Beat Pitt Blog

The Devine One

2007-02-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

WVSports.com and Rivals.com have broken the commitment of Noel Devine, the five-star all-world talent will be playing for the Gold and the Blue according to his high school coach.

Rivals.com's Mike Farrell has been tracking the story and has a complete interview with the coach on the day before National Signing Day.

Who is Noel Devine? Watch and learn:

Google and Beilein in the same sentence

2007-01-04T23:08:00.001-05:00

SI.com - Writers - Power Rankings (cont.) - Thursday January 4, 2007 12:22PM:
West Virginia Mountaineers (12-1)
A New York Times story from Jan. 3 tells us Google is now using an algorithm to identify quality candidates for its job openings. Applicants fill out an 'elaborate online survey' full of normal and abnormal questions, and 'the answers are fed into a series of formulas created by Google's mathematicians that calculate a score -- from zero to 100 -- meant to predict how well a person will fit into its chaotic and competitive culture.' I point this out here because I suspect crafty Mountaineers coach John Beilein may also be using an algorithm to identify talent for his abnormal system. WVU lost all of his stars from 2005-06, and its top three scorers this year were all unrated by Scout.com in high school (Frank Young and Darris Nichols each had three stars, while Joe Alexander had two). And yet Beilein's team is 12-1, looking capable of finishing in the top four in the Big East. I suspect he'll continue to keep the algorithm a secret.
Next three: 1/6 vs. St. John's, 1/9 at Notre Dame, 1/13 at Marquette.

We Don't Need No Torches or Pitchforks.... yet.

2006-12-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

After a late night of reports that our beloved Coach Rich Rodriquez was on the next flight to Alabama, this is a refreshing start to the day.

The Charleston Gazette - 103:
Rich Rodriguez walked into his Cheat Lake home at roughly 12:30 a.m. today, flipped on ESPN and found out that he was going to be Alabama’s next football coach.

And what a shock that was to him.

“Where do they get this stuff,’’ Rodriguez wondered, his voice sounding both bewildered and exhausted after a long day of travel.

Just where do they get this stuff?

In Rod We Trust(ed)

2006-12-07T23:01:00.000-05:00

With all of the news swirling tonight about Coach Rod, someone in Alabama has clearly invested some time in welcoming Rod...

Welcome to the University of Alabama, Coach Rodriguez

* * *

Apparently these folks have been know to be wrong about these things...

Welcome to the University of Alabama, Coach Spurrier!

Hello. This is your wakeup call.

2006-12-06T00:24:00.000-05:00

What is the Athletic Department and the Administration thinking? In the past week, I have heard Rod mention a "lifetime contract" on more than one occasion. He even joked about it at the press conference following the win over Rutgers.

Rod commented that with a lifetime contract they can't fire you, so they have to shoot you. Then he quipped that there are a lot of guns in WV.

Hello! Read between the lines.

The Charleston Gazette - 103: "On Sunday, Rodriguez was said to be miffed that in the midst of all of the rumors concerning Alabama’s interest in him that no one from WVU had stepped forward even to open a dialogue with the coach."

No wonder he is talking to Alabama! We (WVU Admin) had better get on the same page.

Will he stay or will he go?

2006-12-05T22:52:00.000-05:00

Judging from all of the "reports" and "rumors" the WVU faithful know as much tonight as we did a month ago. The only different is that instead of worry about Coach Rod becoming a Tarheel, we're worried about him becoming a faux Bear Bryant.

I, like most Mountaineer fans, have debated the events of the last few days. Here are five things that I have pondered:

1. WVU fans too often react with their hearts rather than their heads. Face it, some folks act as though Coach Rod has just walked into their homes and punched their wife in the face. I have actually been told, "if Rod leaves, he's already dead to me." Wow! Those are harsh words for a guy who coaches football.

2. If someone tells me they wouldn't consider moving to Tuscaloosa for $3 Million a year they are lying.

3. How will Alabama react to a 3-8 rebuilding season? I doubt they offer a contract extension.

4. After losing to Beilein to NC State I don't think... oh wait, nevermind.

5. If we can't keep Coach Rod, a Grantown native, an alum, a former walkon turned scholarship player, who can we keep? In this day of coaching musical chairs are we meant to only be a stepping stone?

