Well folks, West Virginia's first game of the 2012 season is upon us. It's time for the Mountaineers to beat down the Herd one last time. West Virginia all-time has beaten Marshall 11 games to 0. Here is a brief recap of the series to date:
1911: Marshall 15 at West Virginia 17
1914: Marshall 0 at West Virginia 20
1915: West Virginia 92 at Marshall 6
1923: Marshall 0 at West Virginia 81
1997: Marshall 31 at West Virginia 42
2006: Marshall 10 at West Virginia 42
2007: West Virginia 42 at Marshall 23
2008: Marshall 3 at West Virginia 27
2009: Marshall 7 at West Virginia 24
2010: West Virginia 24 at Marshall 21 (OT)
2011: Marshall 13 at West Virginia 34
Now that our countdown is complete it's time to cheer for the Mountaineers! I would also like to thank you all for reading this blog. If you like what you read the past 100 days, you can find me on HailWV.com.
Record: 28-11, Bowl Record: 1-2 including a BCS win
Tavon “Awesome” was the late Coach Bill Stewart’s finest
recruit. He was made in the same mold as Jock Sanders before him. Austin though
was much shiftier and elusive than Sanders was. He would get few opportunities
to show off his athleticism as a freshman. He made the most of his few
opportunities, scoring a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, and most
notably, a kick return touchdown against Connecticut. Coach Stew realized the
talent he had in Austin and made him a permanent fixture as a slot receiver his
sophomore season. Austin was able to capitalize on quick bubble screens to make
plays in the open field. Austin would pull in 787 yards and 8 touchdowns as a
sophomore. With Coach Stew out of the picture this past season, Coach Holgorsen
would find a variety of ways to get Austin the football. This past season
Austin rushed, caught, and returned both punts and kickoffs. Austin quietly had
a remarkable receiving season, becoming the fourth WVU receiver to catch more
than 1,000 yards in a season (teammate Stedman Bailey also achieved the same
fete last year). Austin totaled 1,186 yards receiving, 182 yards rushing, 1,206
yards in kick/punt returns, and 11 total touchdowns. Looking at how Austin has
dramatically improved year after year, it would not be surprising for Austin to
tally 1,300 yards receiving, 400 yards rushing, and 20 total touchdowns. While
Austin will not sneak up on anyone this year, he is too elusive to be contained
(averaging over 200 all-purpose yards a game in 2011).
Memorable Game: The game that put Austin on the map
nationally and has been the catalyst for his dark horse Heisman talk is the
2012 Orange Bowl victory over Clemson. It was a miracle that the Mountaineers
made it to this BCS game after narrowly defeating Cincinnati, South Florida,
and Pittsburgh to win the Big East title. Many national pundits made the
Clemson Tigers heavy favorites in the match-up. The game was an offensive
shoot-out with both defenses looking wholely undeserving of being on the field.
WVU’s defense looked slow and Clemson’s defense could not tackle. While WVU’s
defense would work out their issues by the second quarter, Clemson’s defense
only seemed to implode as the game progressed. Darwin Cook’s 99 yard fumble
return touchdown ripped the soul out of the Tigers team and fanbase. Austin
would only further embarrass the Tigers. He should have been tackled short of
the endzone on three different occasions, but the Clemson defenders just would
not wrap up. Dabo Sweeney must not coach tackling. Austin lit up Clemson for
163 total yards and 4 touchdowns. WVU trounced, straight up demolished Clemson
from the second quarter on, winning convincingly 70-33. Clemson fans still have
nightmares to this day of that game and are always on their toes, waiting to
hear that WVU scored yet again.
Competition: Austin will retire as the best all-around
offensive talent the Mountaineers have ever had. He literally can do anything
with the football (well except for maybe passing). There are a ton of great #1’s
in WVU history that are worth mentioning: Damon Codgill, Jerry Porter, Vann
Washingotn, Kay Jay Harris, Johnny Holmes, and Grantis Bell.
Teaser: Well folks, that is it. There are no more players to
count down. Well, there was one player that wore #00 for one season: Randy
Swinson. I could not find much on this player and more importantly, no picture.
So with no other player to preview, I leave you with a clip from my all-time
favorite movie: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, Secret of the Ooze. This movie
was awesome, from the new mutants to the Super Shredder to Vanilla Ice, TMNT II
had it all.
Rasheed Marshall was the prototypical Rich Rodriguez
quarterback. He did not have the biggest arm, but was mobile and able to make
plays on the run. Marshall was forced to sit the majority of his freshman
season in 2001, suffering an arm injury early on in the season. By his
sophomore season, Marshall had become the starting quarterback for the
Mountaineers. He would hold that starting position for the rest of his career,
progressively improving each game. With Marshall at the helm, West Virginia had
three consecutive winning seasons, leading to three straight bowl game
appearances. Marshall finished his career with 54.5% completion percentage for
5,558 yards and 45 touchdowns. He was also quite talented rushing the ball for
2,040 yards and 24 touchdowns. Rasheed’s dual threat nature drew the eyes of
NFL scouts, who would convince him to play as a wide receiver. His pro career never
really panned out, unfortunately.
