5th Year Senior
Jan 09, 2009 Dec 27, 2011 488 2216
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The Orange Bowl Will Define Dana Holgorsen's First Season At West Virginia
by 5th Year Senior on Dec 19, 2011 11:00 AM EST
in Holgorsen Is Highlander
on The Smoking Musket
WVU finished a third straight season with a record of 9-3. Even though this was enough for us to "win" the Big East Championship and secure our third BCS bowl in seven years, it was a disappointment nonetheless in the eyes of many fans. The disappointment lies in the fact that we had so many chances, but as in years past, we let them slip away.
It was disappointing because it was supposed to be different this year with Bill Stewart out and Dana Holgorsen at the helm of our Mountaineers. The struggles on special teams, the untimely turnovers and never putting together a full game on offense were supposed to be things of the past. It was Stewart's X's and O's, not the Jimmys and Joes last year.
Yet game after game this year, the same frustrations reared their ugly head and kept WVU from blowing the doors off our sub-par Big East opponents.
However, Dana Holgorsen and our Mountaineers can make us forget about our regular season struggles with a convincing victory over Klempsen in our upcoming exhibition game called the Orange Bowl.
9 comments
WVU vs. USF Grades: A Unit-By-Unit Look At The Mountaineers Victory Over The Bulls
by 5th Year Senior on Dec 5, 2011 1:54 PM EST
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
That bitter taste in my mouth from Thursday’s game has been replaced with the sweet taste of oranges. I never knew oranges could taste so good. Then again, I didn’t know orange juice came without vodka mixed in.
While some teams would be disappointed about backing into the BCS, we’re West Virginians, we love backing into things. Just walk around the parking lot at any Walmart in the state and look at all the big trucks backed into spaces. That is our style, it is how we roll.
Overall: B-
I’m grading this high because we ultimately won the game, but for the life of me I have no clue how it occurred. We did everything in our power to give away this game away. I’ve heard some say, probably myself included, it just shows that Dana is a better coach than Stew because we are winning these games. “Hello? Hello? Anybody home? Huh? Think, McFly.” We are winning the same percentage of these games as we did under Stew.
We just got lucky other Big East records fell the way they did.
WVU v. Pitt Grades: A Unit-By-Unit Look At The Mountaineers Victory Over The Panthers
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 29, 2011 1:03 PM EST
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
During Friday's game I had a bad feeling. We were not playing up to our potential and making mistake after mistake in all phases of the game. I just knew we were about to gut punched by this Pitt team.
Luckily for us all that feeling was dead wrong. We narrowly escape the jaws of defeat with a great defensive stand and are still in the hunt for the Big East Championship.
Offense: C –
How have we gotten worse since the beginning of the season? We had our best game against the best defense in the nation and now we can’t score against terrible Big East teams. Other than Stedman Bailey, our players are reverting back to the Jeff Mullen days with their performances.
We should have an easy time with USF on Thursday, but we could get embarrassed in a potential BCS game. Our line forgets to block at times. When Geno does have time our receivers can’t get open or he can’t find them. We have nothing that can even resemble a running game.
Dana Holgorsen, Freshmen Mountaineer Ballers and Big East Refs: Things That Made Me Want To Throw My Shoe
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 16, 2011 1:00 PM EST
in Things That Made Me Want To Throw My Shoe
on The Smoking Musket
This was my absolute favorite time of the year. I had November 11 through November 29 circled on my calendar for a long time. However, it is probably not for the reasons you may think.
I love that there are college games, whether it is basketball or football, every night of the week. Sometimes though, it can get to be a little tiring watching only sports. That is why November 29 is a day of rejuvenation for me. I will take a break from watching feats of athletic achievement to tune into the greatest show on earth.
Yes, I'm speaking of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show. Even Keith Jackson would take a break from college football season to give a hearty WHOOA Nelly about the beautiful ladies stomping across the stage.
After getting that joyfulness out of my system it is time to unleash the rage...
