74 Joe Madsen

Hometown: Chardon, OH

Career: 2009-Present

Record: 37-15, Bowl Record: 2-2 including a BCS win

Joe Madsen came to WVU in 2008 to play for Coach Bill Stewart. By 2009, Madsen became the starter at center, and has started every game at center for the Mountaineers the past three seasons. He is expected to anchor the Mountaineer offensive line this coming season. WVU’s ability to run the ball against stout defenses such as Oklahoma and Texas will rest on the shoulders of players like Madsen. Given the way the Mountaineers performed in the Orange Bowl, many expect great things from the West Virginia offense and players like Madsen.

Memorable Game: Since Madsen was a Coach Stew recruit, I decided to highlight one of the better offensive performances of the Bill Stewart era. The Mountaineers entered the 2010 season with aspirations of reclaiming the Big East title. WVU was coming off a very tough loss at LSU coming into the game against UNLV. The Mountaineers would take out their frustrations of the previous week on the hapless Rebels. WVU dismantled the UNLV defense, scoring quickly and often. While the Mountaineers would lose the time of possession battle, but would dominate on the scoreboard 49-10.

Competition: It is difficult to pick amongst offensive linemen, given that there really are no statistics kept on offensive linemen. Probably the other most notable player to wear #74 was Jim LeBlanc.

Teaser: The player in line for tomorrow’s choice at #73 shares a birthday (September 16) with one of my celebrity crushes: Jennifer Tilly. Like Tilly, this player made a career off of his physical gifts. He used his to win bowl games, she used hers to land big movie roles like Liar Liar.