12/8/09
Some concern existed about which direction the WVU program would head in once Bill Stewart was handed the reigns. After modest success, his efforts, least of all, have kept the program in the Top 25. The school’s current streak of eight-consecutive winning seasons, the second longest streak in WVU history (next to the winning campaigns from 1914-26), will continue. But apparently, this 9-3 season has drawn the ire of angry Mountaineer fans…they can do better. Expectations do this to a program. Stewart however, has all the pieces in place to make 2010 special if incumbent sophomore QB Geno Smith’s prep reputation as a superior hurler pans out (No.3-rated pro-style passer, Rivals). This ground attack is setting up to be wild and wonderful, much like the Mountaineers became accustomed to with Pat White running in open spaces. In terms of overall speed and quickness, WVU has it across the board. The defense has been getting better the past two years, and the secondary has made some major strides in that same time. A solid front line is in place, and linebacker J.T. Thomas will continue to wreak havoc. Still, it all boils down to what type of QB play coaches will get. OK, so maybe a Top 10 preseason start is not the norm anymore, but it can be soon. Recruiting is working out well, and this fairly new coaching staff deserves a little of the credit. A 10-win season still may not be good enough, but that's a good sign for how far this program has evolved.