When there are no pro teams in a state, there tends to be a lot of focus on the college teams, if they are any good. West Virginia media has plenty on their Hoopies.
First, from the student paper, a column that includes thanks for the night game.
That is why I am glad the University decided to move this game to a late start, because now the game means so much more, particularly to the students.
After all that happened in the aftermath of Virginia Tech, I think it is great to give the students another chance.
After all, we are all young adults, and we should act and be treated as such.
Um, apparently he didn’t know who really pushed for the night game. Nor does he seem aware of how WVU really feels.
Regarding the decision last week by the network to move the game from noon to 7 p.m., Athletic Director Ed Pastilong said, “It is an honor and a privilege for our Mountaineer football team to be showcased on national television. They have worked hard to earn this prestigious opportunity. With that said, however, we did discuss with ESPN and the conference options for different start times for the game, but in the end, the network invoked its contractual right to televise the game in prime time.“
Emphasis added.
The press release details the increased security precautions taken for the game and the alumni association paid to install hinged goal posts. Expect more stories about extra security taken in Mountaineer stadium and around Morgantown in general in the coming days.
On the injury front, starting senior defensive end Fred Blueford is done for the season with a knee injury.
That sign with the date 11-15-03? According to this AP report, it’s been in Pitt’s weight room all season long. The article echoes a point John made yesterday — the game has always meant more to WVU than Pitt.
The Dominion Post lists its 5 greatest Hoopie victories over Pitt. Pat, you’re our resident historic Pitt expert. Counterpoint?
“Paranoia in Hoopie Land” could be the alternate title to this column on how WVU could get jobbed out of the bowl picture this year. Apparently, there’s some lingering bitterness over ending up at the Continental Tire Bowl. Of course, the writer of this piece shows no real intelligence since he couldn’t even read a box score. In his “game analysis” he refers back to the VT-Pitt game scores
f nothing else, both coaches know the dangers involved in not facing up to the other’s offensive strength. For West Virginia, that means trying to contain Fitzgerald, Pitt’s Heisman Trophy candidate at wideout.
“There’s two trains of thought. You can let him get his and control everybody else or you can say, ‘We’re not going to let one great player beat us. Let’s make the other ones beat us,’ ” West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said. “The problem with Pitt is that they have a lot of other guys who can catch the ball and get open. And I think people are finding that out.”
Those other guys, though, didn’t necessarily hurt Virginia Tech last week. Yes, Princell Brockenbrough and tight end Kris Wilson caught some passes and the Pitt running game did some damage. But Tech still led 24-14 in the second half and 24-21 with under four minutes to play.
Emphasis added. Uh, no. Pitt led by those scores. VT took a 28-24 lead, which led to a 31-28 Pitt victory. I don’t think his analysis should be relied upon by Mountaineer fans — especially considering treceiverse two receiers from Pitt he refers to as catching “some passes” combined for 11 catches, 171 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile the coverage of Walt Harris’ press conference was excerpted and shows that Harris is gung-ho for the game.
But Harris said, “Our focus is on what we have to do to get better for West Virginia. They’re going to be a formidable challenge.
“That’s all we’re concerned about right now. We’re not concerned about destiny or anything like that.
“If we struggle down there, it will be because of the quality of the opponent – not because we’re still thinking about having beaten Virginia Tech or that West Virginia won’t show up.
“This is the Backyard Brawl. It’s an all-time rivalry for this university.”
As far as game analysis goes, it’s early but there is plenty of focus on Pitt WR, Larry Fitzgerald. Another cocky corner is ready.
Larry Fitzgerald vs. Adam “Pac-Man” Jones.
Pay-per-view worthy.
Or maybe Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh’s sophomore wideout and leading Heisman Trophy candidate, and Jones, WVU’s sophomore cornerback who fears no leading Heisman Trophy candidate, should be a separate bout placed in the 1920s. You know, the ones outside in Montana or Yankee Stadium. Dempsey, Tunney, Johnson, etc.
…
“I’m emotional, but I know how to control myself,” Jones said.Like it or not, Jones is someone who has to be noticed. An exceptional talent, he sometimes is his worst enemy, on and off the field. He is serving probation for bar-brawl participation two summers ago.
On field, he takes more risks than a New River Gorge Bridge jumper. Any kick he handles could be a touchdown — for either team. Yet he returned an interception and a kickoff for touchdowns Saturday at Boston College. As he crossed the goal line on the kickoff, he raised his arms wide. Six points and extra running this week.
Now he faces Fitzgerald, an anti-Winslow in that he usually flips the ball to an official and even helps opponents off their cans after plays. A sticks-and-stones guy.
“I love playing against great competition,” Jones said. “I’d rather play against someone like Fitzgerald than a rinky-dink.”
We’ll see.
This piece considers that while Fitzgerald is major talent, he also allows for other parts of Pitt’s offense to beat a team. It notes, that the area where WVU’s defense has struggled has been against the Pass. Both teams offenses play to the defenses’ weaknesses. It should be wild.
Meanwhile here is the official Hoopie sports site. Coach Rich Rodriguez also has his own site.
It even has a page with photos of their cheerleaders, and the Mountaineer cheer, which features the always popular line:
Come on you old grads, join with us young lads.
I guess the sheep get a night off.
No word yet as to whether the WVU Alumni Association is offering its ancient moonshine bottle up as a prize again.
These were Lee’s thoughts on the “prize” last year:
I don’t even know where to begin with this one…
— A moonshine jug? Gee, that’s great. So much for West Virginia trying to live down its unfortunate national image.
— So is the “Backyard Brawl” now going to become known as the “Founders Jug Game?” And if so, what about a moonshine jug says anything about Pittsburgh?
— Now that we’re apparently playing for the “Founders Jug Trophy,” have we stooped to the level of the “Land Grant Trophy?” Does this mean that I can’t make fun of Penn State/Michigan State anymore?
If we won this game, I’d seriously give the jug back to WVU.
Just because the Big 11 has trophies for every game, doesn’t mean we need one. The game has enough meaning and history without trying to bootstrap a stupid trophy.