Memorable Game: The game that really stands out in Marshall’s
career is his performance in the 2003 East Carolina game. WVU traveled down to
Greenville, NC following a heart-breaking home loss to Wisconsin. The
Mountaineers were in need of a quality win to get the season back on track. The
Mountaineers controlled the tempo of the game with a quick rushing attack.
Marshall would take advantage of East Carolina stacking the box to beat them
through the air with roll out passes. Marshall only completed 11 passes during
the game, but those 11 receptions were turned into 4 touchdown scores. West
Virginia completely dominated ECU in every phase of the game, man-handling the
Pirates 48-7.
Competition: A lot of talented Mountaineers have worn #2.
They include Robert Sands, Darius Reynaud, Ellis Lankster, Dan Kendra, and
Charles Emmanuel. Marshall got the nod as he was a big part of turning the
Mountaineers program around in the early 2000s. Without such a talented quarterback
running Rich Rodriguez’s up-tempo offense, the Mountaineers would not have been
nearly as successful as they turned out to be.
Teaser: The final player in the countdown is arguably THE
most talented Mountaineer to ever come through the program. This player can
run, catch, and return the ball at any time for a touchdown. He showed off his
wide arsenal of talents in a major bowl victory for WVU. I can’t wait to see
this player down in Austin to show the Longhorns how we play ball. Also, I can’t
help but think of this movie when I think of Texas. (WARNING: Strong Language)
Quincy Wilson came to Morgantown in 1999 to play for Coach
Nehlen. He would see limited playing time as a freshman, primarily backing up
Avon Cobourne. He would suffer a season-ending injury prior to the 2000 season,
forcing him to take a medical redshirt for Coach Nehlen’s final season. A
healthy Wilson in 2001, caught the eye of Coach Rich Rodriguez, who found more
carries for Wilson during the 2001 and 2002 seasons while Cobourne got the bulk
of the carries. During his senior season, Wilson would get the opportunity to
play as the featured rusher. Wilson lit up the score boards for the
Mountaineers in 2003, punching 12 scores into the endzone. Wilson was best
known for his 2003 run in Miami in which he trucked, and I mean trucked, the
Hurricane defensive back on his way to the endzone. That play epitomizes
Wilson’s style of play. Wilson’s statistics are not the best rushing stats in
school history, but his physical running style and West Virginia roots, will
always stick in Mountaineers fans memories.
Memorable Game: Wilson’s biggest game statistically came in
the 2003 Backyard Brawl. I was at that game (or so I vaguely remember) and it
was an exciting game. A few games removed from upsetting the Hokies, the
Mountaineers were riding a winning streak coming into the home match-up with
the Panthers. The game was nothing but highlights. Each team trading big scores
early and often. West Virginia, behind the rushing of Wilson, pulled away in
the second half of the game. Wilson ran past, through, and over Panthers for
208 yards and 4 touchdowns. West Virginia put away Pitt, 52-31.
Competition: Wilson is a fan favorite and one of the more
recognizable players to have worn #3 for WVU. Some of the honorable mentions
include: Paul Woodside, Larry Williams, and Mike Taffoni.
Teaser: I think the countdown needs one more quarterback.
This player was a talented dual threat field marshal that led WVU to some impressive
victories during his time in Morgantown.
Record: 39-22, Bowl Record: 1-3 including a BCS win
Jahmile Addae was one of the hardest hitting safeties to
play for the old gold and blue. Addae was excited about the possibility to play
in Coach Casteel’s 3-3-5 odd stack defense. He knew that with three safeties on
the field at all times, his chances of early playing time were exceptional.
Following a freshman season of special teams play, Addae earned a starting
safety spot for the Mountaineers. He provided solid deep pass coverage but
really excelled in run support. Things looked bright for Addae coming into the
2003 season. Unfortunately, Addae would suffer a season-ending shoulder injury
that forced him to take a medical redshirt. Many were skeptical that Addae
would still be the same punishing hitter that he was prior to his shoulder
injury. He silenced the doubters with one massive hit against the Hokies. Addae
would have a successful 2004 campaign, stacking up 59 tackles, 4 pass break
ups, and two interceptions. Addae‘s senior season was great not just for him,
but also for the Mountaineers defense. The WVU defense was loaded with talent
(Wiley, Gyorko, Lorello, McLee, Addae, etc) and primed to make it to a BCS
game. Addae would quarterback the WVU defense to a 10-1 regular season. Addae
culminated his college career with a solid performance in the 2006 Sugar Bowl
win over Georgia (5 tackles). Addae’s career totals are 253 tackles, 27 pass
break ups, 8 interceptions, and two touchdowns. While Addae was a really
talented safety that was named All-Big East twice (2004, 2005, it still remains
to be seen if he will make the WVU Sports Hall of Fame. He is certainly not a
lock for selection, but he should at least be on the bubble.
