Welcome to the Friday Feedback, which has a major announcement about the weekly football chats … and will reveal it next week.

Let’s close the quotes around yesterday’s wholly avoidable hysterics. It would have been very, very easy to put that fire out, or even pour water on the matches before any fire ever started, and simply tell people there was a family emergency Geno Smith needed to tend to.

Better ways were available. Enough people on the staff and on the sports information staff knew about it before practice that we never need to go, or to be taken to, where we ultimately went.

That said, Dana Holgorsen has his ways and we should probably know by now he trusts  his organization and his operation and will not betray either. Yesterday was a reminder, though unintended, that he has his ways. Those easier and better ways to handle that situation? Not his ways.

Coaches are all different in many ways, but they’re alike in a few ways, too. The best ones are stubborn and won’t be drawn out of their routines and boundaries. Consider one exception and then you start considering others and then the whole thing can get out of whack. Treat everything the same and you can predict or anticipate results and consequences — and this is a business that doesn’t often invite surprises and uncertainty.

Really, what happened yesterday was no different than what we’ve seen many times before. Remember, Dana doesn’t discuss injuries unless it has to to with missing games or corrective surgery. When asked, he’ll remind you of his policy before he talks with any depth about injuries.

The day he was hired, he was asked about the report he’d hire Bill Bedenbaugh and Shannon Dawson. Dana said he wasn’t going to talk about staffing — not that day and not in the future. In the offseason — and, honesty, before that — he wouldn’t address the defensive coaches he lost and the positions he’d fill.

I mean, he’s consistent, right?

It seems to me he’s also at home with his relationship with the media here — and that’s not easy. But he’s carved out a cozy little place and he knows when he can extend his legs and stretch his arms.

You do know he walked over to the media Monday after he put good on good for the first and only time in camp and said, “Are you guys happy now?” There was some sarcasm there, but I think he also wanted to show us something so we could tell you something.

So if you think he didn’t enjoy, even just a little bit, that his innocent adherence to his rules caused the histrionics it did, and that those histrionics were the strongest reminders available that his way is the only way here, I’ve got some land near the law school hill I’d like to sell you.

Onto the Feedback. As always, comments appear as posted. In other words, show yourself.

Karl said:

I think people can relax a bit with all of the post-Rich Rod coach departure anxiety. We are no longer in the Big East — arguably the NCAA’s best proving ground for coaches on their way to bigger and better things. With this move to the Big 12, we are bigger and better things. We are one of the haves. The number of programs that may be more attractive to a coach has been cut significantly. The way up from WVU now is a group of maybe 10-15 elite programs. Yes, an Oklahoma or a Texas will still be a threat to poach our coach. But the days of worrying about some mid-level Big 10 team or almost any ACC team are over.

I’m inclined to agree with you on this. That’s probably the biggest and yet maybe most underrated aspect of the move to the Big 12. It always seemed to me the Big East was treated like a farm system for the other leagues — and that the Big East even accepted that. Not any more, unless you subscribe to the theory WVU can never big big-time or the big leagues. That’s why it’s critical to lock up Oliver Luck. Still, I think it would have been smart to include a no-compete clause, or at least some specific language, about going to another Big 12 school. The contract isn’t even. It tilts to Dana’s side, but it’s not unusual for a contract to do that. That said, there really isn’t an explanation for keeping that stuff out except that WVU wanted to avoid that issue in negotiations. 

Parks said:

“Ah, you got me. And don’t look now, but you’re right around two weeks away from irresponsibly lobbed hand grenades!”

Quite possibly my favorite line I’ve ever heard used for that man—well done Mike!

You’re welcome and thank you.

overtheSEC said:

I wonder if “eagle” eyes picked up on what you were “driving” home regarding the Maryland game. That could be exciting.

I guess I can drive the point home — former WVU golf players are being invited back by WVU’s Varsity Club for an alumni party/fundraiser the weekend of the Maryland game. 

