That late-game mention by the CBS Gator Bowl broadcast team in which Bill Stewart told them WVU can be a national title possibility next season is, in fact, true.

Stewart, who’s making his offseason media rounds as he hunkers down in recruiting season, supports his claim with some of your generic explanations: If you don’t believe it, why try? If the coach can’t believe it, how can the players?

OK, fine, but that’s not wasted breath, either. In fact, in the next breath Stewart claims things line up for him and his team next season, beginning with the returns of Noel Devine and Jock Sanders. The Mountaineers must make the most of the opportunity.

“This was big, two of the top players we have wanting to be part of this and finish the job,” Stewart said. “A degree is important, being with your family is important. There’s more to life than just grabbing the ring for the job, taking a chance in the lottery, because that’s really what you’re doing in the draft.

“Now is the time for us to say, ‘OK, are we to be in that 7 to 10 win area or are we going to push to the top?’” Stewart continued. “Is that pressure on yourself, your staff, your team?

“No. It’s called reality. We’re good. Now let’s be great.”