Memorable Game: Addae showed off his big play potential in
his last home game at Milan Puskar Stadium, in the 2005 edition of the Backyard
Brawl. The Mountaineers were looking for revenge against a Pitt squad that
narrowly beat them year before. West Virginia was pursuing their first ever BCS
berth and were not going to let the Panthers stand in their way. The
Thanksgiving time game was frigid, with temperatures reported near 7-degrees
Fahrenheit. Both teams surprisingly started hot, trading scores en route to a
14-13 Mountaineers lead late in the second quarter. West Virginia’s defense
then put a strangle-hold on the Panthers offense, keeping Pitt scoreless the
rest of the game. Slaton and White piled on points to give WVU a big lead late
in the game. Addae would put the final nail in Pitt’s coffin with a 40
interception return for a touchdown. WVU cruised by Pitt 45-13.
Competition: Other players that were under consideration for
this selection included Steve Grant, Puppy Wright (who wore #1 as a senior),
and Wes Lyons.
Teaser: The player selected at #3 hails from the West
Virginia steel town of Weirton. This player is fondly remembered by his
nickname “Weirton Steel.” He was a quick, hard-nosed runner that truly looked
like WVU’s own man of steel.
Record: 42-9, Bowl Record: 4-0 including two BCS wins
Pat White’s career is one of the most memorable careers of
any quarterback in college football history, period. Coming out of high school,
Pat White received a lot of attention from southern schools like LSU. Most of
the southern programs wanted White to play as a defensive back. Pat White, like
Major Harris before him, was steadfast in his desire to play quarterback at the
collegiate level. White would have to fight for his right to play quarterback
at West Virginia. During his freshman season, he would split time with Adam
Bednarik before winning the starting job outright midway through the season. He
would launch to stardom during the 2005 season, especially following the 2006
Sugar Bowl. As a sophomore, White would take his game to the next level,
becoming a stronger passer to match his exceptional ability to scramble. He
would lead the Mountaineers to a Gator Bowl Victory following the 2006 season,
in which West Virginia had to weather many injuries. The Mountaineers, led by
White, were in search of a National Championship in the 2007 season. While WVU
did not reach their goal for 2007, they did achieve a resounding victory over
Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl amidst the Rich Rodriguez drama. White would
cap off his stellar career with a fourth consecutive bowl victory in the 2008
Meineke Car Care Bowl. White finished his Mountaineer career with 6,049 yards
passing, 56 passing touchdowns, 4,480 yards rushing, and 47 rushing touchdowns.
He is sixth on the NCAA’s all-time wins list amongst quarterbacks and is the
only quarterback in NCAA history to win 4 bowl games. What is astonishing, is
the fact that White was never named an All-American. His dual threat nature
must have played into his being passed over for All-America all those seasons.
Memorable Game: We could easily discuss a whole host of
memorable performances by Pat White, but today we look at Pat White’s last game
at Milan Puskar Stadium; the 2008 South Florida game. Pat White meant so much
to the West Virginia football program that the school decided to honor him with
the school’s first “White Out” game. Fittingly, the game was a snowy night game
in Morgantown, building a magical ambiance for White’s home finale. White would
move the ball well against the Bulls defense during the first quarter, building
a 7-0 lead on a touchdown pass to Tyler Urban. The game would settle into a
defensive match as the snow picked up, making the game a very low scoring
affair. White would pass and run to give the Mountaineer’s good enough field
position to convert a pair of field goals. West Virginia would give Pat White
one last win in front of the home crowd, 13-7 over USF.
Competition: No competition here. Some would mention the
late Chris Henry as a great to wear #5, but would then realize that there is no
rationale argument in which Chris Henry wins this selection over Pat White.
Teaser: Tomorrow we observe the career of a punishing strong
safety that helped to put the 3-3-5 odd stack defense on the map. This player,
out of Valrico, FL, could always be counted on to deliver the big hit.
Grant Wiley was a major defensive recruit for Coach Nehlen
in 2000, his last recruiting class at West Virginia. Wiley was rated as the 8th
best linebacker in the East when he came to Morgantown, WV. He became an
instant starter at linebacker for the Mountaineers. Wiley compiled 94 tackles
as a freshman to earn Big East Rookie of the Year in 2000. With Nehlen leaving
the program after the 2000 season, Wiley was asked to learn how to play
linebacker in the 3-3-5 odd stack defense. He would excel in the new defensive
system, putting up more impressive statistics than in the 4-3 system. Wiley
would lead the Mountaineers defense through a tough 2001 season, to build
towards impressive defenses in the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Wiley would help the
2002 and 2003 defenses become top 25 defenses and help the Mountaineers make it
consecutive bowl games. Wiley also earned some personal accolades along the
way; All-Big East 2002 and 2003, and Consensus First Team All-America in 2003. His
time in Morgantown was certainly memorable and should earn him a place in the
West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in the near future.
