There are really no surprises and hardly any developments on offense, defense and special teams, and I maintain that’s one of the best things WVU has going for it as it approaches the opener.

That said, there are a few notes, beginning with the offense.

Still no clear backup quarterback, and if WVU has to use one, it’s going  to depend on what’s happening in that game. The Mountaineers are also going to use all three running backs, but I suppose it’s important to see once-concussed Rushel Shell as the starter.

At receiver, man, Tyron Carrier is not going to relent. Mathis and Jennings are inside receivers who can play outside. They’re both listed backup outside receivers, and Carrier was clear last week that those two at Nos. 5 and 6 in his pecking order. This isn’t good for Ricky Rogers and Marcus Simms, though they could still play.

Interesting to see Durante as the backup Y, as he’s the No. 1 H. But if he knows one inside position, it’s reasonable to expect him to learn the other. And that’s perhaps important for when the Mountaineers get to the goal line. Shorts plays outside in those situations, because he’s great on fades. As an inside receiver, Durante won’t be easy to cover in that small space.

With the offensive line, I’d be surprised if WVU uses more than the starters — and Dana Holgorsen said last week Lazard will start — and Lingafelter and McKivitz in the thick of the game. Good to see Townes back in the mix late in camp. He was getting mentioned early, and then his name vanished. Is he a name in slot or a body in position to help?

The big development is Kyzir White at No. 1 spur, but the only surprise, I suppose, is Sandwisch. I’m just not sure how big of a deal that is. He’s a true freshman. Fellow frosh Adam Hensley, a Will, was the one first-year linebacker not named Brendan Ferns that defensive coordinator Tony Gibson had mentioned of late. But Sam is a different story this game because of Xavier Preston’s suspension. Sandwisch was surely in the mix for special teams play, so it’s not like they’re burning a redshirt, but I do wonder if he gets in. I really don’t know. I have to think that, again, in the thick of the game, it’s someone else.

All the other starter/backup alignments are what we thought they’d be, even after the recent ACL injuries. And isn’t it good to have a guy like Sharif around? He can play free safety, but who’s the backup Bandit without him?

Hey! Kinney is now a big story. The walk-on held off on-scholarship Young to win the punter’s job, and he’s also the holder. Young was brought here to play. I still wonder who the backup placekicker is, since Lambert isn’t available the first three games, and I remain concerned about the (only) kicker getting dump trucked or pulling a hamstring on the kickoff team.