* * *

As an aside, I find it interesting that Rita Rodriguez is playing such a crucial role in this drama. Afterall, it was her that tearfully called Coach Rod on Friday and got him all fired up enough to call Talkline from Lakeview. And apparently, it was Rita who was keeping track how long they met with the Alabama folks today.

BamaOnLine.com - Report: Moore meets with Rodriguez:
Rodriguez, Moore and UA president Dr. Robert Witt are in New York for tonight's National Football Foundation awards banquet.

'It was an informal meeting,' Rodriguez told espn.com.

When asked how long the meeting lasted, Rodriguez turned to his wife, Rita, and said, '25, 30 minutes. How long did it last, Rita?'

'Ninety minutes,' Rita Rodriguez said.

'Oh,' Rodriguez said. 'Well, we didn't talk about anything specific. We didn't talk about plans or facilities or anything.'

According to the report, Rodriguez refused to speculate on what would happen next.

A Sign of the Times

2006-12-04T20:24:00.000-05:00

From West "by God" Virginia to West "F*ckin" Virginia. Apparently, not everyone approves?

Football Madness! at 850 & 620 THE BLOG:
Rich Rodriguez has said that he’s going to stay at West Virginia forever, or at least as long as they want him to stay, which means that he’ll stay in Morgantown as long as they’re willing to pay him a lot of money, forever. Maybe they should just guarantee Rodriguez a cut of the very popular “West F*ckin Virginia” sweat shirts we saw Saturday night at Mountaineer Field? I love a classy crowd.

I said this during a similar issue during Maryland basketball games, if the school can’t eliminate this type of classless behavior, networks like ESPN should simply stop showing West F*ckin Virginia home games.

If you ask me, as an ACC homer he's just jealous. Afterall, given the sad state of football in the ACC, and, most important, the apparent Coach envy that the ACC has with Rodrizuez and Beilein, how can you blame the guy?

Let's Go Bowling!

2006-12-03T16:34:00.000-05:00

After bursting Rutgers' BCS dreams in triple-overtime, WVU has accepted an invitation to face off against the ACC Champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Toyota Gator Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007.

This will be WVU's 3rd trip in four years to Jacksonville.

Let's Go Mountaineers!

Say It Ain't So...

2006-11-29T09:09:00.000-05:00

The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia - Where there’s smoke, there’s a booster plane:
There is also this little nugget: I have the actual flight log — the Smoking Gun, if you will — of a plane, registered to the “Tide Pride” boosters that landed in Greenbrier County Sunday morning.

The plane left Tuscaloosa, Ala., at 7:19 a.m. CST and landed at Greenbrier Valley at 9:32 a.m. EST. It left Greenbrier Valley at 10:02 a.m. EST and landed at Tuscaloosa Regional at 10:27 a.m. CST. So this was no rich guy’s round of golf or stopping to refuel.

Somebody was being picked up, and this was all before Shula was officially fired. Maybe Mal Moore, the Alabama athletic director, was there taking a spa treatment before actually firing Shula?

The question is, for whom was the plane intended?

Was it Rodriguez?

The Cats Meow

2006-11-20T14:30:00.000-05:00

Is there anything else that needs said?

The Panthers came into the game roaring and made it a game for the first half, but after Patrick White and Steve Slaton were done with them they limped back across the Allegheny to Oakland and left Heinz Field for the Mountaineers and their faithful to sing another round of Country Roads.

* * *

And for the record... NO! Pitt is not faster yet!

Faster yet?

2006-11-14T17:19:00.000-05:00

Beat Pitt

2006-11-14T17:12:00.000-05:00

Charleston Daily Mail:

Rodriguez said 'Pitt' was 'the third word' he used in his post-game speech Saturday.

When asked, he declined to disclose the first two words he used. That drew a long laugh from the media members who covered the Mountaineers' 42-24 win over the Bearcats.

One only can imagine what those words were, but fans familiar with the rivalry undoubtedly have an idea.