WVU vs. Cincinnati: A Unit-By-Unit Look At How The Mountaineers Slipped Past The Bearcats
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 16, 2011 10:30 AM EST
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
Most people don't follow me on twitter because I'm not funny, witty or very intelligent. If you do follow me, however, you know that I had a mini freak-out during the first two possessions of Saturday's game. What I said was basically that we are a bad football team and we may never win another game, ever.
While I think we win one of our next two games, I do not see us as being a good football team. In many ways, I don't see much difference between a Bill Stewart coached team and our current Mountaineers. Bad special teams, untimely turnovers, a general lack of enthusiasm and mental mistakes.
While I have more faith in Holgorsen than I ever did in Stew, this team has a lot of room for improvement and I hope it happens soon.
Overall: C
It took an incredible effort play by Eain Smith to secure WVU's 24 - 21 victory over Cincinnati. I hope this effort and the emotion shown afterwards carries over to remainder of the season. If so, we can win out and head to a BCS game.
The final play was a microcosm of the game. We saw emotion and max effort from some players. If we can see those two things in from our entire team I see great things in our future. I hate to put too much blame on Stew, but changing from a guy that seemed to hate emotion and swagger to a guy that wants to see it, has to be awkward. No matter what we need more of what we saw Saturday.
Mountaineer Fans, The Big 12 Will Not Be Kind If We Do Not Step-Up: Things That Made Me Want To Throw My Shoe
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 9, 2011 3:00 PM EST
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
It has been a long time since I last let loose and let my shoes fly. The truth and knowledge that I'm about to drop on y'all will go against what many think about our program and its position nationally. In fact, many will probably call me a crotchety old man that is devoid of happiness with all the bitching and moaning I'm about to lay out.
Doesn't matter to me, let the insults and negative comments fly, I haven't cried myself to sleep since I the day I found out Kim and Kris were getting divorced. Whether you agree with me or not know that I am presenting these opinions in hopes that something, anything will change for the positive and improve our program
WVU vs. Louisville Grades: A Unit-By-Unit Look At WVU's Devastating Loss To The Cardinals
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 8, 2011 1:15 PM EST
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
Another game against an inferior Big East opponent and another loss for our Mountaineers. That is the story of our last four seasons. We are either not as good as I think we are or our opponents are better than advertised.
Either way, WVU lost a second Big East game and now needs a miracle to win the Big East title. Our level of play has not improved through-out the season and I almost hope we are forced to stay in the Big East next year because we are not even close to "turning the corner."
Overall: C-
A lack of enthusiasm and effort was grossly apparent throughout the entirety of the game. Even after big plays, there was little to no emotion shown by the players of fans (more on that later).
The most emotion that I saw was from Bruce Irvin after his back-to-back sacks. The lack of effort was glaring on every snap by our defense. Players constantly gave up on plays after it left their area. Is that a lack of conditioning or not wanting to win. I have no clue, but it is absolutely unacceptable.
WVU vs. Rutgers: A Unit-By-Unit Look At The Mountaineers Victory Over The Scarlet Knights
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 2, 2011 12:45 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
It was another fall Saturday and Manhattan's favorite team was ready for a marquee college football game featuring a ranked opponent that has owned them in recent years. One team is coming off an embarrassing conference loss, while the other is looking to take a major step in its program's history. Yes, Oklahoma and Kansas State did battle in Manhattan, Kansas and as usual Oklahoma killed 'em.
I think that was pretty clever what I did right there. I tricked you fools into thinking I was talking about Saturday's game at Rutgers. I wish our defense would come up with something clever like that to stop opposing teams from scoring so much. Oh well, maybe this Saturday they will have more luck.
Overall: B-
We played well based on the conditions and emotion of the game. Eric LeGrand leading Rutgers on the field was an emotional boost for them. It helped them come out like gang busters and they play great football in the first half. Luckily for us our offense and defense kicked into gear.
I'm still concerned about our lack of ability to put together a complete game. It is frustrating to sit and watch us struggle for so long. My heart can't take much more of this roller coaster ride.