Memorable Game: Coach Don Nehlen announced to the West
Virginia football team that 2000 would be his last season in Morgantown. WVU
started the 2000 season with a 3-1 record and were in pursuit of one last bowl
game for Coach Nehlen. The season also held special significance because the
Mountaineers were closing in on the program’s 600th victory. They
would go for win 600 against Idaho. The Mountaineers defense would be
challenged by the Vandals high flying passing attack. Idaho jumped out to a 9-0
first half lead. Wiley and the WVU defense would rally around each other to
bring the Mountaineers back in the 2nd half. Wiley punished the
Vandals with 7 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. West
Virginia rallied to a 28-16 win to secure the program’s 600th
victory.
Competition: This was a tough choice to make. There are two
great Mountaineers that wore #6: Wiley and David Saunders. Wiley’s impressive
statistics as one of the best linebackers in West Virginia history. Saunders is
arguably the best receiver in WVU history. When it comes down to it, I went
with Wiley because I personally lean towards defensive players.
Teaser: Tomorrow we look at the career of the best offensive
playmakers in WVU history. He has one of the more popular names in West
Virginia, or at least that’s what many outsiders think. This dual threat
quarterback was wild and wonderful.
How Noel Devine ended up at West Virginia is beyond
comprehension. Being a Floridian, he was lined up to become a Seminole,
Hurricane, or a Gator. Deion Sanders was his close, personal mentor and was no
doubt steering him towards Florida State. Devine came to West Virginia to
follow in the foot-steps of Steve Slaton as the next featured rusher in Coach
Rodriguez’s offense. Devine got limited carries as a freshman, but made the
most of them. In the Maryland game, he would go for 136 yards on just 5
carries. After sitting behind Slaton for a season, he assumed the role of
starting running back for Coach Stewart’s new look offense. Coach Stewart’s
more pro-style offense did not really fit the skill set of Devine, and he often
looked like he was out of place during his sophomore season. Devine would
settle into the new offensive system and tally some impressive rushing totals.
He finished his Mountaineer career with 4,315 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns. Devine’s
excellent performances earned All- Big East honors in 2009.
Memorable Game: Noel Devine had a knack for stepping up his
performance in big games, and he did just that when SEC powerhouse Auburn came
to town in 2008. Milan Puskar Stadium was rocking that night as the fans were
anxious to help the Mountaineers to a major victory. Pat White and Noel Devine
looked to keep Auburn guessing in the zone read option running game. The
Mountaineers would start slowly, giving up an early 10 point lead to the Tigers.
Devine would give the Mountaineers a solid rushing performance, keeping Auburn’s
defense on its heels. West Virginia, behind Devine’s rushing and White’s
passing, would take control of the game in the second quarter. The Mountaineers
cut Auburn’s lead to 17-14 at half time. Devine put up 207 yards rushing and a
touchdown in powering the Mountaineers to a 20 point romp in the second. Auburn
just could not make a tackle in the second half. West Virginia finished off
Auburn with a 34-17 final score.
Competition: Devine was an easy selection for #7 on the
countdown. He is easily the highest profile prospect to commit to West Virginia
in recent history. It’s not like a player like Brandon Myles could have
unseated Devine here.
Teaser: Tomorrow we look back to the outstanding career of
one the most ferocious defenders in West Virginia history. This player was a
dominant linebacker that stood out on good Mountaineer defenses. Unlike Wile E
Coyote, this guy killed his targets.
Too often, West Virginia fans forget about the great
all-purpose players of the past. Many are quick to point to Tavon Austin, Jock
Sanders, Pat White, etc as the best all-purpose players to come through Morgantown.
How many WVU fans point to Danny Buggs? Certainly the younger generation does
not remember his career, but the more seasons Mountaineer fan can tell you that
Buggs was an electrifying force for the Mountaineers in the 1970s. Buggs was
listed as a wide receiver on the depth charts, but was used as a receiver,
rusher, kick returner, and punt returner. After sitting out freshman year with
academic issues, Coach Bobby Bowden gave Buggs the chance to play as sophomore.
Bowden would use Buggs to do everything during the 1972 season. Buggs scored
rushing, receiving, and returning. After exploding onto the scene in 1972,
Buggs would continue to make plays for the Mountaineers in 1973, earning first
team All-American honors. Buggs, like the rest of the Mountaineers, would
struggle in 1974. He had a difficult time staying on the field and the entire
team struggled to produce. The 1974 season was the catalyst to WVU firing
Bowden, following the 1975 season (biggest mistake in program history). For his
career, Buggs totaled 2,729 all-purpose yards and 24 total touchdowns. It is
said that Buggs scored a touchdown every 5 touches, which is just insane. He
literally was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, which is why he
was drafted by the NFL. Buggs would not have the same success in the pros as he
did in college, ending up out of football without a memorable career. His
college career, though, was more than qualified to be inducted into the WVU
Sports Hall of Fame.