* * *

Hmmm... EatShitPitt.com might be an appropriate place to check out.

* * *

ESPN.com - NCF - Starkey: Pitt looks at Backyard Brawl as season-saver:

Here's something real: If the Panthers (6-4 overall, 2-3 Big East) don't beat No. 8 West Virginia (8-1, 3-1) on Thursday in the 99th renewal of the Backyard Brawl (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET), they will be staring at some cold realities going into their season finale Nov. 25 against No. 10 Louisville.

Among them:

• The Panthers, predicted by Big East coaches to finish third in the conference, could be headed for a sixth- or seventh-place finish.
• They would have clinched their first losing season in the Big East since 1999.
• They would be one loss shy of their first five-game losing streak since 2001 and their first five-game Big East skid since 1998.
• They would be in danger of missing a bowl game for the second straight year after going to five in a row under previous coach Walt Harris. At best, Pitt might be looking at a spot in the inaugural International Bowl in Toronto.

* * *

Once again, WVU controls its own destiny. We must win the next two games against Pitt and USF. Then deal with the University of Rutgers.

Should we prove to be the better team on December 2nd, we could once again be headed to the BCS. The key factor to this scenario is an undefeated Rutgers making it to Morgantown. Go Scarlett Knights!!!

Recent (albeit ever chaging) predictions have WVU facing the OSU/Michigan loser in the Rose Bowl. Sweeeett!

* * *

With the recent attention that Maryland has been receiving, WVU's victory over the Terps early in the season will really boost our Computer rankings. Go Terps!

I'm not the only one...

2006-10-23T12:26:00.000-05:00

SI.com - Writers - Monday Morning QB (cont.) - Monday October 23, 2006 12:14PM:
Rutgers is 7-0. Let's play fantasy football for a minute. UConn next week at home: 8-0. Louisville on a Thursday night, Nov. 9, at home. Since we're fantasizing, give Rutgers the upset win over the Cardinals: 9-0. At Cincinnati (not a gimme) and Syracuse at home the next two weeks: 11-0. Then Dec. 2, at West Virginia. Follow me for a minute. Let's say Ohio State beats Michigan, and either Oregon, Cal or Notre Dame beat USC in November. Let's say West Virginia gets to the end of November 11-0. Imagine, as December dawns, there are three unbeaten, untied teams in college football: Ohio State, West Virginia and Rutgers. Rutgers and West Virginia could be -- could be -- playing in Morgantown for the right to play for the national championship.

Further explanation...

2006-10-11T12:18:00.000-05:00

ESPN.com - COLUMNIST/FORDE - Forde: A Dash of kickers, No. 2s and midseason reviews:
West Virginia (15): If anyone says they know how good the Mountaineers truly are, they're lying. The combined record of their four I-A opponents to date is 7-14. The one thing we know for sure is that West Virginia is practiced at the art of power football (second in the nation in rushing offense) and downright averse to airing it out (just 16.2 pass attempts per game). Predictable? Yes. Stoppable? Not yet.

Statement game: Jumping out 28-0 on Maryland and sloppily cruising home with a 45-24 win comes closest.

Blah games: The Mountaineers haven't been very impressive in their two road contests. They were up only a touchdown in the fourth quarter at East Carolina before pulling away, and they needed two scores in the final three minutes to make their 42-14 win at Mississippi State look authoritative.

Next game: Home against an improved Syracuse team Saturday. It hardly qualifies as a test, but at least it's not Eastern Washington.

What the computers say: They hate the Mountaineers so far. One ranks them 29th, another 24th. Maryland and Marshall blew fourth-quarter leads last week against Georgia Tech and Central Florida, respectively, two games that could have helped WVU's strength of schedule.

Leap Frog

2006-10-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

This week is the Big East opener against the Orange of Syracuse. It has been a roller coaster of a year for the 'Cuse. They started out at the bottom, losing a record number of games in a row. (one of which was a nailbiter in overtime against a highly ranked Iowa) Just like the Big East, lately, the Orange have proven that they are much better than folks originally thought. No doubt, they are coming to Morgantown with absolutely nothing to lose. That makes them very very dangerous.