WVU vs. Big East Lawsuit: The Upwardly Mobile Force vs. The Totally Resistible Object
by 5th Year Senior on Nov 1, 2011 3:00 PM EDT
in Big East Conference
on The Smoking Musket
This lawsuit is a stroke of genius by WVU. We strike the first blow and make the Big East look absolutely inept in the national media. A move such as this would never happen without the leadership and foresight by Oliver Luck and Jim Clements. They both just gave the D-X crotch chop to the Big East in front of the sports world.
The size of cajones on Luck and Clements is astronomical. This dynamic duo is strongly leading WVU into the top-tier of college sports and academics.
Whether the legal aspects of this suit have a chance in hell of success is superfluous because there is a 99% chance that this lawsuit will never see the courtroom. In my opinion, as someone that is not even a lawyer, but went to law school, this was an effort by WVU to make the Big East get serious about negotiating a buy-out of the 27-month waiting period.
All we know is that Marinatto is the most inept leader in the history of college athletics. That history includes the likes of Dan Beebe, Steve Kragthorpe and Bill Stewart, so we are not facing a titan of industry by any means.
WVU vs. Syracuse Grades: A Unit-By-Unit Look At The Mountaineers Loss To Syracuse
by 5th Year Senior on Oct 26, 2011 11:08 AM EDT
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
Last night in this space I wrote how it was nice to have the conference affiliation mess behind us. Now we can finally focus on our team and their talent or lack thereof.
Then I wake up from my beauty sleep (I don't need much) to an announcement from WVU that the press conference announcing we are members of the Big 12 is on hold. Now the Big 12 is asking for "more information." I can only assume Louisville sent the Big 12 commish a game tape of Syracuse demolishing us two years in a row and the conference became leery of our status as the Big East "powerhouse."
Overall: F
You can't really grade a team that did not try. At least I hope they did not try because that was one of the worst football performances by a good football team. Actually, that might be too kind to WVU's performance on Friday night.
WVU vs. UCONN Grades: A Unit-By-Unit Breakdown Of The Mountaineers Victory Over The Huskies
by 5th Year Senior on Oct 11, 2011 3:28 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
WVU Slapped With Two Years Probation
WVU received what I think is adequate punishment for "major" violations that occurred under Rich Fraudriguez and Lyin' Bill from New Martinsville.
WVU will see a reduction in its football staff and also lose one scholarship for the 2011-2012 season.
What this basically means is that WVU will face no additional penalties other than the penalties the school imposed on itself. If I were in charge of punishing myself, I would be eating a lot of ice cream.
West Virginia Mountaineers Spring Practice Preview: Linebacker
by 5th Year Senior on Apr 7, 2011 2:37 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
Our spring practice preview schedule:
- Thursday, March 31: Quarterbacks
- Friday, April 1: Wide Receivers
- Monday, April 4: Running Backs
- Tuesday, April 5: Offensive Line
- Wednesday, April 6: Defensive Line
- Thursday, April 7: Linebackers
- Friday, April 8: Defensive Backs
- Tuesday, April 12: Special Teams
- Wednesday, April 13: Coaching
As with most positions on defense, we lost a lot of talent to graduation. Familiar names like JT Thomas, Pat Lazear, and Anthony Leonard have been lost to the evil monster known as graduation. And unlike other positions on defense, we do not have much experience to fill the shoes of those that left. Sure, there is Najee Goode on the strong side, but wide receiver JD Woods had more solo tackles last season than a potential starter in the middle, Branko Busick.
This lack of experience makes the reps these players take in spring all the more important. From reports, the defense is just as excited and at times practices with more intensity than the offense. Naturally, the offense has more experience and talent, meaning the defense -- unlike in years past -- has been getting the best of it in practice. Still, the defense has been holding their own considering the circumstances.
This is normally the spot where I would make a joke and say "A sorority girl is to virginity as a WVU linebacker is to tackles", but I'm not going to do that. Nope, not this time. You won't hear me say anything about sororities and virginity and linebackers and tackles. I'm going to play this one straight and just give you the facts.
