Post by cviller on Jan 13, 2009 11:06:42 GMT -5
By DAVE POE, dpoe@newsandsentinel.com
Now that the emotionalism has worn off, it's time to try to put into perspective West Virginia University's recently-concluded 2008 football season.
On the surface, that would seem quite easy to do. After all, we watched West Virginia play all 13 of its games and are quite familiar with the circumstances that led to a 9-4 finish, a victory in the Car Care Bowl and a final No. 23 ranking in the Associated Press poll.
While that seems like a satisfactory result, we're still torn over trying to figure out whether this was a season of lost opportunity.
That's the debate that has been raging among Mountaineer fans throughout the season, and no sports column is going to settle the issue or change many minds.
Suffice it to say there are two schools of thought regarding the Mountaineers.
One says that a first-year coaching staff did a great job keeping together a team ripped assunder by the departure of its popular coach. That staff managed to win nine games and lose two others in overtime. With a break or two, WVU would have equalled the 11-win total achieved each of the previous three seasons.
The other says the coaching staff inherited a senior-dominated top 10 program and turned a Mercedes into a Yugo.
Those on each side can make a strong case that they are right. In fact, many on both sides of the issue have done just that. Everyone has had their say.
Instead of continuing to look back, it is time to look forward to the second full year of Bill Stewart's tenure.
Obviously, the Mountaineers are going to suffer heavy graduation losses. That would be the case if Pat White were the only player departing Morgantown. Add kicker-punter Pat McAfee and most of the offensive line, and there are many gaping holes to fill.
There are two ways to fill holes, either with existing personnel or recruits. Several of those who have patiently waited their turn to start now will get the chance. That includes quarterback Jarrett Brown and Parkersburg's own Josh Jenkins, who should enter spring drills No. 1 on the depth chart.
Many of the potential replacements for the departed seem more than adequate.
The recruiting class is starting to look outstanding. Before any coaching staff can consistently succeed, it must bring in enough talent. Stewart and recruiting coordinator Doc Holliday are having an excellent recruiting season.
Obviously, West Virginia is going to experience a significant downgrade at quarterback no matter who wins the position.
But the biggest concern is the kicking situation. Even with McAfee, special teams play - especially kickoff coverage - was horrible. The coaching staff must make this a priority, otherwise it may become the fatal flaw of the 2009 team. A team that appears to have a great deal of potential.
Rather than the 2008 season, it will be 2009 that determines the ultimate direction of this football program. No matter to which camp of Mountaineer fans one belongs, we all must remember we want the same thing: for WVU?to succeed.
Contact Dave Poe at dpoe@newsandsentinel.com
