Before we begin today, a moment to discuss my column from earlier in the week. I reached a few conclusions in the wake of its publication. First and foremost, my e-mail definitely works. Second, and, indeed, more important, is that people do care about this topic, but are pretty well split in the discussion. And that’s good.

Understand I wasn’t looking to pick a side, but was interested in putting the information out there as I see it. My point was not to say the crowds are weak or strong or that WVU has the best or worst fans. Rather, I thought Thursday night would be a time when whatever realtionship the fans have with the Mountaineers would sink or swim, so to speak, in the sea of gold. In my opinion, it wasn’t about everyone dressing in gold as much as it was about everyone coming together and becoming the intimidation factor that can propel a team to victory.

I think we can agree to say it went very well, that the crowd rewarded the Mountaineers with their in inolvement for most of the game and that the Mountaineers certainly rewarded the crowd for being a factor.

As for the criticisms that came my way, let’s begin and end with the stupid idea that I’m somehow bitter about ticket prices jumping up and that I’m unaware it happens everywhere else. Honestly, if that’s your theory, you’ve got to do better. I don’t buy tickets, so I’m not bitter, and I’m quite sure ticket prices are up everywhere.

Whether or not it should happen here was not the point of my column and perhaps that’s a debate for another day.

Onto the feedback. As always, comments appear as posted. In other words, I’m not the one making mistakes.

Homer says:

Rodriguez trying to dictate fan behavior is priceless. “Wear the color shirt I tell you!” How can anybody who closes practices, lies repeatedly about injuries, and pretends he can’t remember how often his best players get in the game, honestly expect to dictate behavior of the people who fund his salary? Does Bama still want him and his ego, wristbands and slogans?

(Looking around … Making sure no one is looking over my shoulder …)

The WV Land Shark says:

Homer – you truly are a fool. Rod is trying to create some excitement, trying to create some tradition, trying to get some of the top recruits in the country to commit to WV. Several other big schools have various “quirky” traditions, and prospective high school seniors leave those stadiums after their visit with their jaw on the floor – thinking that they want to play in front of that crowd, at that stadium, because the atmosphere was electric. From the new entrance with the train and loud music to the change in uniforms, to the new tradition of having honorary co-captains from years past . . . I’m sure those things pump up the crowd and the players, but I’ll bet you most of it is done to land top talent.
As for your other stupid comments – why in the world would Rod tell us or the media (or next weeks team) what our injuries are – maybe we should send them out playbook too. You obviously have no passion or pride and I’ll bet you never stepped on any kind of playing field in your life . . . Love what coach is doing – GO WVU!!

Welcome to the party, Land Shark, but I politely ask you to refrain from name-calling. Especialy with Homer, whose reprisal is forthcoming, I’m certain. Anyhow, this was the proper place to start today, not because of the combat, but because this more or less illustrated what I was talking about in the opening. There’s a split, plain and simple, and while Rodriguez saved himself sustained criticism and appeased the fans by beating Louisville, the angry mob is always waiting.  

Mikey V. says:

If you listen to Mike Valenti’s rant last year after the Michigan State “choke job” against Notre Dame… there are certainly parts where you can insert Pat White’s name in place of Drew Stanton.

Last night, Pat White had an entire program on his back. After the entire offense turned to him with a puppy dog look and said, “help us,” Rodriguez earned his $2 million salary by having White – who looked like he very well might have had a concussion – run the ball up the middle for roughly eight straight plays. White earned $0 for the effort, by the way, though he probably saved the university a ton of money compared to what a loss would have meant (no Big East championship and no BCS bowl).

So true and so worth a trip down memory lane so we might knock upon the door to Mike Valenti’s madhouse. But, yes, White was heroic against Louisville and did indeed rescue the offense from the flames of  futility. He not only ran all the plays called for him, but gladly and perhaps bravely optioned out of others so that he might run the ball. Such was the case on the game-winning touchdown run, which was supposed to be a pass. Was it a Heisman moment? Possibly and White would have to be in the beginning of the discussion — and remember to add to White’s numbers 181 yards passing and two touchdowns and  147 yards rushing and a touchdown. Very comparable, yes?

JX says:

Good for KP…hopefully “The Glue” (my OTHER nickname for Gansey) get a shot in the D-League sometime too.

A reference to Kevin Pittsnogle getting drafted by the NBA’s Developmental League, but I think Mike Gansey is doing fine. He’s starting for Indesit Fabriano in Italy’s second division and playing in the beautiful town of Fabriano. He’s also loving what’s going on with the Cleveland Browns.

Larry says:

I think it’s a completely ridiculous that Avon has to play behind Jarrett Payton. Payton was attrocious in college even though he had the best players at every position on that Miami team. If Avon’s last name was Payton, he’d be in the NFL.

Interesting opinion. I’m not even sure he’d make it in the NFL if his name was “Goodell” simply because he hasn’t made it in the CFL. I’ll leave the remainder of the reply to John…

It turns out that Avon was their leading rusher and also caught a couple of passes.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/index.php?module=sked&func=gamestats&sked_id=275

With the assist, John earns another turn. 

John says: 

I have never before had such a change of heart for a team. Before, and just after they beat WVU, I had a certain amount of respect for this program. I suppose I still do. But it looks like this coach and team need to learn how to both win and lose . . .and I don’t mean on the field.

Not to beat a dead bull, um, horse, but this goes back to one of a few discussions here about South Florida. It’s been a sad fall both on and off the field for the Bulls, but I think now is a good time share a story about one colleague. So convinced was said person of USF’s validity that said person promised the Bulls were good enough to go unbeaten. It nearly ruined our friendship. We argued and my main point was the quarterback was all the offense had and would sooner or later fall apart. Said person called for a 12-0 record and I said 9-3. Neither one of us was right, but one of us was wrong.

Philip says:

winning by a comfortable margin is the first thought that enters my mind, what with our resurgent defense.

then my discomfort with being the favorite kicks in, compounded by brohm being brohm.

i’m too grounded in pessimism to accept this until we’ve got more points when the game is over. does this make me a bad person?

Philip was speaking about the WVU-Louisville game as we tried to figure out where the point-spread might settle. Believe it or not, it opened with WVU as a 15-point favorite and closed four days later by giving the Mountaineers ANOTHER point. Obviously, that did not happen and one has to wonder where the secondary’s confidence is today. Is it relieved to win and content in saying, as Philip pointed out, that Brohm is Brohm and Brian Brohm is going to light everyone up? Or is the defense a little worried that the first really good passing offense it has faced this season made the defensive backs look a lot like they did last year? Or is there a happy median? Something to keep an eye on, to be sure. And no, Philip, it does not make you a bad person. You’re a bad person when 14-0 becomes 21-14 and everyone worries you might be right.

Kige says:

I, for one, hope that Cincinnati steals Rutgers’ defense.

(Trying not to laugh…) Nope, couldn’t do it. Well played, Kige. Well played.  

JR says:

That anorexic guy is classic. You got to love youtube, a place where any dumba** with a camera can have their 15 minutes.

Ah, the anorexic guy. I have to mention, JR, that if in your comment you switched “youtube” with “the internet” and “camera” with “laptop,” you could pass for my wife.