There are multiple reasons to think WVU will be all right, beginning with the most obvious, most repeated beliefs that it’s early in the season, young players will develop, the offense will find what it’s good at and the defense will blossom with experience. I tend to agree with all of that, but I happen to believe the Mountaineers just won’t get too down. First, they’ve been down before and one loss is not as bad as some of the things they’ve been through. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, there are some very strong, very influential personalities in that locker room. 

Like Pat McAfee: 

You offer the first straight line, asking the senior who seems as if he’s from Mars but instead is from nearby Plum, Pa., if he’s thought about the affect the altitude in Boulder, Colo., will have on his punting and kicking.

“I’ve done some scientific experiments in the altitude room we have downstairs here at the Puskar Center,” he answered without so much as blinking an eye or waiting to think about it.

“I had the compass out, matched that up with their stadium. It actually runs from northeast to southwest. I did the math and I figured the ball should travel seven and one-half to eight yards farther in the high altitude there.”

Are you talking about punting or field goal kicking?

“I’m not a mathematist or scientician, but that’s what I think will happen. I’m talking about all phases,” McAfee said, keeping a straight face.