* * *

Why are they dangerous? Because there is one thing Syracuse has been doing very well, getting to the QB. Their defense is referred to as the "Sack Attack" or something along those lines. They currently lead the nation in sacks. So Patrick White is going to have to bring his A-game and live up to the ESPN dubbed nickname "the Escape Artist."

* * *

Speaking of sacks. They aren't just for putting groceries in anymore. WVU's defense recorded it's first of the season in Starkville last Saturday.

* * *

So I'm setting at my office at a little after quitting time this evening and I hear that familiar "ding." It's my instant message program of choice letting me know that someone wants to chat it up. Literally.

SJB:

can you believe Michigan jumped us in the polls?

I can understand Florida

MT.ESQ.:
didn't you read my post at beatpitt.com?

Apparently, not. Bottom line, lot's of WVU fans are shaking their heads trying to figure out what happened. Afterall, visions of #2 and #3 rankings were dancing through our heads when the Razorbacks took Auburn to task in a SEC game that will be remembered until next week's SEC game to remember.

But seriously, it's time we reevaluate where we are and where we are headed...

We are WVU. The West Virginia Mountaineers. The perrenial "high expecation, lower than expected results" team from the (in some people's mind the "not so") Big East. We are currently ranked #4/#5 in the polls. (for those living in a cave, we were consensus #4 last week) What have we done to deserve this drop? The better question, what have we done to deserve the current ranking?

We beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl (last year). We beat Marshall, Eastern Washington, Maryland, East Carolina, and Mississippi State. All and all, that's not a very impressive resume. Fortunately, we did win the Sugar Bowl. I firmly believe that if not for that victory, we would be lucky to be in the top 10. Think I'm wrong? Just wait and see what happens if (heaven forbid) we lose a game. There are a lot of very good "one loss" teams rounding out the top 10. A loss will seal our fate, we will drop so far, so fast that the state of WV will have whiplash.

In my humble opinion, we have peaked in the polls. Our "goodwill" or "capital" that we earned last season and/or in the preseason have taken the Mountaineers as high as it can. In order to achieve that #2 or #3, we must remain undefeated and we must look good doing it.

As for Michigan, its simple math... they've won 6 games and we've only won 5.

* * *

Chew on this: Louisville may be ranked higher than WVU when they face off on November 2 in Papa John's Stadium.

* * *

I have heard some rumblings that WVU may have to face off against two undefeated teams before claiming its 4th Big East title. Rutgers over Louiville on November 9?

"we may win and still drop in the poles"

2006-10-09T09:33:00.000-05:00

ESPN.com - 2006 College Football Rankings - Week 7:

Week 7 AP Top 25
1. Ohio State (63) 6-0 1,623
2. Florida 6-0 1,516
3. USC 5-0 1,451
4. Michigan 6-0 1,429
5. West Virginia (2) 5-0 1,416
6. Texas 5-1 1,294
7. Louisville 5-0 1,247

Week 7 USA Today Poll
1. Ohio State (62) 6-0 1,574
2. USC 5-0 1,461
3. Florida (1) 6-0 1,412
4. West Virginia 5-0 1,398
5. Michigan 6-0 1,358
6. Texas 5-1 1,240
7. Louisville 5-0 1,207

More Cowbell

2006-10-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

This saturday I expect a lot of cowbell. No, I'm not talking about a rerun of Saturday Night Live, I'm talking about the clanging that is synonomous with Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Mississippi.

No doubt everyone knows that consensus ranked No. 4 WVU travels to the deep south and faces Southern Mississippi of the SEC in a midafternoon matchup this weekend. What everyone does not know is that the loyal Bulldog fans in Starkville greet visiting teams with a resounding clang. Apparantly, this rich tradition dates back to the late 1930's and 40's and despite numerous attempts to stop it, it lives on.

* * *

It's a road trip. It's going to be hot. It's going to be humid. It's going to be annoyingly loud. Unfortunately, it's only Mississippi State with a current record of only 1-4; therefore, it's not on television for the masses.

