03/07/2008

PRE-SPRING OFFENSIVE STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES AND ANALYSIS Click on these links to view the separate pages for strengths and weaknesses analysis
STRENGTHS	WEAKNESSES

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STRENGTHS

Offensive Line

Assessment ….. The offensive line will likely be WVU's most important strength in 2008. It is anchored by left tackle Ryan Stancheck who has been playing impressively for the past 3 years and the improving play of center Mike Dent and guard Greg Isdaner who is recovering from an injury this spring. The O-line returns all starters from the ‘07 season, a core that finished the season man-handling an impressive Oklahoma defensive front in the Fiesta Bowl. Outlook….. The extent to which the offensive line is able to maintain and build on this success in '08 depends on their ability to adapt to the changes implemented to the offense and how well they are coached and motivated by new offensive line coach Dave Johnson. As always we can only pray that we are not hampered by serious injury problems at these positions however the depth on the front line appears sufficient with backups such as Jon Walko, Eric Rodemoyer, Derek Hayes and Eric Jobe.

Quarterback

Returning star…..With Patrick White returning WVU has the single most dynamic playmaker and game-changer in college football. In ‘08 we could see even more from “The Chief” as the new offense is likely to place even more responsibility on Pat’s broad shoulders. With more emphasis on Pat’s arm and decision making, the pressure to lead WVU to success will be as great as ever, and we all know how Pat responds to pressure. Don’t be too surprised if the season ends in an NCAA QB career rushing record (he only needs 783 more yards) and a Heisman Memorial Trophy for Patrick, I sure won’t. Backup…..A fan favorite, Jarrett Brown has all the capabilities of a starting quarterback. It is my belief that when comfortable he can perform so effectively that there is no noticeable drop off from our superstar starting QB. However the problem is that in the past and very possibly in the future he is thrown into situations that are very troubling and hard for him to effectively come in and manage. I hope he gains the necessary skills and experience this offseason to better cope with these situations because how he handles them when Patrick has to come out may determine the success of the ‘08 season. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us in ‘09 and this will do a lot to alleviate the pain of the departure of White.

Tailback (Superback)

Noel…..Noel Devine is likely the most talented RB to ever put on a WVU uniform, and after viewing his highlights many might say he is one of the finest RB talents in recent college football history. I believe he will only build upon his stellar freshman campaign in ’08. This in my mind is dependent however on two things: First that he runs with the same confidence and determination that he did last season and has throughout his football career. As popular as the theory that Barwis ruined Slaton by bulking him up which resulted in him losing his speed and other beneficial aspects. I believe the extent of Slaton’s drop off in production was actually due to him becoming a much more cautious and complacent runner, hitting the exact desired hole, making less cutbacks, and running in a manner that would not risk injury (with an NFL future in sight and a son to think about). The willpower and moves that debuted against VT and then Louisville in 05’ really seemed to slowly drop off after the game against Louisville in ’06. Secondly how effectively Coach Stewart and Mullen utilize his amazing ability. This is where I get excited and worried. Despite a new found value of balance, our opponents as well as our own coaches know that we are and will be a running football team. Opponents will key on Devine much like they did Slaton and particularly on running downs. This will make the way in which Noel is used invaluable, and no I do not mean getting him to the outside on bubble screens. Most notably I mean knowing when to bring him straight down hill out of the I-form (whether inside or off-tackle like in the Fiesta Bowl) taking advantage of his amazing quickness and speed. Or when to let him utilize his agility and elusiveness reading the holes like he does so well out of our traditional shotgun handoffs. I do think we will see an improvement in this area based upon the Fiesta Bowl and the Stewart/Mullen rhetoric so far. Depth/Terence Kerns…..The day Terence Kerns is on campus is a day I will surely celebrate. While I admit it appears that we lack depth at superback right now from my impressions of this athlete who is eager to make his mark, I believe he could be everything we thought we would get from Jason Gwaltney only with more speed. I believe that he and likely even others will solve the depth issue, and I hope to see him and Noel split back in the shotgun, running much of that dynamic triple option style offense we saw against Cincinnati this past season.