2012: Mountaineers Year In Review

2012: A Year of Optimism

As the new year of 2013 begins (despite the Mayans), it is time to take a look back and reflect a bit on the Mountaineers season before we start to wonder where we are headed.

2012 was a year of great change and great expectations. It was a move from the decaying Big East to the fortified, respected Big 12: a move from the little leagues to the pros. For Mountaineer Nation, it was an opportunity to take the next step and show the world that WVU was indeed ready to be one of the nation's elite. The Air Raid (or 'EER Raid) offense was predicted to be nearly unstoppable after a 2011 campaign that ended in a 70-point explosion that rewrote the NCAA bowl record for scoring and sent Clemson licking their wounds. 2012 would feature Heisman front runner Geno Smith and his dynamic duo of Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, expected to be phenoms in their second year under Holgorsen.

Everything, it seemed, was finally falling West Virginia's way. Even ESPN couldn't get enough of WVU, airing two national commercials and providing in depth analysis of the team before they even stepped on the field. WVU fans who once felt spurned by the lack of national attention, were now inundated, and they took in every ounce until they were drunk with optimism. We would win the Big 12 in our first year, beating out history-rich programs like Texas and Oklahoma. We would prove that the Fiesta Bowl was not a fluke. Geno Smith would win the Heisman. And maybe, just maybe...we would get our first crystal football.

But great expectations often result in great disappointments, and hype does nothing but make the fall from grace that much harder. Many realists expected as much. They knew there was too much hype, and that nothing is ever as good as it seems.

But behold! A 5-0 start, capped by a signature win over a ranked Longhorn team in front of their largest ever home crowd of 101,851. Geno was the hands-down favorite to take the Heisman.

Then it happened. Not slowly, but with a quick, loud thud. 49-14. The #5 Mountaineers were trounced in their first loss of the season, to unranked Texas Tech. Sirens go off, but not the air raid horn that signals a Mountaineer touchdown. No, these sirens were ones that signaled that there were serious problems with WVU football team, and that they could no longer hide behind a great offense.

Then excuses. Immediately, fans were pointing out the atrocious defensive play that had hindered the team all season. But that wasn't all. It was windy and Bailey was hurt. It was a fluke and you would see the Mountaineers now more determined to prove that. The Big 12 was still the Mountaineers' to lose. It seemed too, that the media agreed. WVU dropped only to #13 and Geno, who hadn't thrown a pick, was still the favorite for the Heisman.

Undefeated #4 Kansas State was up next, and this time they were headed to Morgantown. This was the game where WVU would get back to form and regain their poise. Tech was just a bump on one long country road that would go down as one of their best seasons in history.

Then the death knell tolled. Kansas State thoroughly embarrassed WVU 55-14 in a similar fashion as Texas Tech. But this time there was no wind, and it was at home where West Virginia is known for being hard to beat. There were no excuses and no optimism to hide the blaring warning sirens this time. This season was not what we expected.

Over the next three weeks the losing streak extended to five games and WVU was 5-5. A season once filled with the highest of expectations, now hinged on winning one of the final two games to become bowl eligible. Fingers were pointed at everyone from Holgorsen to DeForest to Smith. Overrated and overlooked were words that became more common than touchdown or Heisman.

And so, WVU limped to the finish, winning its last two games against Iowa State and Kansas to become bowl eligible. The 'Eers were selected to play in the Pinstripe Bowl against former foe Syracuse.

Finally, something we knew we could win. We may have struggled in the Big 12, but we were playing with the big boys. Syracuse had been muddling around in the Big East, a cesspool of mediocrity. We would come out on top, because that's was Mountaineers do: fight when faced with adversity. Despite an underwhelming season, we would cap it off with a victory for the seniors and Geno would secure his position as the number one QB heading into the NFL draft.

But one could say that the Pinstripe Bowl was a mirror of the season. High expectations followed only by struggle and heartache. The game, seemingly without explanation, never went WVU's way and ended 38-14. There wasn't a phase of the game where a bright spot could be found. In fact, the only positive was that there would be no controversy regarding where the Schwartzwalder Trophy belonged (Syracuse has stated they would retain the trophy regardless of the winner).

And so the book was closed on the 2012 Mountaineers. And the final record read a disappointing 7-6 in a year when so much more seemed not just possible, but predestined.

What We Learned in 2012:

In short, don't believe in hype. No one knows how a team will fare until they perform on the field. So, what happened in 2012?