Memorable Game: Danny Buggs got many teams off guard during
the 1972 season. One of the teams that seemed to be caught completely by
surprise was the Syarcuse Orange. The Mountaineers welcome Syracuse to Old
Mountaineer field in November of that year to renew their rivalry. West
Virginia was seeking to avenge the 1971 loss at Syracuse. Coach Bowden was
looking to unleash his new weapon, Buggs, on the Orange defense. Both teams
would trade scores in the first half, with WVU taking a 14-12 lead into half
time. Buggs would take over the second half of the game, helping the Mountaineers
blow the game wide open. Buggs carried the ball 4 times for 159 yards and two
touchdowns. He would also add a pair of receptions for 80 yards and a receiving
touchdown. The Syracuse defense had no answer for Buggs’ speed. West Virginia
completely owned the Orange in the second half, leading to an easy 43-12
victory.
Competition: Buggs was an easy pick for this spot on the
countdown. He is one of the most dynamic players to have suited up in the old
gold and blue. There were some other decent players to have worn #8. They
include: Quinton Andrews, Thandi Smith, Keith Tandy, Khori Ivy, and Trusty
Tallman.
Teaser: Tomorrow, we look at another smaller, shiftier
Mountaineer. How this player ever made it to Morgantown, is beyond
comprehension. This player had his pick of any school in the country, yet he
chose WVU. It must have been divine intervention (certainly not Deion
intervention). What really happened with his recruitment will probably remain a
secret.
Major Harris is easily the most recognizable icon of West
Virginia University football. Harris came to West Virginia in the late 1980s.
Harris, starting quarterback at Brashear High, was originally interested in the
University of Pittsburgh. Coach Mike Gottfried recruited Harris as a defensive
back. Harris, firm in his commitment to being a college quarterback, decided to
commit to Coach Don Nehlen. The 1980s really saw the dawn of “athletic
quarterbacks.” Major Harris was a prime example of a quarterback that was just
as talented rushing the ball as he was passing the ball. Harris would show the
nation, and Pitt especially, that he was one of the best athletes in the
nation. In 1988, Harris would pass for 1,915 yards, rush for 610 yards, and
score 20 total touchdowns in leading WVU to an undefeated regular season.
Harris led WVU to the Fiesta Bowl, in what was dubbed the National Championship
game. Harris would follow up his phenomenal sophomore season with an even better
junior season. He would amass 2,058 passing yards, 936 rushing yards, and 23
total touchdowns. Harris would finish his Mountaineer career with more than
2,000 yards rushing, finishing in the top ten of WVU’s all-time rushers. Rather
than complete his senior season in Morgantown, Harris opted for the NFL draft.
Coming out of school early would prove to be a terrible mistake as Harris would
never play a snap in the NFL, spending his professional career primarily in
arena leagues. While Harris’ pro career is forgettable at best, his collegiate
career is one of the best in the history of college football. That is why, in
2009, Major Harris was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Memorable Game: When you think of Major Harris as West
Virginia icon, you inevitably think to the Dale Sparks shot (featured above) of
Harris scampering into the end zone against Penn State in 1988. The game
against the Nittany Lions was always circled by Mountaineer teams, primarily
because they knew that the Penn State game would be difficult and usually end
in defeat. Coming into the contest in 1988, Penn State had won 27 of the
previous 29 (including one tie) against the Mountaineers. Major Harris, having
watched Penn State edge WVU the year prior, was out to prove to the nation that
his Mountaineers were not going to let Joe Pa get the best of them again. The
Mountaineers, led by Harris, jumped all over Penn State in the first half,
building a 31-8 lead. Harris dismantled Penn State with his legs and his arm.
He ran for 58 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for 230 yards and two
touchdowns. West Virginia would hold off a late Penn State rally to preserve a
51-30 win. The win is often regarded as one of, if not the, biggest win in the
program’s history. The game put Coach Nehlen and the Mountaineers in the
national spot light, setting WVU up for National Championship consideration in
1988.
Competition: Major Harris was an easy pick for #9. He is synonymous
with #9 in Mountaineer Nation. Besides, there was zero chance that this
selection would go to a disgrace like Pacman Jones. Don’t get me wrong, he is a
fine football talent, but his off the field issues cast an ugly shadow on the
West Virginia program.
Teaser: Tomorrow we honor an under-sized shifty playmaker.
This player was an incredible talent, able to receive, rush, and kick return. His
ability to change direction on a dime left opposing defenders with broken
ankles and grasping at thin air. This Mountaineer star moved like a water bug
across the field.
Record: 33-5, Bowl Record: 3-0 including two BCS wins
This countdown would be remiss to not include West
Virginia’s all-time leading scorer: Steve Slaton. The fact that Steve Slaton
made it to West Virginia in the first place is amazing. Coming out of high
school, Slaton wanted to play for Maryland and Coach Ralph Friedgen. The Fridge
passed on Slaton, who would wind up in Morgantown in 2005. Slaton entered the
season as the fourth string running back behind Jason Gwaltney, Jason Colson,
and Pernell Williams. To say that Rich Rod overlooked Slaton’s talents would be
a tremendous understatement. Slaton was easily the quickest, shiftiest, and toughest
rusher of the group. Slaton would not get a chance to shine until the Virginia
Tech game where he ran for 90 yards against one of the nation’s best defenses.
