Certainly WVU’s front five had a very promising debut Sept. 1 against Marshall and Coach Dana Holgorsen said a case was made to name right guard Jeff Braun the team’s offensive player of the game. Collectively, though, the offensive line led the way for 331 yards rushing — second most since the start of the 2008 season — and a robust and ridiculous 9.5 yards per carry.

Braun, center Joe Madsen and left guard Josh Jenkins played every snap. Right tackle Pat Eger had the only penalty with a false start. Left tackle Quinton Spain had 10 1/2 knockdowns. Ten-and-a-half! Madsen led the team with 55 in 13 games all of last year!

One number resonated, though.

“Geno got hit once,” offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh said. “The guys were ticked about it, which they should be. There’s an expectation and a pride that goes along with protecting the quarterback and that’s what I like about this group. All the good things they did, that’s something they’d like to get back. You don’t ever like to see your quarterback get hit.”

So that was a good day. And Bedenbaugh said all of the team’s practices last week, and then again Tuesday, were of a high quality. Turns out this group is on a confidence-constructing, faith-fostering run.