1.) WVU's offense was vastly overrated. The 70-35 Orange Bowl victory was a major culprit for the overconfidence. That single victory expunged the fact the offense had been inconsistent for the majority of 2011. The 5-0 start didn't help much either. But still, the evidence was there: the Air Raid was hot when it worked, and a liability when it didn't.

2.) WVU's defensive worries were swept under the rug. Mainly a product of the overrated offense, the defense was an afterthought. Why do you need a defense if you always win the scoring race? But the defensive struggles were worse that expected, and several time throughout the season WVU was ranked dead last of the 120 teams in FBS. They finished 117. Perhaps Jeff Casteel's 3-3-5 and consistent defensive presence provided a sense of security that was no longer there when he left. Perhaps WVU fans were used to something that deserved more praise than it received.

3.) No running game. Early injuries didn't help, but the lack of a consistent running game made throwing the ball harder. Combining no running game and no defense meant that there was simply no way the Mountaineers could win if the Smith-Austin-Bailey trio were anything but stellar for any period of time.

4.) Coaching staff changes. With an entirely new coaching staff, and Holgorsen only being in his second season as a head coach, many overlooked the growing pains that are inherent there. While Holgorsen is a great offensive mind, there are many aspects of the head coaching job that are learned with time. Joe DeForest was ridiculed for wearing a hat that read "relax" while his defense consistently underwhelmed even those with the lowest of standards.

5.) Big 12 competition. Simply put, the quality of competition in the Big 12 was greater than anything WVU had experienced in the Big East, save a few schedules with Miami, Virginia Tech, and Penn State a while back. Games against Oklahoma and TCU were very winnable, and against Big East competition the ball would have fallen WVU's way more than it did in the Big 12. That's worth at least one or two more wins.

6.) Lack of toughness. Whether this is a product of the Air Raid offense, known more for finesse than for power football, or whether it is attributable to the coaching staff or players themselves is unknown. But, many have noted that the physicality, toughness, and "never quit" attitude that Mountaineer teams seem to always possess was not there. WVU teams don't lose by double digits often because of their toughness and grit, but this year they lost by 41, 35, 24, and 21. Some have suggested that a lack of pride is the cause. Holgorsen is not a West Virginian, and that message of pride may not get across. Essentially, Dana is a coach from Iowa talking about WV pride to a group of kids from Florida.

That's it for our look back at 2012. Next is our look ahead at 2013 and beyond, including:
How long until WVU returns to greatness? Is Holgorsen the right coach for WVU? What's next in conference realignment?

Stay tuned.

Schwartzwalder Trophy Petition

Petition Link: http://www.change.org/petitions/syracuse-university-award-the-schwartzwalder-trophy-to-the-2012-new-era-pinstripe-bowl-winner

Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone has ruffled the feathers of more than a few among Mountaineer Nation and Orange fans after making comments that the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy will not be on the line for the winner of the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl.

Many have spoken out negatively about this decision, but now there is an official petition regarding asking that Syracuse reconsider its position in withholding the trophy from the winner of the game. Here is the full text of the petition that was published earlier today:

"The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy was created in honor of former West Virginia University football player and Syracuse University head football coach, Ben Schwartzwalder. The trophy has been awarded to the winner of every football game between Syracuse University and West Virginia University since the trophy's introduction in 1993. The trophy is currently held by Syracuse after they won the final game between the two schools as members of the Big East Conference on October 22, 2011. West Virginia University has since joined the Big 12 Conference and Syracuse University is scheduled to join the Atlantic Coast Conference beginning with the 2013 football season. Syracuse University and West Virginia University are scheduled to meet in the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 19, 2012 at 3:15 p.m. EST at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
When asked if the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy would be on the line at the Pinstripe Bowl, Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone stated that it would not be.
Syracuse and West Virginia fans and alumni have expressed confusion and concern regarding this decision. By failing to honor the tradition of the Schwartzwalder Trophy, Syracuse University is impairing the significance of the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl. Due to this decision, some Syracuse and West Virginia fans have decided to forgo buying tickets to to bowl game. It is the belief of the creators of this petition, that the winner of every football game between Syracuse University and West Virginia University, regardless of whether that game occurs in the regular season or postseason, should be awarded the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy. If the trophy is not awarded to the winner of the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl, it would mark the first time since the introduction of the award that the winner of a Syracuse versus West Virginia football game would not receive the trophy. If you disagree with the decision that has been made to withhold the trophy, and would like the trophy to be awarded to the winner of this important rivalry game as it has been in the past, please add your name to this petition."

WV Sports Nation completely supports the petition and hopes that you will sign it as well. You can visit the petition directly using this link. It appears the petition is sent to Syracuse's Chancellor Nancy Cantor, Athletic Director Daryl Gross, and Head Football Coach Doug Marrone.