He would become an instant star two games later, rushing for 6 touchdowns
against Louisville. The rest is history. Slaton ran for 1,128 yards and 17
touchdowns in half a freshman season, including a Sugar Bowl record 204 yards
rushing and two touchdowns. As a sophomore, Slaton only upped his game, rushing
for 1,744 yards and 16 touchdowns. Slaton’s junior season coincided with Noel
Devine’s freshman season, taking carries away from Slaton and reducing his
statistics marginally. Slaton was still able to amass 1,051 yards and 17
touchdowns. After winning two BCS games in three seasons, Slaton declared for
the NFL draft. WVU success during this time is due in large part to Slaton’s
rushing ability. Without the threat of Slaton in the zone read rushing offense,
Pat White and Owen Schmitt would not have been able to put up the numbers that
they did. Slaton’s 55 career touchdowns (50 rushing, 5 receiving) stand as the
West Virginia career scoring record. With WVU’s heavy reliance on the pass
under Coach Holgorsen, I highly doubt there will be another running back of
this caliber in Morgantown for quite some time.
Memorable Game: Many people are probably expecting to see
the 2005 Louisville or 2006 Georgia game featured here. While both games are
quite impressive, many people forget the tremendous performance he gave during
the 2006 Maryland game. Slaton did not get to rush against Maryland as a freshman,
so this game marked the first time that he would get the opportunity to show
the Fridge the errors of his recruiting strategy. Slaton was focused on embarrassing
the Terrapins, and he did just that. Slaton demolished, I mean absolutely
pummeled, the Maryland defensive front in the first quarter as he rushed for
149 yards and two touchdowns: in the first quarter alone! West Virginia, behind
the rushing of Slaton, jumped all over Maryland to lead the game 28-0 after one
quarter of play. Slaton and the Mountaineers went on cruise control for the
rest of the game, easily beating the Terps 45-24. Slaton finished with 195
yards and two touchdowns.
Competition: This was far and away the toughest selection to
make. Marc Bulger is one of the best quarterbacks in school history, having
held multiple passing records until Geno Smith broke them all this past season.
Bulger is also a member of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame. Some other notables at
#10 include Adam Lehnortt, Tony Reda, and Greg Hertzog. Current freshman Jordan
Thompson wears #10 and looks like another fantastic receiver in the making.
Teaser: Tomorrow we honor one of the most iconic Mountaineers
in the program’s history. This player was an incredible dual threat athlete for
WVU and was a major pain to opposing teams.
Fred Wyant was at the helm of the West Virginia Mountaineers
during the Golden Era of WVU football. As a freshman, Wyant would take control of
Coach Pappy Lewis’ offense. Once Wyant became the starter in 1952, he would be
the starting quarterback for the rest of his career. Wyant was a capable rusher
as well as a passer in Coach Lewis’ option offense. He also had a knack for
playing defensive back, collecting 5 interceptions for his career. Wyant was an
impressive offensive player, giving opposing defenses problems. For his career,
he totaled 3,426 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns. Wyant also is the only
West Virginia quarterback to beat Penn State three times (WVU only has 9 total
wins against Penn State). Fred Wyant was also an adept learner, earning
Academic All-American honors in 1953, 1954, and 1955. Following graduation,
Wyant would play one year in the NFL and one year in the CFL before becoming an
official. His most notable game officiated was the 1981 AFC playoff game
between the Dolphins and Chargers, known as the “Epic in Miami.” Wyant was
inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Memorable Game: Fred Wyant showed his ability to take over
games in the 1954 contest against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The road game
was West Virginia’s season opener on October 2. The original opener against
Washington & Lee was canceled after W&L de-emphasized football. West
Virginia traveled to Columbia in search of a big win over a good Gamecocks
squad. The Mountaineers offense, powered by Fred Wyant, outgained USC on the
ground by a 446-94 margin. Wyant accounted for two rushing touchdowns and a
passing touchdown to dominate the Gamecocks defense. West Virginia coasted to
an impressive season opening win over South Carolina by a final score of 26-6.
Competition: There are plenty of notable Mountaineers to
have worn #11. Just a sampling of some of the notables: Bruce Irvin, Sidney
Glover, Adam Bednarik, Dick Longfellow, and Gary Thompkins.
Teaser: The choice for #10 is a very difficult one. On one
hand, we have the school’s second all-time passing leader and on the other, the
school’s all-time leading scorer. While the decision was the most difficult one
of the countdown, we have arrived at a selection. This player was super and the
offense was focused on his special talents. For this writer, it’s all about
Steve.
