaineers to be the Big East’s savior this year?
Frankly, I’m getting sick and tired of seeing WVU do the dirty work of “saving” the Big East. Yes, it’s nice being the odds-on favorite and all … but, it seems WVU is the only team that can make the Big East look good (although Louisville did win their BCS game vs. Wake Forest in the 2007 Orange Bowl). I mean, Cincinnati got killed in the 2010 Sugar Bowl to Florida and fell flat to Virginia Tech in the 2009 Orange Bowl … and, do I even need to talk about UConn in the recent Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma? I doubt one of the things Holgorsen and his staff are pushing to the team is, “We gotta make the Big East look good.” They gotta make WVU look good, and to hell with the rest of the conference … and, yes, that includes you, Pitt.
Make sure to follow Jim on Twitter at @hailwv or @holgoritaville and on his blog at hailwv.com.