West Virginia Mountaineers Spring Practice Preview: Offensive Line
by 5th Year Senior on Apr 5, 2011 2:00 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
Our spring practice preview schedule:
- Thursday, March 31: Quarterbacks
- Friday, April 1: Wide Receivers
- Monday, April 4: Running Backs
- Tuesday, April 5: Offensive Line
- Wednesday, April 6: Defensive Line
- Thursday, April 7: Linebackers
- Friday, April 8: Defensive Backs
- Tuesday, April 12: Special Teams
- Wednesday, April 13: Coaching
For the third straight year, our biggest question mark entering the season will be our offensive line. Normally, experience and practice make players better over the years. However, getting experience and practice at being awful does not help players improve for the better.
Now, whether the blame lies with fired offensive line coach Dave Johnson or with the actual players is up for some debate. It was likely a combination of both. One thing is for sure: the unit's performance this season, yet again, will be the thin thick line between failure and success.
West Virginia Mountaineers Spring Practice Preview: Quarterbacks
by 5th Year Senior on Mar 31, 2011 3:38 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
Our spring practice preview schedule:
- Thursday, March 31: Quarterbacks
- Friday, April 1: Wide Receivers
- Monday, April 4: Running Backs
- Tuesday, April 5: Offensive Line
- Wednesday, April 6: Defensive Line
- Thursday, April 7: Linebackers
- Friday, April 8: Defensive Backs
- Tuesday, April 12: Special Teams
- Wednesday, April 13: Coaching
Spring practice has begun and your fearless leader here is ready to predict an undefeated season for our Mountaineers. Well, I'm not really your leader and you all know that I have an unhealthy fear of spiders, bridges and commitment. That being said, a completely new offensive coaching staff have Mountaineer fans feeling a little tingle in their britches about the upcoming season. Yeah, I was worried too, but the tingling from WVU's upcoming season, not another unwanted bout with the clap. (Ed. - what bout with the clap is wanted?)
The excited feeling Mountaineer fans have is not just from new coaches, it is also from the results these new coaches have produced over their past few years.
In 2007, Houston threw for 3,614 yards, which only rated as the 25th best passing game in the country. In 2008 Dana Holgorsen joined the Houston staff as offensive coordinator. During the 2008 and 2009 seasons Houston threw for 5,221 yards and 6,072 yards, respectively. With those totals, Houston only finished in the top two in the nation in passing under Holgorsen.
It gets better for Holgorsen, though...
The Smoking Musket NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge Update
by 5th Year Senior on Mar 28, 2011 3:00 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Basketball
on The Smoking Musket
Custer's Last Stand, Pickett's Charge, and Stalingrad. All huge defeats, but none compare to the beating we all took in the bracket challenge this year.
The end result of this bracket challenge was kind of of like my attempts at hitting on hot girls. I thought about it way too much and stared awkwardly for just a little too long. I got into my own head and totally blew any chance I had at walking away a winner.
Of the 71 entries, only 3 have a chance to score more points. Brandon Yahn, Paul Brooks and Matthew Brogan all had UCONN in the Final Four, with only Mr. Yahn picking UCONN to win it all. Kevin Lawson, the leader in the clubhouse, still has a chance too. If you want to point and laugh at the entries, do so here at the CBS Smoking Musket bracket page.
If it makes you feel any better, only two experts at ESPN have any of their picks remaining. Also, only 2 of the 5.9 million brackets on ESPN have all final four teams correct. This was a rough year for us all.
Smoking Musket NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge Update
by 5th Year Senior on Mar 21, 2011 2:07 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Basketball
on The Smoking Musket
In the quest for a free WVU t-shirt, many have entered, but few have flourished, including the experts writing for this site. Currently, with a somewhat lackluster 38 points, Charley and WVUIE97 have the highest point totals of the authors here on the Smoking Musket. However, WVUIE97 inexplicably picked Syracuse to win it all and is basically guaranteed to finish near the bottom of the standings after the Final Four.