Jeff in Akron said:

I’ve been saying this since these coaches were hired, the defense will be better than fine. I believe even with the move to the Big-12 , the overall ranking of the defense nationally will not drop more than 5 spots from last year, and might just improve. WVU was ranked 33 at the end of last season for overall defense.

Believe it or not, this years defense will be faster than last years, to me that is the key. Everybody talks about what Syracuse and Louisville did to the WVU defense last year and that is valid. Both teams faced the Mountianeers every year and both had Casteel figured out. Add that in both games Holgorsen wasn’t happy with the overall effort his team put forth. When you have a speed advantage you lose that advantage when the effort isn’t there. One of the major constants in the three BCS bowl wins is the opposing teams inability to deal with the speed of the Mountaineer defense, they were not ready for it, effort wasn’t an issue in all three games.

I believe the coaches, and it started with Holgorsen last year, have resolved the effort issue. The excitement over a new conference helps too. What Casteel wouldn’t do that the new staff will, pull a player that is not putting forth what they consider the proper level of effort. Add the switch to a more attacking style, exactly what a fast defense should do, and the nucleas is there for some very good things to happen. A few years ago Denver switched their defense, primarily their linebackers, to a smaller and significantly faster group and for awhile led the AFC west despite having a below average offense. There were some good offenses in the AFC west that year.

My point, the concerns over this years defense are based on the play of the defense under an entirely different staff and their defensive philosophy. 70-33 wasn’t about the offense learning what it could do, it was about the defense learning what it could do even after getting beat on a play. From an effort standpoint the Orange Bowl was the most complete game the defense had played all year. To me, Holgorsen had already made the initial change in defensive philosophy. Precisely why there is a new defensive coaching staff this year.

I have been accused of being a Kool-Aid drinker, if the reasons for my opinion are cause, so be it I’ll drink it and be very happy. I rarely say I told you so, its just not who I am, on this I reserve that right.

This is interesting, particularly the end, and I read it a few times to draw some conclusions. I have just two, and they’re counterpoints actually, but maybe because I can see a reason to agree with a lot of it. First, I’m not sure total defense ranking will matter all that much to WVU or in the Big 12. You’re going to give up yards. Now, if you rank nicely in total defense, bully for you. The more likely statistic attached to success would seem to be scoring defense. You can give up yards, but not points, and win. Texas was No. 11 in total defense last season and went 7-5. Why? Well, the Longhorns were No. 33 in scoring defense (22.2 points per game) and gave up 55, 48 and 38 points in Big 12 losses. Oklahoma was the Big 12’s next team in total defense (No. 55) but was No. 31 in scoring defense (21.1). I still think turnover margin and opponent red zone scoring are keys. Big 12 champ Oklahoma State led the nation in turnover margin and was No. 12 in opponent red zone scoring. And let’s add to the latter — OSU allowed touchdowns on 50 percent of the red zone scores, which was No. 19. The second point? Familiarity. Joe DeForest was at Oklahoma State for 11 years. He’s going to do a lot of the things the Cowboys did. 

The 25314 said:

I think Jeff in Akron has been huffing too much rubber.

The 2011 defense finished 61st in the country in scoring defense, coincidentally tied with OK St., allowing 26.77 points per game.

It lost its top two defensive linemen, its top linebacker, top cornerback, and top safety.

There is a new defensive coaching staff and system.

WVU will be playing a much more difficult schedule against much better offenses.

If WVU’s defense allows around 24/25 points per game or less, I will send Jeff Akron a $20 gift card to Dick’s.

Witness? Witness!

Rugger said:

I loved the Akron rubber reference. You don’t get this stuff anywhere else!

I played Firestone once, what a course. It looked like Shank Swing and the Divots had been there after I played.

I have to admit, I was pretty proud of that subtlety. Even happier others caught it.

