Not really a surprise, but Bill Stewart said the playmaker will make plays Saturday, likely as a starter.

“I’ve thought about this for a long, long time,” Stewart said. “I’ve taken that young man to the woodshed so often, as my daddy used to take me and I’m sure (your dads took) some of you. But he’s been through the grinder and he’s done everything we asked him to do. I just thought I’d throw that out there on Jock’s behalf. He’ll be available after the game to talk to you.”

Also of note:

– Nate Sowers (strong) and Boogie Allen (bandit) will start at safety and Sidney Glover will be a backup.

– WVU will go full-contact in practice today and focus on kickoff returns. A key starter there, Trippe Hale, probably won’t play.

– Sanders and Hogan are your first-team punt returners and Noel Devine and Mark Rodgers are the kick returners. Stewart said Tavon Austin might get a shot on punt return.

– Jonathan Scott hasn’t been cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center, but Stewart said the case is being expedited by way of a third party “special committee.”

– WVU isn’t taking any of this week’s preparation time for Liberty and using it on East Carolina.