Bringing up the rear of writers is Country Roads and myself. Both of us have a meager 35 points, but have the potential to surpass Charley in the final standings. I think I still have a chance to win it all, but I'm the eternal optimist.
The leader in the clubhouse is bicklefischerkane whose great pick of Arizona is riding high right now. I think his and the Wildcats' luck runs out in the Sweet 16 when Duke knocks them out. Quickly looking at some of the other top rated brackets, it appears that Sam Jones and Chris Ferrell have the best chance to win the free t-shirt. However, I may be one of the only people that have San Diego State in the Final Four so I could also be sitting pretty.
Good luck in the final weeks of the tournament...
West Virginia's Path To A NCAA Championship And Random Thoughts About The NCAA Tournament Brackets
by 5th Year Senior on Mar 14, 2011 12:00 PM EDT
in Mountaineer Basketball
on The Smoking Musket
I guess now is the best time to woman man up and admit that I was dead wrong about our Mountaineers. After starting Big East play with back-to-back losses, I thought this team had no chance to make the NCAA tournament. We didn't have go-to scorer, we had seemingly forgot how to pass and were struggling on defense against quick guards that liked to penetrate. I thought we were doomed.
However, Bob Huggins, the best basketball coach in the nation, pulled this team together and got them playing great team basketball. We got over our lack of "go-to scorer" because we started passing the ball better, crashed the boards and somehow managed to neutralize many of the quick and talented back-courts in the Big East. Through all our struggles on the court and drama off the court, our guys played together and earned our #5 seed in the Big Dance.
While we were one and done in the Big East Tournament, our potential first round match-ups in the NCAA Tournament make that very unlikely to happen. Klempson is better much better than a #12 seed, but is a good match-up for WVU. After our first round game, however, our path gets mighty tough. Now that I've bored you to death piqued your interest, I think we should look at West Virginia's path to a national championship.
My sub-par stellar analysis and some random thoughts after the jump...
For all the fake a** fans if u think I lost the game u don't know basketball so #SMD and u figure out what that mean it's 5 players outthere
Truck Bryant's tweet. Please discuss...
Way Too Early Prediction For West Virginia's 2011 Football Season
by 5th Year Senior on Mar 2, 2011 2:05 PM EST
in Mountaineer Football
on The Smoking Musket
With spring practice just around the corner and only 184 days until WVU's season opening game against West Virginia Junior College Marshall, I'm here to give you my early predictions for the 2011 season. Right here would be the perfect time to to say that my prediction for next season is "pain", but I'm not going to do that at this time. I'll leave that joke on the table for some much more skilled bloggers than myself.
Instead of making lame jokes from Rocky movies, I'm simply going to run down the schedule and give my thoughts about each match-up. It seems simple enough, but watch me screw something up.
Will I paint my normal rosy picture of the future or do I see struggles ahead next season? My take after the jump...
I don't know why this makes me smile. Oh yeah, it's because Rich Rod's a dick.
(via @awfulannouncing)
National Signing Day: Shaq Rowell Faxes LOI To Officially Become A West Virginia Mountaineer
by 5th Year Senior on Feb 2, 2011 11:31 AM EST
in Recruiting
on The Smoking Musket
Shawntel "Shaq" Rowell is a 6'4" defensive lineman from Iowa Western Community College. In 10 games he had 32 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks and one forced fumble. Sounds like he would fill in well for Chris Neild, but will be competing with other signees and the likes of Jorge Wright and Josh Taylor for a starting spot next year. As we said before, this will be a needs class and quality depth on the defensive line is a must.
While attending high school in Ohio he made the All-State team as a senior and played in the Big 33 game.
Video after the jump...
National Signing Day: Ben Bradley Of Norcross, GA Faxes LOI To Officially Become A WVU Mountaineer
by 5th Year Senior on Feb 2, 2011 9:30 AM EST
in Recruiting
on The Smoking Musket
Ben Bradley is a 6'3", 275 pound defensive tackle that put up some impressive numbers throughout his high school career. During his senior season he recorded 91 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He needs to add some muscle, but can fill the middle to allow linebackers to get pressure on the QB or ball carrier.