Record: 28-11, Bowl Record: 1-2 including a BCS win
No other Mountaineer has received as much preseason hype as
quarterback Geno Smith. He was named the preseason Big XII Offensive Player of
the Year and is widely regarded as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman
Trophy. Smith has received all the love from the media due in large part to his
break out junior campaign. Geno flourished in Coach Dana Holgorsen’s air raid
offense after spending two seasons playing in Coach Bill Stewart’s pro-style
offense. Those first two seasons, Geno completed 64.8% of his passes for 3,072
yards, 25 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Those statistics pale in comparison
to this past season in which Geno completed 65.8% of his passes for 4,385
yards, 31 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Geno’s junior season earned him a
second straight All-Big East selection. Geno was also named the Most
Outstanding Player of the Orange Bowl (an honor that probably should have gone
to Tavon Austin). Geno Smith also set WVU records for passing in 2011, with
most pass attempts in a season, most pass completions in a season, and passing
yards in a season. When you look at the fact that Geno will have his top three
wide receivers back this season, he could be poised to have the greatest
passing season in school history, even better than his record setting 2011
season.
Memorable Game: Geno Smith had so many great performances
last season, it was difficult to pin point just one. The game that really
stands out though (and this may be a surprise) is the home match with
Connecticut. The Mountaineers were riding high coming into the game with a 4-1
record on the season. UConn was still trying to figure out what their team
identity was in the post-Edsall era. The Mountaineers offense started the game
a little slow, only leading the Huskies by a score of 10-6 at half time. Geno
Smith would air it out in the second half, leading the Mountaineers on three
scoring drives in the third quarter. Smith would throw a fourth touchdown pass
in the fourth quarter to salt away the blow out of the Huskies. Geno completed
27 of 45 passes for 450 yards and 4 touchdowns in WVU’s 43-16 win.
Competition: This was a tough selection process. West
Virginia is known for two tremendous quarterbacks at #12: Geno Smith and Oliver
Luck. The current AD, Oliver Luck, is a member of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame
and has some impressive statistics. Geno got the nod at #12 due to his
incredible statistics this past season and the expectations of a monumental
2012 season that should cement Geno’s future inclusion in the WVU Sports Hall
of Fame.
Teaser: Tomorrow we honor another tremendous Mountaineer
quarterback. This player was a key member of West Virginia’s success in the
golden era of Mountaineer football. He was a dual threat passer and rusher that
terrorized opposing defenses. There are surely some defenders who still have
nightmares about this player. He may not be Freddy, but if you are a defensive
back, he is certainly a nightmare.
Mike Vanderjagt took a long an interesting road to
Morgantown, WV. He initially began his college career in 1988 at Michigan
State, originally playing as a quarterback and place kicker. Vanderjagt was not
going to win the starting quarterback job for the Spartans, so he transferred
to Allan Hancock Community College. After playing a year of lower level
football, chasing his quarterbacking dream, he decided to focus on punting and
kicking. Coach Nehlen plucked up the talented kicker in 1991. He would play the
1991 season as a punter and then as a place kicker in 1992. That 1992 season,
Vanderjagt would make 15 of 20 field goals. His conversion rate was decent, yet
not noteworthy. The NFL would pass on Vanderjagt for the next 6 seasons. He
would find work in the CFL and AFL for the next six seasons, honing his
accuracy. He would get his chance to play in the NFL with the Indianapolis
Colts in 1998. While with the Colts, Vanderjagt would become widely known as
the most accurate kicker in the league. He was one of the most reliable scorers
in the NFL up until that fateful 2005 playoff game against the Pittsburgh
Steelers where he missed an easy field goal that would have sent the game to
overtime. From that point on, Vanderjagt’s career would take a nose dive. While
Vanderjagt may not ever make the Pro Football Hall of Fame (or any other kicker
for that matter besides Jan Stenerud), he should have a decent chance at the
WVU Sports Hall of Fame. Time will tell.
Memorable Game: Mike Vanderjagt was a key scorer for the
1992 Mountaineers. He flexed his scoring muscle in an early season match-up
with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. The Mountaineers ran all over the Bulldogs,
but had a difficult time punching the ball into the endzone. Vanderjagt stepped
up to the plate for the Mountaineers, converting three field goals. Once the
Mountaineers were able to get into the endzone, he would add a pair of extra
points to bring his scoring total to 11 points for the afternoon.Vanderjagt’s scoring alone was enough to put
away the Bulldogs, as WVU easily won 23-3.
Competition: Again, I understand that some people don’t
think too highly of kickers, especially one that did not always play for WVU.
There is something to be said though for being the alma mater of one of the
most accurate kickers in NFL history. Perhaps this selection was made more on
the total career merit (pro and college) than just his collegiate accolades,
but I think it is important to remember the careers of your famous alumni, even
if they are just a kicker.
Teaser: Fortunately for all you readers out there, I have no
more kickers in line for this countdown. The remaining dozen are all high profile,
extremely talented players. Tomorrow, the pick at #12 is a tremendously
talented quarterback. The only question is, which quarterback is it? Luck?