Recap: Friends of Coal, Big 12 Goals

And so it's 12-0. Farewell Friends of Coal Bowl, it was nice knowing beating you.

Keys to the Game

Will WVU match Marshall's energy?
Yes. WVU came out energized and ready to play, and Marshall never sniffed an iota of momentum. This game had it all: chest bumping, high fives, big hits, and touchdown celebrations. The body language was there, the attitude was there, the Mountaineers respected their opponent. 

Will the 3-4 defense pan out?
It's still too early to say, but it didn't impress. Marshall moved the ball easily, and were able to put up 34 points and over 500 yards of offense. The defense had some highlights, including a few demoralizing big hits and turnovers, but overall the secondary appeared soft, and the pass rush inefficient. There are a lot of young players still learning a new scheme, so hopefully things solidify to help make the defense more of an asset for the team. 

Will there be a run game? 
More than could have ever been expected. Alston and Buie were dubbed "Thunder and Lightning", as the two shredded the Herd defense and created more balance for the Air Raid offense of the 'Eers. If the running game continues to develop throughout the season, this offense could prove to be particularly problematic for Big 12 teams who have a history of difficulty with strong, physical running backs. Not to mention, the run sets up the...well, you know the rest.  

What is Marshall up to?
Not much, except improved QB play and great special teams. The offense did appear to be more spread out, but it didn't translate to much. The 34 points appeared to be more of a result of WVU's up-tempo approach, and trouble transitioning to the 3-4 defense. That said, Marshall should do very well this year against all other teams on their schedule.  

---

Game day Predictions

Prediction:
Marshall comes out with more energy than WVU to start the game and gets on the scoreboard first, 7-0. Geno opens up a little rusty as far as timing with receivers is concerned. The first quarter ends with Marshall ahead 10-3, and fans start to get restless. 
Midway through the 2nd quarter WVU gets on track and never looks back. The defense shows some promise, making a few key stops and forcing a fumble and interception. By the end of the 3rd quarter the game is controlled by WVU, 38-13. WVU wins the final installment of the Friends of Coal Bowl, and moves on to their bye-week before facing JMU at Fed-Ex Field, dreams of Big 12 championships dancing in their heads. 
Final: WVU 48, Marshall 24

Actual:
No one told WVU that the Orange Bowl was over, and the Mountaineers kept scoring until the scoreboard showed 69, eerily reminiscent of that 70-33 decision that defined the program over the past 8 months. But this time was different. The Orange Bowl was a culmination of Clemson's collapse and all the right things happening at the right times. Against Marshall, it was pure offensive domination.  
Final: WVU 69, Marshall 34

Grades:
Offense: A+
The offense looked as good as it ever has, and maybe even better. Thanks to a brutal running game combining both power and finesse, the offense appeared balanced, and quite frankly unstoppable. If this is what the 'Eers look like in game one, things could get ugly for JMU and Maryland after the bye week.

Defense: C-
As impressive as the offense was, the defense was that disappointing. Giving up over 500 yards and 34 points can't make the new defensive staff happy. It's also worrisome as WVU transitions into a conference known for powerful offenses. Their motto is EAT: effort, attitude, turnovers. They had all of those, but still came up short. What's missing? Three-and-outs. The defense needs to focus on getting the other team off the field, and keeping the ball in Geno's hands. 

Special Teams: C
Other than getting a punt blocked and missing a PAT, there's not much to discuss. Hopefully the team scores on more possessions than it needs to punt. 

And just like that, faster than you can say "Tavon Austin", the first WVU football game of the 2012 football season has come and gone. The team has an early bye week next, and then it's JMU at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. Let's see if the defense and special teams can get on track and make this team one for the record books. 

Friends of Coal, Big 12 Goals

A New Era of Mountaineer Football

There is a buzz around the program this year, an expectation of greatness. It's bigger than the 2007 season, when Pat Forde picked WVU to win the first national championship in school history and Pat White and Steve Slaton were household names (remember "Nickel and Dime"). It's bigger than 1988, when Major Harris led the Mountaineers to an undefeated regular season, and a shot at the title against Notre Dame. This season is simply bigger.

After all, Big Things Are Coming. This year the expectations are bigger than any other, because WVU has a chance to be better than ever before. The school joins the Big 12 conference, marking a monumental shift in not only the Mountaineer program, but also its national perception and exposure. Fans are gushing with the excitement of playing newer, bigger opponents like Texas and Oklahoma, the richest and most successful teams in the modern era respectively. But there's even more excitement for WVU to pick up a few firsts: a Big 12 championship, the crystal football, a Heisman trophy. They are all attainable if the Mountaineers play like they did when 70-33 happened to Clemson. 

