Welcome to a Rodriguez-free edition of the Friday Feedback. We’re not going there today. There are bigger issues to tackle, though to be honest, I felt everything was handled perfectly in the comments this week. No need to sully the fine work. Just to put a bow on it (for now), yes, it happens across the country. No, it’s not right. Yes, he’s a bad guy. No, he’s not the only one. Yes, he coached at WVU. No, he’s not here now. Yes, he’s on the hot seat. … I don’t have a counter to that.
If the alleged violations are just alleged, it at least pushes him closer to the precipice of an ugly exit. A hammer is been taken to his rep. Again. If the investigation, which has an outside group as well as the NCAA involved now, turns up something, well, the end may be near. Still not sure how it affects WVU, other than to say the school really has to watch itself closely now and be completely open and compliant with any inquiries. That’s never a bad thing.
But, hey, how about some football? There’s an actual game tomorrow. I’m calling it a dress rehearsal for East Carolina — I just don’t buy this idea WVU hasn’t taken any time away from Liberty preparations to get an early look at or start on ECU. Watching the games I watched last night, you really can understand why some teams are hesitant to play competitive games the first week. Oregon was a Pac-10 possibility this year. I don’t think anyone believes that now and all because their first effort was a miserable one. It is, as Oll Stewart said this week, about making a first impression and determining what your roll will be in it.
This should be an easy one for WVU and you’ll be referring to your program and counting freshmen by the third quarter. Big points, I think, so something like 38-14 sounds about right for a game that’s more ceremonial than competitive.
Onto the Feedback. As always, comments appear as posted. In other words, be careful how you identify yourself.
Dave said:
Mike,
Is there anyway to compare what you saw last year in camp with this year? I know there are variables and it won’t really be determined until they’re up against an opponent but do they seem to be (as of your latest observation) improved? We have a defense with experience now and while the o-line is young, the coaches should have their interaction and commaraderie (sp?) together by now, which should help.
What do you see as the greatest strength (focus on the d getting off the field on 3rd down, the o-backs, the receivers?)?
What concerns you the most (o-line, kicking game)?
Do you think we’ve improved on the dreadful kick coverage?
I know these are prognostications, but I’d be interested in hearing it from you, who’s seen and talked to many involved.
Thank you.
For starters, it’s easy to notice the team is further ahead this year, though that only makes sense. There’s continuity on the coaching staff — every other Big East team lost one or both coordinators, WVU has the entire staff back — so there was no wasted time getting on the same page or introducing concepts. They simply turned the page and kept on going. That matters. As far as personnel, there are a lot of veterans in key spots, so they learned quicker and retained better this year. That matters, too. Obvious strength is the defense, but I suspect they’re going to be very careful with the ball and very good with possession. Measured passing game, good hands on the ball, stuff like that. Weaknesses would be the kicking game (hold your breath on field goals beyond 42 or so yards) and the offensive line … but give both some time. Everyone’s down on those two aspects because of inexperience, which is a Catch 22. As for kick coverage, no one knows yet. It’s hard to practice it in camp and Liberty isn’t going to have the athletes to get a accurate assessment. That said, it has to be better, right?
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