Smith? Maybe Sowards? I guess you’ll have to tune in tomorrow to see who makes
the cut at #12. No matter who I pick, it is sure to start a Mountaineers family
fued, like that of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Mike Sherwood came to Morgantown following in his family’s
footsteps. Sherwood would get a chance to start for Coach Carlen’s Mountaineers
squad in 1968 as a sophomore. During the 1968 season, he would dazzle WVU
coaches, earning the starting spot at quarterback for the rest of his career.
Sherwood would power the Mountaineers to a 7-3 record as a sophomore, following
that up with a 10-1 record as a junior (including a Peach Bowl victory). As a
senior, Sherwood would have his most impressive statistical year, completing
60.6% of his passes for 1,550 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Sherwood
would stay on at WVU after graduation to complete a Master’s degree and serve
as an assistant to Coach Carlen and Coach Bowden. Sherwood’s career would be
honored in 1997 with induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
Memorable Game: Mike Sherwood proved his talents to the
Mountaineers coaching staff in only his second start in 1968, against the Pitt
Panthers. Sherwood led the Mountaineers into Pittsburgh, seeking a big road
victory early in the season. The Mountaineers offense, anchored by Sherwood’s
play, dominated the Panthers defense. Sherwood completed 73% of his passes
against the Panthers secondary for 416 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He added
a pair of rushing touchdowns, giving the Panthers defense a multi-dimensional
attack that they could not handle. West Virginia cruised to a 38-15 victory
over Pitt. The win showcased Sherwood’s talents, setting him up to become the
starting quarterback for years to come.
Competition: Sherwood is the only WVU Sports Hall of Famer
at #14. He had the statistics and the name recognition necessary to blow the
other candidates out of the water. Other distant competitors for #14 include
Brad Lewis, Darren Studstill, and Brad Starks.
Teaser: Tomorrow we honor the most accurate kicker of
all-time in the NFL, that is until he turned into a head-case. This player held
it all together in college, giving WVU an accurate, big leg. It wasn’t until
this kicker got to playing for the Colts that he lost his mind. Speaking of
losing your mind, you should watch Psycho.
During his time in Morgantown, Coach Don Nehlen was very
adept at recruiting transfer players for the Mountaineers. One of those
transfers was quarterback Jeff Hostetler. The Hollsople, PA native originally
selected Penn State coming out of high school. Hostetler would start two games
for Coach Joe Paterno, before Joe-Pa decided to make Todd Blackledge the
starting quarterback. Down, but not out, Hostetler decided to transfer to a
school where he could show Joe-Pa the error he had made. Hostetler decided to
come to Morgantown in the spring of 1981. After sitting out the 1981 season due
to transfer rules, Hostetler was given the task of leading the Mountaineers in
a huge road game against Oklahoma. That game would show that Hostetler was the
real deal and launched his successful Mountaineers career. In his two seasons
in Morgantown, Hostetler would complete 51.6% his passes for 4,261 yards, 26
touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. Hostetler’s impressive statistics underscored
his importance to the Mountaineers program. He propelled the Mountaineers to
two bowl games and was key player in elevating the national perception of West
Virginia. His success in Morgantown led to a long pro career in the NFL,
playing for the Giants, Raiders, and Redskins. During his NFL career, Hostetler
would win two Super Bowls, starring in SB XXV in a nail-biter against the
Buffalo Bills. While he will never make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he did
make the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
Memorable Game: Hostetler’s most impressive performance for
the Mountaineers was his first, in a road game against Oklahoma. The game in
Norman, OK was the 1982 season opener and came 4 years after the Mountaineers
were embarrassed their by a score of 52-10. Coach Nehlen’s squad was looking
for a monumental upset of the 9th ranked Sooners. Oklahoma, under
Coach Barry Switzer, was expected to be in the mix for the National
Championship while the Mountaineers were expected to be a middle of the road
team. The heat that day played a factor in West Virginia falling behind early,
14-0. Hostetler led the Mountaineers on late scoring drives in the first half
to take a 20-14 lead into halftime. Early in the second half, Oklahoma would
block a punt for a touchdown to knot the game at 27-27. The fourth quarter
would belong to the Hostetler. He would engineer two touchdown drives to help
the Mountaineers pull away from the Sooners. The Mountaineers defense would
clamp down on Oklahoma, preserving a 41-27 victory for WVU. The win is regarded
as one of the biggest upsets in West Virginia football history.
Competition: While Hostetler was the choice for this spot on
the countdown, there was one other stellar #15 available: James Jett. He was a
talented receiver that had the goods to play in the NFL. A couple other
notables to wear #15 include Charles Pugh and Sedrick King.
Teaser: Tomorrow we honor the career of another Mountaineer
legend. He made his career taking wins from big programs and gave the
Mountaineers many more wins. His exploits were like that of Robin Hood in
Sherwood Forest (if Robin Hood were a quarterback that is).