But the new era brings more than just big expectations. It also brings big questions. Can Holgorsen, Geno, and crew live up to the hype?  Is the team deep enough to compete weekly with the demanding Big 12 conference schedule? What happens if Smith, Austin, or Bailey go down with injuries mid-season? 

But amid all of the questions, a few things are certain: when West Virginia and Marshall finish play tomorrow afternoon at Mountaineer Field, the two will be saying farewell for quite some time. If Marshall seizes the opportunity to beat its big brother in the final episode, all of those big questions and big goals go down the drain.  

In one corner there is WVU, prepped for a history-making season battling Longhorns and Horned Frogs. In the other there is Marshall, ready to finally, poetically wreck the Mountaineers' season by beating them to start the season. For Marshall, the championship is game one.  In reality, WVU and Marshall are both aiming to make history this year. For WVU, it's the Big 12 and national titles. For Marshall, it's beating WVU. Problem is, someone is going to be horribly disappointed.

---

Keys to the Game

Will WVU match Marshall's energy?
WVU has historically been its own worst enemy. Rarely does a team beat West Virginia when the Mountaineers are playing at their best. The Fiesta Bowl win, energized by the late Bill Stewart's "Leave No Doubt" speech, is a perfect example of Mountaineers playing with passion. Last year's loss to Syracuse and Louisville represent what happens when WVU comes out flat and uninspired. Marshall will be jacked. West Virginia can't afford to go through the motions.  
The Mountaineers are great when everyone is counting them out. They thrive on the "us against the world" mentality. Now that everyone is picking them, can they bring the same heat? 
(Related: watch the video of the week below.)

Will the 3-4 defense pan out?
WVU has moved from Jeff Casteel's 3-3-5 stack, to a more Big-12 appropriate 3-4. But there are question marks everywhere, with new coaches, players, schemes, and philosophies. WVU's new defensive strategy seems to be focused on creating turnovers. Every turnover caused by the defense is another opportunity for Geno to light up the scoreboard. Interesting, but what happens if WVU doesn't generate those turnovers? 

Will there be a run game? 
There wasn't much to speak of last year, but the 2011 leader, Dustin Garrison, is questionable with continuing issues regarding his knee injury suffered in preparation for the Orange Bowl. If he isn't ready tomorrow, the coaches may redshirt him. Senior Shawne Alston seems fired up to change people's perception of him and produce for the Mountaineers all season. Alston was previously seem as a short-yardage back, but Holgorsen has noted that he had a great off-season. 

What is Marshall up to?
We all know Marshall wants to win this game more than any other on their schedule. We also know that Doc Holiday, and some of the players on the roster remember tasting blood in 2010 when Marshall held a 15-point lead in the 4th quarter before WVU pulled out a miracle in overtime. But now there are rumors that Marshall is going all out, including installing a new offense (based of off Oregon's spread) and memorizing Holgorsen's offensive signals (related: Dana has a "really good one" for Marshall). WVU will need to be able to make good in-game adjustments if Marshall pulls out all the stops. 

---

Game day Predictions

Worst Case:
Early jitters cause a few players including Garrison (who re-injures his knee) to put the ball on the ground, and Marshall capitalizes. Despite the early mistakes, WVU manages a narrow lead at halftime. In the 3rd quarter, the mountaineers hold a 10-point lead before Geno Smith suffers an injury to his throwing shoulder and sophomore Paul Millard steps in to fill the void. He is ineffective, overthrowing wide-open receivers and seems frustrated by the Herd's revived defense. Late in the 4th Alston is given more carries to try to hold the now 3-point lead, but coughs up the ball on the goal line. A Marshall defender picks up the ball and returns it the length of the field for the winning score. Marshall beats WVU for the first time ever in dramatic fashion, in what could be the last game ever. 

Best Case:
WVU comes out of the gate firing on all cylinders, completely demoralizing an over-matched Marshall team. The Herd tries to use a new spread offense, but falls apart in the process. The new WVU ball-hawk defense works perfectly, scooping up errant lateral passes and option-pitches and cashing in with touchdowns. The team looks like they are still playing last year's Orange Bowl, and end up scoring 80 points, exactly matching their point total against Rutgers in 2001. 