This can't be what Coach Rod had in mind when they scheduled this game. Logic would dictate that you go to the SEC for a 2 game series to beef up your schedule, not deflate it.

* * *

WVU is treading water in the polls. I strongly believe that a domination by WVU over State is needed to maintain our current rankings.

Ideally, three things will happen this Saturday in Starkville. Slaton gets back on track and leaves the strongest facet of the Bulldog team, its rush defense, in a daze by rushing for 200 yds. Additionally, Patrick White duplicates his ECU performance and airs it out minus the three interceptions. Finally, the young bend-but-don't-break defense comes of age, records a couple of sacks, and proves to the sports pundits that WVU does indeed have a defense to compliment its offense.

If we don't achieve these lofty goals this week, we may win and still drop in the poles.

The WVU lovefest may soon be over if we don't pony-up.

Welcome to the Big Table!

2006-09-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

SI.com - NCAA Football - Rutgers -- yes, Rutgers -- makes AP Top 25 - Sunday September 24, 2006 3:13PM:
Yes, Rutgers Scarlet Knights make AP poll for first time since '76

I like it... I love it...

2006-09-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

According to ESPN.com, Pitt continues to show an inability to stop the option. Actually, running plays of any sort have presented a problem the past few years whenever Pitt is matched against a ranked team. Several Pitt misreads on option plays enabled MSU to produce a pair of 100-yard rushers, including quarterback Drew Stanton, who tortured the Panthers all day. The bludgeoning evoked memories of last year's season-finale, when West Virginia ran for 451 yards in a 45-13 victory. On the day he was hired, Coach Dave Wannstedt promised a defense that would stop the run. Pitt fans are still waiting.

* * *

With the early success in this year's run game, WVU may be poised to repeat last year's "bludgeoning."

* * *

Scary Thought of the Day: According to Coach Rod, WVU has only utilized about half of its offensive play book through the first three games of the season.

* * *

Most Obvious Realization of the Day: WVU's other half of the play book are the pass plays.

Ready or Not... Here we come!

2006-09-20T09:04:00.000-05:00

The No. 4 ranked WVU Mountaineers hit the road for four of our next five games.

Destination #1: Greenville, NC to face the ECU Pirates. East Carolina Coach Skip (son of Lou) Holtz knows what is coming. At his monday press conference he acknowledged, "They're fast. They can reach you. They're quick. They're athletic... They're scary."

After swiftly rushing past our first three challengers let's hope we don't hit a bump in the road against this perennial pain in the backside. Let's not forget this is East Carolina. The same team that just last year held WVU to less than 130 yards on the ground. So let's not overlook the Pirates.

Okay. Enough of the cautious "coach speak."

Who am I kidding? We are the No. 4 team in the nation and while ECU may have slowed us last year they did not face the wrath of Slaton, White, and Schmidt.

Let's hope our ground game may is so dominating that Pattrick White only attempts 8 passes and Steve Slaton starts the off week early in the 3rd quarter.

* * *

In other news, how bad is Miami (da U)? Or just how good is Louisville?

Talk about a scary thought, you lose your elite RB for the season and your star QB for at least a month. They haven't missed a beat. Credit has to be given to the U of L. As a Gold and Blue faithful I can only hope that we could reload as quickly as they have this season.

As for Miami (da U) and the rest of the ACC, they are getting their just deserts. While it may only be a aberration the ACC is not the conference that it was hyped to be when they raided the Big East. The only natural ACC team that is undefeated is Wake Forest. I love it!!! A-C-C... A-C-C... A-C-C...

* * *

How good is the Big East (and its former Members?) Just think about that for a second...

#4, WVU, 3-0;
#8, Louiville, 3-0;
#11, VT, 3-0;
#20, BC, 3-0;
dropping fast is Miami (da U), 1-2;
and rising fast is Rutgers, 3-0.

Dog Eat Dog

2006-09-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

Admittedly it is early, very early, in the season.

But there is no better time than the present to give props to the Big East and to bash the ACC.

