WVU’s Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback is not a fan of the dual-threat label or even the suggestion he’s now a running option — which is very different from running the option, but still maddening all the same.

I mean, it’s kind of funny how dismissive he is of the idea, and he’s right because he’s not looking to run. “Never have, never will,” he told me. Still, he knows an opportunity to run when he see sees one. And this Geno will take those opportunities and make something of them.

Notice I said make something of them and not make the most of them. That’s because he won’t make the most, unless the opportunity is unfettered access into the end zone. Otherwise, he’s sliding and getting out of bounds and doing everything within his power to make sure he’s in the game.

But he will take 3, 5, 7, 12 yards if he sees them.

That’s what’s bothering Geno. He’s not a runner, though people see a career-high rushing total and react without consideration as to whether  he’s a runner. He’s not, but he’s evolved enough to know when and how to move the ball, set up manageable downs and distances and keep the offense in a rhythm.

True, he had eight carries for 65 yards, but take away the 28-yard touchdown run because that was an accident. Yes, he showed some ability and, yes, the defense was paralyzed, which matters. But it shouldn’t have happened.

And take away the failed quarterback sneak near Marshall’s goal line. That was one of the very rare occasions he was asked to run and this conversation is about the times he chooses to run.

Count six carries for 37 yards and — here’s your story — understand what this achieves for WVU’s heretofore impressive offense.

Defenses have to be really disciplined when they blitz, and defenses have typically blitzed hard and not worried about a Dana Holgorsen quarterback being able to escape through the disorganization.

That’s changed now.

Defenses can’t be too deep because if Geno can count to, say, four, he’s going to get outside the pocket. He’ll still look to throw, and deep coverage lets the receivers come back to the ball, but if the defense does it’s job and wins the play, Geno will run and get a few yards because the secondary has not yet closed the gap.

That’s not something Brandon Weeden did with great success.

Deep safeties seems like the safest bet, but it kind of dares Geno to run, and he can, which is why Dana said he might one day see a spy devoted to Geno. The quarterback can’t believe that.

“It takes a guy out of coverage, or maybe a guy off of the front four on the defensive line, which is probably going to hurt them more than the threat of me running the ball,” he said.