Prediction:
Marshall comes out with more energy than WVU to start the game and gets on the scoreboard first, 7-0. Geno opens up a little rusty as far as timing with receivers is concerned. The first quarter ends with Marshall ahead 10-3, and fans start to get restless. 
Midway through the 2nd quarter WVU gets on track and never looks back. The defense shows some promise, making a few key stops and forcing a fumble and interception. By the end of the 3rd quarter the game is controlled by WVU, 38-13. WVU wins the final installment of the Friends of Coal Bowl, and moves on to their bye-week before facing JMU at Fed-Ex Field, dreams of Big 12 championships dancing in their heads. 
Final: WVU 48, Marshall 24

Mountaineer Insider

Everywhere has local sayings, traditions, and oddities, and WV is no different. Want to know a little more about the Mountaineers and their home state to give you an insiders edge? Read on to discover more about Mountaineer Country.

Make a Friend

Here is a quick look at the people, places, and things that stir Mountaineers’ emotions (good and bad).

WVU All-time great, Pat White

Good things:

Mention these topics and you’ll make friends for life: Jerry West, Don Nehlen, John Denver, Don Knotts, Pat White,  Steve Slaton, Major Harris, Bob Huggins, Dana Holgorsen, Red Bull, Beer, Beer Pong, Cornhole, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Pepperoni Roll, Mary Lou Retton, EerRaid, Tavon Austin, Geno Smith, Big 12

Bad things:

Mention these things and people will give you a funny look: Marshall, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Louisville, Michigan, K-State Mask

Rich FRAUDriguez

Really bad things:

Mention these things if you want to make enemies for life, or if you don’t care much for your personal well-being: Rich Rodriguez, Pitt, 13-9

Quotes and Sayings

“It’s a great night to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!” –Tony Caridi, WVU play-by-play

“Let’s Go Mountaineers! Let’s Go Drink Some Beers!”

“West by God Virginia” or just “West by God”

“Cheers, Beers, and Mountaineers!”

"Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer."

“Son, that’s Pitt. You hate Pitt now. You hate Pitt tomorrow. You hate Pitt until the day you die. After that, you will hate Pitt for eternity.” – Mother of Jack Fleming (voice of Mountaineers and Steelers).

“Each It Pitt!” If this one doesn't make sense, sound it out to get the real chant. It’s often heard on ESPN and you will most likely here it even at unrelated games at random times. It just happens.

Local Lingo

EERS

This is what real fans use for a nickname of the Mountaineers. Some other near-acceptable forms are: NEERS, Mounties (mostly cheerleaders). However, the term “Mighty Mounts” should be shot and buried. Believed to have been termed by ESPN, whoever did this should step forward, confess, and rid themselves the guilt of coming up with the worst nickname in sports.

Mo’town

No, not the one in Detroit. It’s the home of the Mountaineers, Morgantown WV. Also referred to as Touchdown City.

North Central West Virginia

Or just, “North Central” refers to the stretch of I-79 that includes Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg. This is where you will find the best shopping and dining in the area.

Pepperoni Roll

If you read the guide, you're already familiar with this little treat. A West Virginia original and exclusive—a must-try for visiting fans.

Buggy

This is what most of the world calls a shopping cart. For many in WV, it’s a buggy, and we’re really not sure why.

               

Shine

Moonshine.  Yes, it really exists and there is a moderate chance you will encounter it if you wander aimlessly though tailgating parties. Don’t drink any if you want to remember your trip.

Toboggan

Another head scratcher, this is what many West Virginians call a winter cap, known to most people by “beanie” or “knit cap”.

               

Holler

Some locals may refer to a “holler,” which is colloquial for a “hollow”. If you are not familiar, a hollow is valley or basin that lies between hills or mountains. There are plenty of them in WV.

Videos

Sometimes words just aren’t enough. So, here are some videos that will help you get a better picture of WVU and Mountaineer Nation. 

The Office, Country Roads.

John Denver, Country Roads Original recording.

“Gold n Blue”: Local artist 6’6” 240’s original version of his annual song to pump up Mountaineer fans.

“The Morgantown Song”:  Disclaimer…may contain offensive language.

WVU Beer Pong Table: WVU Engineering students build a beer pong table

"Leave No Doubt"

Erin Andrews dons the Coonskin. On College GameDay’s first trip to Morgantown, Erin Andrews sports the Mountaineer headgear. 

Pat White’s final game introduction and whiteout.

National TV spot: "Without challenge, there can be no Mountaineers"

A look at WVU’s 3 BCS bowl wins:

Sugar Bowl: 12:40 sets up game winning play

Fiesta Bowl: Gives insight into everyone who doubted the Mountaineers could win.

Orange Bowl:  4:00 is the play of the game and 6:30 is the bowl record

WVU Billboard

Back to the guide.