SheikYbuti said:

Which probably beats Phil Dirt and the Dozers.

Splendid.

Spatial Angel said:

Put me in the camp that thinks D-line is a problem. I will be very happy if I am wrong.

Well, since they’re still repping 15 guys there 15 days from the first game, yeah, you can be concerned.

hershy112 said:

My hope is that a kicker can line drive one off the facemask of someone in the front line, ricocheting it right back into the hands of the kicking team.

Ty Bitancurt said he can hit an opponent  with pretty good accuracy. His concern is the element of surprise is lost when it’s an obvious situation. An opponent  can therefore anticipate and catch the line drive. 

StraightOuttaNorthCentral said:

I’ve always been partial to the Paul Woodside Honorary Kick-and-follow, where the kicker nudges the ball gently forward and falls on it himself after 10 yards. Admittedly, it takes a badass of a kicker to pull this one off.

You’ll never guess who Paul Woodside considers to be his star pupil.

Rugger said:

I saw Paul in Falls Church, VA about seven years ago. Unique dude! He is a UPS driver and a pretty darn good one from what I could tell.

He was a bit uncomfortable that I recognized him. I get that a lot.

“…and a pretty darn good one from what I can tell.” I need the criteria, please.

Bobby Heenan said:

For Mike or others…

From interviews with Gillespie (heard on Sportsline last night, I think), it sounded like Dustin still had a ways to go to get back to where he was last year. If he continues to be a little rusty and Clayton looks OK, is there any chance we redshirt him this year? I doubt it, but thought it may be possible.

Haven’t heard much about Clayton since that one day, and that was a week or so ago. My sense is they redshirt him. WVU likes Alston and Buie in tandem and believes Garrison will be as good as new in a few more weeks. That’s three and it sounds as though Clarke can run a little, too. 

wVU79 said:

Is the JC offensive lineman (can’t remember his name) out of the picture?

Mark Glowinski seems right on the redshirt edge. They love his size and athleticism, but he, like so many other juco guys, has habits that are hard to break. Glowinski’s flaw is in his stance. He’s too high and he gets in trouble from time to time. These next two weeks are big for him. Bill Bedenbaugh doesn’t want to use a guy for just a few snaps a game. Anyone who doesn’t redshirt would have to be a top-eight, top-10 guy. Right now, Glowinski isn’t there.

Lee in Dayton said:

From video I saw elsewhere, looked like Geno took quite a few snaps from under center on that TD drive, instead of 100% shotgun like last year. IIRC, he did that once in the Spring Game. Also caught Dana’s quip about power football in tonight’s presser. So the offense continues to evolve?

There are no coincidences. We see nothing, then see see snaps from under center and an array of fullbacks and tight ends. See where I’m going?

Greg Dodge said:

On the touchdown pass to Tavon, who were the receivers? Was it only Stedman and Tavon on the field at the time to go with Miles, Clarke and a runningback? Will be interesting if they leave Tavon on the field when they go to the Diamond this year.

Stedman and Tavon were the receivers, both outside, which is rare, but, again, they will use him that way this year. He’s their best player and he needs to be on the field in as many formations as possible. Cody Clay was the tight end in that situation.

I love you, Doug! said:

Mike: Who’s the fastest guy on this team? The idea of Tavon and Thompson on the field at the same time got me thinking about this. I don’t know if Thompson is quick only or has breakaway speed, like Tavon.

We all remember the Pat White-Steve Slaton footrace to determine the fastest. When Noel was on the team, I’m assuming he was the presumptive fastst. But now who?

Tavon? I hear Stedman’s strength is not his straightline speed, but I saw him run away from the UConn secondary last year from a standing start.

Or is it someone on defense? Was Jenkins a track guy?

If you had to pick five guys on this team to race, who would you pick? And who would win?

