It feels like all of Mountaineer Nation is being set up for a big-time collapse.

Watching West Virginia run out to a 21-0 halftime lead against Maryland Saturday, and score the first TD of the second half for a 28-0 lead en route to a 31-17 victory at Mountaineer Field was just what everyone needed following the scare at Marshall.

So now WVU is heading to Baton Rouge for its biggest challenge of 2010 -- a night date with SEC power LSU. Is it fair for WVU fans to believe this year's trip into SEC country will turn out better than last year's turnover-palooza at Auburn?

There's certainly a lot of positives to take from the first half of the Maryland game. So what did we learn about the Mountaineers?

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I would love to think WVU's Noel Devine is a legitimate Heisman candidate. But right now he just hasn't done enough to be included in the conversation.

He's had back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing games, but he has yet to break a big one and the Mountaineers have been so-so while going 2-0.

He's not out of the picture yet, but he needs to have some big games like Michigan's Denard Robinson to reinvigorate his candidacy.

 

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As the 'Eer has spent the last couple days churning out some stories on Ohio State's win over Miami - he asked me if I wanted to fill in and give my thoughts on West Virginia's come-from-behind win over Marshall on Friday night.

Sure!

1. WVU fans - DO NOT PANIC. This was clearly Marshall's Super Bowl. The Herd played way over its head, took advantage of some breaks and the 'Eers obliged by giving way to the momentum of the night - until the final minutes.

2. I like Geno Smith. I already like him better than that guy they had last year. The big numbers (316 yards passing) didn't hurt, but more I liked the way he played down the stretch and I liked the big throws at clutch moments. Smith might make some mistakes, but he seems decisive.

3.  It seems like WVU's offensive players (and maybe the staff) are waiting for Noel Devine to hit home runs. When that didn't happen Friday, they seemed to coast a bit.

4. Then there's the offensive line - okay, WVU fans, NOW PANIC. Ugly. This was a Marshall defensive line that barely put a hand on Terrelle Pryor a week earlier and managed to spend most of the night in WVU's backfield. That's got to be fixed or it won't matter what Geno Smith and Noel Devine do.

5. I didn't talk much about the defense because I didn't think there was a ton to say. They were solid, gave up a couple drives and one big play, but forced a big turnover. This group will be okay, if not great.

7. I think WVU is certainly in the mix for the Big East title. Although, after some early-season performances by other teams in the league - I'm not sure what that means.

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A day after watching West Virginia defeat Coastal Carolina 31-0 at Mountaineer Field, it's time for everyone to turn their attention to the Marshall game this Friday.

But it's important to provide a little evaluation of the Mountaineers' performance before figuring out what WVU needs to do to defeat former assistant coach Doc Holliday and the Herd in Huntington.

Like any opener, the best part is the fact the Mountaineers won without any major injuries. Clearly WVU coach Bill Stewart didn't show much from the playbook, but there were plenty of positives, but also some areas that definitely need some attention.

So here are some thoughts on Saturday's game.

- The defense recorded its first shutout since a 38-0 win at Cincinnati in 2005 and its first at Mountaineer Field since romping Rutgers 48-0 in 1997. WVU held Coastal Carolina to 186 total yards.

- Hard-hitting safety Robert Sands had some big hits, including a tackle on the second-half kickoff that forced a fumble by Adrian Sullivan. There was a scary moment when Sands had to leave the game with a shoulder injury, but Stewart said after the game Sands was fine.

- The defense was also flying all over the field creating all kinds of havoc. DC Jeff Casteel continues to draw up great defensive schemes from his 3-3-5 set. There was also the spectacular interception by Brandon Hogan in the end zone, as he dragged a foot.

- QB Geno Smith and the offense weren't on the same page for most of the first half. The first drive was nice, but the Mountaineers should have a bigger lead at half than 10-0. Smith wasn't bad; he did finish 20-of-27 for 216 yards.

- Heisman candidate Noel Devine was bottled up most of the game as Coastal focused on shutting him down. But he still finished with 111 yards on 23 carries and had a 4-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. Devine is going to be the focus of most defenses, so the Mountaineers need to figure out creative ways to get him the ball and use other weapons like Jock Sanders and Tavon Austin.

- The offensive line remains a question mark, much like last season. This unit played a lot together last year and expectations are they have finally gelled as a group. Instead the Chanticleers blitzed and stunted its way through the line and made a number of tackles for loss.

- Special teams were a major improvement over last year. Tyler Bitancurt is a reliable field goal kicker, and the coverage teams far exceeded what many Mountaineer fans have come to expect.

- Stewart isn't on the hot seat, but he knows his every move is being second guessed by every fan, reporter, etc. OC Jeff Mullen is in a similar position. Despite some of the shortcomings of the offense, it's too early to evaluate either coach's performance.

WVU did just what it wanted to heading into the Marshall game. The Mountaineers showed just enough that the Herd coaching staff has a few things to prepare for, but not too much therefore leaving West Virginia with a few tricks in the bag. Problem is, Marshall didn't show too much in an embarrassing loss at Ohio State Thursday.

So Friday night could be interesting.

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At first I thought having Bob Huggins, a basketball coach, be the one to introduce WVU's Nike Pro Combat uniform was an odd choice. But after watching him, even though I wish he didn't have to read right from the script, that he has become the face of the athletic department.

Now Nike needs to develop a Huggs apparel line for coaches.

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This is my third season of picking games against the spread. This year I'll be using the Las Vegas Hilton odds.

I'm far from being an expert, but I've had a winning record each season (37-34 last year) and I try to challenge myself with the games I select.

