1. With the Marshall, Rutgers, and Syracuse wins (somewhat) righting the ship, is Bill Stewart positioned for another year at the helm despite his early-season, um, difficulties? What would it take for him to lose his job just a year into it?
"Well, if he had lost to Marshall, I'm not 100% sure he would have made it outside the stadium, let alone keep his job for another year. Outside of the team totally imploding over the next few months, I think that would have been the only thing to get him fired in year #1. Kind of the same thing with Kragthorpe last year at Louisville. But we all know the honeymoon is long over, and he'll need at least 8 wins next year to see year #3."
2. We heard a lot of talk about the changes in the West Virginia offense in the offseason, but other than just the general downturn in effectiveness, how has the offense you've seen over these first six games actually changed in terms of scheme and/or play-calling?
"We seem to run around a lot before the ball is snapped, so that's exciting. I don't think the opposing defense scares, but at least our players are staying warm during the games. It's obvious that you can't teach senior players new tricks. Our quarterback and offensive line were very good at what they did for the past few years. It was silly to believe that they could just change overnight (see: Auburn's offense, circa Tony Franklin) (Hey! That's ... kind of accurate I guess. Sigh.--ed.)"
3. WVU's passing offense is currently, uh, I won't mention where they're ranked but it's below Auburn, which sort of blows my mind given how bad our quarterbacking has been. Is this simply due to Pat White being unable to throw the ball at this level or is there more to it? And how important an issue is this to you given the 'Eers' success on the ground?
"I have a feeling we'll rely more and more on zone running for the rest of the year. It's our bread and butter and it's what made us a national power. Worry about throwing the ball in years to come, sure. But if Stewart wants to keep his job, he'll run the ball."
4. With only three returning starters, the WVU defense was expected to be a relative sore spot coming into this season, but they're currently 38th overall nationally. How would you rate their play so far this season?
"Pretty damn good, actually. They've kept us in every ballgame this year. Losses to ECU and Colorado were only because our offense failed to get off the bus. I mean, any other year, the 17 points Colorado scored would have been good for a 30 point win. This year? Not so much."
5. What are the defense's weaknesses? What are its strengths?
"Weaknesses: bending. Strengths: not breaking. Seriously, we'll give up a TON of 8-10 yard pass plays, but we'll stop teams in the redzone and even pull a turnover or two out of our ass at some point. I think we just like to toy with teams. Let them get close, but then block a field goal."
6. Real quickly: what we can expect from your special teams?
"With Jock Sanders and Noel Devine potentially returning kicks, I hope you can hold your breath for long periods of time. We also like to fumble punts occasionally, which keeps everyone on their toes. I mean, games can get boring sometimes, why not keep fans on the edge of their seats?"
7. Aaaaaand finally, the state of West Virginia is responsible for unleashing Nick Saban upon the world. I totally dig John Denver, the New River bridge, and coal, but I think Saban alone almost sort of cancels all of that out. On behalf of the state, do you feel any need to apologize for Saban and his later crimes against all that is fair and good in this world?
"Not only do I not apologize for him, I am willing to cut a nice check to see him on the sidelines in Morgantown. After the Bill Stewart experiment, I have a feeling a lot of my Mountaineer brethren would do the same."
Thanks again to Charley and check out WBGV for all your Mountaineer blogging needs.
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