Topic of the week: Well, WVU has issues, but this running game has become what Dana Holgorsen now calls a “huge issue” after a string of poor performances. I looked it up: Thirty third-and-shorts  this season, 14 first downs. Twelve fourth-and-shorts, seven first downs.

The Mountaineers, once as high as No. 4 nationally in rushing offense and No. 64 when they were 5-0, are now No. 93 out of 120 teams. They average 132.67 yards per game and Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma State was the fourth straight time WVU was under its average.

“We did a poor job of establishing the line of scrimmage,” Holgorsen said. “Look at all our third-and-shorts. We have no push. We had none. We were garbage on third-and-short, fourth-and-short when we handed the ball off.”

This has become something to discuss because it’s really handcuffing WVU’s offense, but also because Oklahoma, which comes to town this weekend, just allowed 250 yards on 51 carries to Baylor.

So coaches and players were asked and many gave god opinions and insight. Many, but not all.

Andrew Buie dodged the question as if it were one of those red-clad Oklahoma linebackers who will be chasing him on Saturday night.

And while it was clearly a totally proper question and one that has been on the mind of nearly every West Virginia University football fan, it was asked rather straight-forward and bluntly by a gentleman who has reached such an age that he has neither time nor patience to beat around the bush.

“Why do you think the running game has not been more productive?” he asked, standing in a group behind the WVU running back’s right shoulder.

Buie looked straight ahead, a number of thoughts clearly racing through his mind, none of which he properly wanted to verbalize.

After a pregnant pause, Buie simply said, “No comment.”

Now, as for the picture, let me take you inside my inbox today …

Wes Lyons, former receiver for the West Virginia Mountaineers has published a book titled The Pursuit with Patience, focusing on the journey that has made his career possible, the struggles faced, and the successes earned.  Wes will be in the Charleston area November 28th through 30th to promote the release of his book (November 27th) and is open to do interviews.  Please let me know if you would like to schedule something.