I’ve asked a lot of players about this. No one knows who is fastest because they haven’t raced and no one trusts the accuracy of reported 40 times. That said, here’s the top five I’ve received: Tavon, Brodrick Jenkins, K.J. Dillon, Nana Kyeremeh and Andrew Buie. In a 40, I go with Tavon. In a 100, I go Dillon. In a 400, I still go Dillon. Also, I’ve heard Thompson isn’t fast as much as he is quick and slippery. Tavon has that, but he’s also very fast.

glibglub said:

So the video is titled “Twist and Pounce”. (Bueller?) But not one guy actually pounced. Each tried to run with the ball, and it looks like the coaches want them to do just that. That’s aggressive. Isn’t it conventional coaching wisdom to fall on the ball? Nothing conventional about this staff I guess. This will be an interesting season.

Every time I’ve watched the drill, the instruction I’ve heard given to players is, “Scoop the ball up, don’t pick it up.” I guess you can’t score from the ground, but, man, the first or second or third time a defensive back runs past a fumble …

October 22, 2003 said:

Long time, first time. What happened to Terrell Chestnut? I thought he supposed to be a stud at cb?

Repping at nickel back, which is not a cornerback and not a safety. The difference suggests to me he may one day become a safety. Also, welcome to the party. Do stick around, OK?

JP said:

> jagoff herd beat writers

This should be a separate category in the WV Press Association awards

And I still wouldn’t win.

SheikYbuti said:

We are going to get SO lit up. But that’s okay, because our flamethrower is hotter than the other guys’ flamethrowers.

T-shirt. That. Now.

Josh24601 said:

Not giving up on McCartney: he’s tall and fast and has two working knees, so he’s going to get in a game at some point and do something fantastic.

Remove all the variables here that have nothing to do with what I’m about to say. I watch McCartney and I think he has Chris Henry talent. He can make it look so easy. And that might be an issue.

Rugger said:

The word working and the name McCartney should not be used in the same sentence. He’s got ability but as a WR if you can not get up for this offense, you should find something else to do.

I can’t understand it or explain it. He has that Miramar thing going, which I would think should serve as a hell of a motivator, and I know Geno and Stedman are trying to get through to him. He just can’t break through and hold on, which are separate tasks. Maybe that hasn’t dawned on him yet. I still think he’s capable of so much more than what he’s thus far done and I guess my hope for him, as a person, would be that he’s about to scratch the surface now that he’s academically in the clear and ready to make a J.D. Woods-like move from scout team for first-team.

Jeff in Akron said:

So, about that two deep roster and all those freshman supposedly on it…

SheikYbuti said:

The last freshman I can remember being a quasi-star on defense was Grant Wiley, and even he improved significantly in succeeding years. I’m sure there have been one or two since then; you guys will remind me. You can’t expect freshmen, as a rule, to do much more than give you a minimally competent warm body. And when there are so many you’re depending on, you really can’t depend on anything other than gaffes and wild inconsistency. I’d love to be pleasantly surprised, but I don’t think I will be. Now, will playing all these noobs right away pay big dividends in the future? Quite likely.

Wiley was a redshirt freshman, though. I remember during that redshirt year, Don Nehlen would tell us that his best defensive player wouldn’t even play that year. Quniton Andrews was freshman All-America a few years later, but I don’t think anyone took that too seriously. Bobby Sands as all right, right?

Lee in Dayton said:

Watched a video of K.J.’s interview with the media this week – he’s almost as impressive in front of the mikes as he is with pads on.  I thought he projected a lot of maturity and insight for a kid who was in high school earlier this year – I’ve seen NFL player interviews that weren’t as good.

He was impressive in front of this Mike. Darwin Cook’s spot atop the interview depth chart is in peril.

SheikYbuti said:

Maybe all these freshmen are mutants, under the secret coordination of Charles Xavier, and we have nothing to fear? I’m guessing Christian Brown, blue fur or not, is Beast. Jordan Thompson is definitely Nightcrawler.

Enjoy the weekend!