Here's hoping for an even better run in 2010.

Northwestern (-4.5) over Vanderbilt

This is a home game for Vanderbilt, but it's not enough to claim the title of best academic football team in a BCS conference. The Commodores are easily the worst team in the nation's best conference, while the Wildcats are a middle of the pack team in the Big Ten.

Northwestern has some question marks, most notably how Dan Persa steps in at quarterback. An easy victory here helps the Wildcats reach bowl eligible status (could this team really make it three in a row?).

The Commodores have an emotional edge with Robbie Caldwell, a late-replacement at coach following Bobby Johnson's late exit this summer. Vandy has a few quality pieces, but the depth just isn't there.

Pick: Northwestern 32, Vanderbilt 20

Syracuse (-9.0) over Akron

It's Year 2 of the Doug Marrone regime and the intense and organized coach is looking forward to getting off on the right foot. In the future he hopes to have the Orange back at a level where they don't even have to consider a road game at Akron.

But the Orange, led by an improved defense and quarterback Ryan Nassib, should take care of business on the road at a non-BCS program (unlike Pitt).

The Zips are consider Mid-American Conference cellar dwellers, but Akron does return nine on defense so if that unit can fluster Nassib and the Orange this game could be close.

Pick: Syracuse 27, Akron 9

Missouri (-11.0) over Illinois

Picking this one straight up is easy. Mizzou has Illinois the past three years. But give the 11 points and still go with the Tigers.

Missouri has one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, which is led by superstud QB Blaine Gabbert. He hopes to make Wes Kemp is main target this fall as the Tigers try to stay near the top half of the Big 12.

For Illinois, this is probably the beginning of the end for Ron Zook, who has had just one winning season since arriving in Champaign six years ago. The Fighting Illini will probably score some points, though, as the Tigers defense is not expected to be too solid in 2010.

Pick: Missouri 55, Illinois 33

Washington (+2.5) over BYU

Picking upsets are never easy, but this week you get two for the price of one. I didn't make this the Upset Special because it doesn't feel like much of one by going with Washington.

The Huskies have a lot to prove this season and a win over the Cougars in Provo is a great way to start the run toward a bowl game. It won't be easy for Coach Steve Sarkisian and future first-round pick Jake Locker.

BYU has a lot of holes to fill this season, so it looks like more of a rebuilding year than a season where the Cougars knock off BCS foes. But this is a home game and better teams have suffered in the high altitude to BYU.

Pick: Washington 24, BYU 21

Upset of the Week
Louisville (+3.0) over Kentucky

I'll probably kick myself for this pick later on Saturday, but in the battle of first-year coaches you have to like Charlie Strong's chances.

Louisville is in serious rebuilding mode after suffering through the Steve Kragthorpe years, but this is a bigger rivalry game than most give it credit for. The Cardinals would love nothing more than to spoil the start of the Joker Phillips' era at UK.

The Wildcats have a strong offense, but the defense is suspect. Is that enough of an opening for Louisville? It should be enough in the first week of the season.

Pick: Louisville 22, Kentucky 21

Last week: 0-0
Season Record: 0-0
Career Record: 69-61

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I'll need some time before I can truly evaluate West Virginia's Nike Pro Combat uniform that will be worn on Nov. 26 in the Pitt game. But my initial impression: SWEEEEEET!!!! Finally found a bigger image. Click here to see them all.

(Editor's note: Did you notice how WVU basketball coach Bob Huggins didn't seem that interested in presenting WVU's unis? And Ohio State brought out Debbie Downer to talk about WWII)

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I'm always looking for interesting and informative analysis on West Virginia and the Big East. Over at a newer site, TheSignalCaller.com, is former WVU and Glenville State quarterback Jed Drenning. He had a great career with the Pioneers and has spent some time coaching. He provides solid information on the upcoming Big East season, and his site is worth keeping an eye on if you are a Mountaineer fan.

For those of you who don't know Drenning, he's a big proponent of the spread offense and he's a big fan of Rich Rodriguez and Jimbo Fisher. no comments

One day, Marshall will finally get it. But thanks to West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (a WVU grad no less) the Thundering Herd football program and the 38 or so fans think WVU should schedule a home-and-home for eternity.

While the Mountaineers have dominated the series--winning all nine meetings--Marshall claims West Virginia is ducking the Herd. In reality, playing Marshall every year damages the Mountaineers non-conference schedule rating.

The diatribe has begun again. Marshall AD Mike Hambrick is already pressuring new Mountaineer AD Oliver Luck about extending the current deal past 2012. Fortunately for WVU Luck is a smart guy and he's not about to cave to Hambrick's demands (plus most WVU fans would never forgive him).

I personally don't mind playing Marshall every year. It's nice to know there's a guaranteed victory on the schedule. But the series needs to continue as is: 2-for-1 agreement.

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With West Virginia football making news for all of the wrong reasons lately, it's time to put the focus back on the field and look at the upcoming season.

The Mountaineers have a few cupcakes, some nice rivals and a handful of games that will truly define the season.

So let's look at the 2010 opponents and offer a power ranking of that schedule.

No. 12: vs. Coastal Carolina (Sept. 4)

WVU is supposed to win this game and Coastal Carolina is coming to Morgantown for a payday. But we've all seen how these small schools love to sneak up on the big boys. The Chanticleers went 5-6 last year, so that big upset at WVU doesn't look so promising.

QB Zach MacDowall started his career at Wake Forest and played in every game last year.

It's Coastal Carolina, that's enough analysis of this game.

Series record: 0-0

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