ESPN.com - NCF - Schlabach: On (and off) the Mark:

On the Mark
Big East. In the second season of Big East Lite, the depleted conference is proving to be better than expected. Six of its eight teams have unblemished records. West Virginia is ranked No. 5, Louisville No. 12. Rutgers and Pittsburgh are knocking on the door of the Top 25. The Big East can bolster its reputation further in three big matchups this week: Maryland at West Virginia on Thursday (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET), and Miami at Louisville (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET) and Michigan State at Pittsburgh on Saturday (ESPN2, noon ET).

Off the Mark
ACC. We're going to start charging ACC commissioner John Swofford rent for this space. A week after I wrote the ACC race would come down to three teams, Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech, the Seminoles nearly lost to Troy. At least Clemson confirmed my belief that the Tigers aren't ready to challenge for the league championship. As for the rest of the ACC, Boston College is pretty good, Georgia Tech is OK, Maryland is mediocre, North Carolina is below-average, NC State is worse, Wake Forest is struggling, Virginia is bad and Duke is, well, Duke. Watch out Pac-10. You're next.

Mark my words, we have to enjoy this Big East lovefest while we can, because after the meat and potatos of the conferance schedule arrives I can only think of one word to best describe the Big East: cannibalism. What? What! What?

Thats right, the Big East will devour itself. It always has and it, likely, always will. Unfotunately, the reputation will suffer if my prognostication is correct. The Big East is not a league of superstars. It is a league of competitors. Yes, WVU and Louisville are seen as the top dogs. But anyone who follows Big East Football knows that any team can be defeated, particularly from within.

WVU v. Eastern Washington

2006-09-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

What did I think of the game?

The Mountaineers won 53 to 3 over the Eagles. For the Gold and Blue 82 different players, including four quarterbacks and eight running backs, saw action.

Enough said.

Move along, nothing more to see here. Next up the Maryland Terrapins on Thursday.

A tip of the Coonskin Cap...

2006-09-08T14:14:00.000-05:00

This is the Trailer (aka "the preview") of the movie titled WE ARE MARSHALL. The film stars Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox. This movie is about the rebuilding process that followed the tragic November 14, 1970 plane crash that took the lives of seventy-five members of the Marshall football team, coaches, university staff, and community members.

This will air at halftime of Marshall's home opener tomorrow against Hofstra. I don't think the players will have any trouble getting motivated for the second half. What do you think?

"We just want to win — period."

2006-09-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

All-America center Dan Mozes was quoted in a column written by Mickey Furfari for The Register-Herald. His comments were very grounded and echoed my philosophy of "one game at a time."

What I took away from the article was the statistic that WVU had 29 first-downs against Marshall. Wow! No wonder my arms were tired on Sunday. (referring to the first-down cheer)

That total was the biggest against an NCAA Division I-A opponent in Rich Rodriguez’s five-plus seasons as head coach. WVU had 30 on Aug. 31, 2002, in a 56-7 win over Division I-AA Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Needless to say, if we had 29 against Marshall, how many can we get against I-AA Eastern Washington? 36?

The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia - WVU lineman Mozes says O-line liked 29 first downs vs. Marshall: “We have high expectations, but for every game — not just one,” he said. “We want to rush for at least 200 yards in every game.

“It doesn’t make any difference who we’re playing. It could be the best team in America or a I-AA team. We just want to execute.

“If we dominate a team, so be it. We just want to win — period.”

Keep It Coming

2006-09-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

I just can't get enough of the gushing commentary surrounding the Mountaineers this year:

ESPN.com - NCF - Big East notebook: Pretty soon -- like, by Saturday evening -- people are going to be talking about West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate, if they're not already.
The Mountaineers aren't into printing T-shirts or putting faces on billboards in an effort to promote players for awards. Coach Rich Rodriguez wouldn't allow it. But Slaton's numbers are going to be impossible to ignore.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound sophomore rushed for a national-best 203 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries Saturday in a 42-10 romp over Marshall -- and he figures to run wild again this weekend against Division I-AA Eastern Washington.
For the record, Slaton has 407 yards rushing in his past two games, including 204 in the Sugar Bowl. Rodriguez has expressed concern about overusing Slaton.
Slaton has no such concern. 'I think I can sustain that for 12 games,' he said.