Bradley was named a Scout.com Top 100 defensive tackle. He also entertained offers from NC State and South Carolina.
Welcome home Ben Bradley.
Videos after the jump...
National Signing Day: Isaiah Bruce Of Jacksonville, FL Officially A West Virginia Mountaineer
by 5th Year Senior on Feb 2, 2011 9:13 AM EST
in Recruiting
on The Smoking Musket
Isaiah Bruce is a 6'2", 215 pound linebacker that has football smarts and speed and agility to spare, as can be see by his 2010 state championship in the 300-meter hurdles. He recorded 101 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks during his senior season. He also contributed in special teams where he blocked three kicks.
He was named to the 2010 Jacksonville Times-Union Super 24 and was three time first team all-city. In a somewhat awkward situation Bruce was recruited by fired WVU coach Dave Johnson. Despite that fact, he picked WVU over Purdue, Vanderbilt and Illinois.
Video after the jump...
National Signing Day: Russell Haughton-James OL Officially A Mountaineer
by 5th Year Senior on Feb 2, 2011 8:58 AM EST
in Recruiting
on The Smoking Musket
Russell Haughton-James a 6'6", 290 pound lineman from Florida looks to fill a void of depth on the WVU line. With the lack of talent we have seen from our current crop of linemen, Haughton-James, could have an impact as early as this season for our Mountaineers.
Haughton-James also had offers from Big East foe USF. It really came down to WVU and Minnesota, where he had originally committed.
National Signing Day: Jared Barber Of Mocksville, NC Officially A West Virginia Mountaineer
by 5th Year Senior on Feb 2, 2011 8:49 AM EST
in Recruiting
on The Smoking Musket
Jared Barber, a Lonnie Galloway recruit, is a run stopping linebacker that will likely play on the inside of Casteel's 3-3-5 defense. He picked WVU over ACC schools Wake Forest and NC State. He has the potential to be a Grant Wiley type of defender that has a nose for the ball, as can be seen in his five double digit tackle performances during his senior season.
He was a SuprePrep North Carolina Top 40 player and Scout.com Top 50 middle linebacker .
Note: Barber's (auto-play) highlight video is after the jump.
WVU's newest commit Andrew Buie running people over.
Spectator's Guide To The Capital Classic: WVU vs. Marshall
by 5th Year Senior on Jan 18, 2011 1:06 PM EST
in Mountaineer Basketball
on The Smoking Musket
If you live in Charleston, as I do when I can find an open park bench, you’ve probably noticed a slight stench in the air. Contrary to popular belief, that smell is not coming from my person. I have showered in the last week or two, so it isn’t me this time.
In actuality, this stench is an annual occurrence in Charleston. The smell is emanating from the west as many Marshall fans make the long trek outside of Huntington, a city whose residents make it look like the scene from Ghostbusters where the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is walking around. Yep, it is almost time for the Capital Classic.
The annual battle between West Virginia University and Marshall College on the hardwood is often a close and exciting game. It also often leads to a heart breaking result for the Marshall fan-base. Which is the exact reason I love this game.
If you’re in attendance, you see Marshall fans go through the gamut of emotions during the game. Join me, for a recreation of what will happen tomorrow night...
Odds to win 2011-2012 BCS Championship Game
The favorite to win the BCS next year is Oklahoma at 7/2. While our Mountaineers come in tied for 16th at 30/1.
While Holgorsen will improve our offense, our defense will be suspect losing all that experience. I don't think you are getting good enough odds to make a bet on WVU.
"With the official announcement today of our three new assistant coaches, our coaching staff for 2011 is complete," WVU Head Football Coach Bill Stewart says. "The three new coaches are eager to get started and become a part of the Mountaineer family. I feel very confident we have two of the top coordinators in college football next year with Dana Holgorsen running our offense and Jeff Casteel heading up our defense. Our attention now is on recruiting until early February, and then we will start focusing on spring practice and the 2011 season."
Bill Stewart comments on the additions to the football staff via MSNSportsnet.com
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