I just enjoy the title of this ESPN.com article: “Way-Too-Early 2011 Top 25” says it all, yes? Still, ESPN sets a lot of trends and this can’t possibly be bad for West Virginia.

The Mountaineers, who weren’t ranked the last time this poll was constructed, find themselves at No. 14 in the post-spring poll because, “coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen’s offense looked explosive during spring practice.”

Um, fair enough. The thumbnail explanation goes into a little more detail:

On the field, West Virginia’s transition to coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen’s spread offense seemed to be pretty seamless during the spring. Quarterback Geno Smith threw for 388 yards with four touchdowns in Friday night’s spring game (albeit against the No. 2 defense), and Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey looked like big-play weapons. Whether WVU’s progress carries over into the 2011 season might depend on what happens behind closed doors. Can Holgorsen coexist with Mountaineers coach Bill Stewart, who wasn’t exactly ready to retire after the 2011 season? WVU must still find a No. 1 tailback and replace seven starters on defense. The Mountaineers are going to score a ton of points on offense with Holgorsen at the controls, which will probably be enough to send Stewart out with a Big East title.

What’s clear from this is ESPN.com — essentially Brian Bennett, who did his homework this spring — has a healthy level of respect for Dana Holgorsen. WVU’s lofted appearance in the poll is credited to his arrival and supercedes “what happens behind closed doors” as well as a soft spot in the backfield and openings on defense.

Going further, Oklahoma State’s escalated status is justified because the Holgorsen offense will continue in some form despite his absence and mostly because some of the offensive weapons he helped develop remain in Stillwater. At this point, I’m certain Mr. Holgorsen can stop crime in my neighborhood.

I’m curious, though, if you (can/will) take this seriously on any level and if you care to explain your degree of interest in such a ranking …