Jenn Menendez's West Virginia chat transcript: 11.8.12
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Jenn Menendez: Welcome. The queue is open for those of you who would like to leave questions. We'll get started at 2 p.m.
Jenn Menendez: Well let's get started. Glad to have ya.
WVUfan: Sounds like WVU may catch Oklahoma State with some QB issues. Who's starting? Wes Lunt or Clint Chelf?
Jenn Menendez: Coach Mike Gundy said earlier this week that he expects both to split practice time this week and won't name a starter. He's not a guy that tips his hand much so I doubt it will be clear who starts until warm-ups on Saturday.
DefensiveWins: Just me or did this defense look better against TCU? The coverage seemed tighter but maybe TCU just isn't one of the better offenses?
Jenn Menendez: I'd agree with you, yes they looked better. Forced nine punts, six 3-and-outs, a couple of fumbles recovered and a goal line interception. Certainly they will have a much taller task at Oklahoma State on Saturday but could be aided by the fact the offense will look so familiar. Much has been made of the fact Dana Holgorsen installed the offense there, so maybe these guys take some confidence into the game?
Jenn Menendez: Let's not forget the late gaffe that went 94-yards .... but compared to where this defense had been, yes they looked better.
DeForestation: Why did DeForest like being up in the press box?
Jenn Menendez: He said after the game that it was calmer up there, that he was calmer and felt he could see the field better. That certainly makes sense. There's a lot going on during the middle of a game. Said in his 23 or 24 years in coaching he'd never been up there but doesn't think he'll ever leave.
Andrew: Jenn, the WVU student email system is down...any chance it's because it wasn't built to withstand 3 consecutive football losses?
Jenn Menendez: Well sources tell me you are onto something. Kidding of course, but three losses isn't much fun for anybody is it?
Andrew: What is Geno's draft status looking like after the last 3 games? Top 10?
Jenn Menendez: Good question. The fundamentals are still there for the most part so I would imagine analysts will see he's in a bit of a slump that has a lot to do with his receivers and the whole operation too. He's probably dropped, but not by a ton yet so you're probably in the ballpark. We'll see of course...
Andrew: Top 10 QB's I should've said, no chance he is top 10 overall
Jenn Menendez: Well I wouldn't say no chance. Saw a few mock drafts pop up recently where he's still projected to go very high.
Andrew: Also, what seems to be the issue with Stedman Bailey lately?
Jenn Menendez: Bailey has not been made available to the media for at least 10 days now...didn't see him this past Tuesday, nor after the TCU game. So unfortunately all I can tell you is what I hear from teammates and that is that his injury is getting better and his production/ability would help. Dana Holgorsen said Ivan McCartney started over him last week because of how they both practiced.
Creepin: So far, what do you think Coach Holgerson will take away from this season, and try to improve on next year?
Jenn Menendez: How important depth is. I think he already knows depth has been a major problem. He talked about how important it would be in the Big 12 many, many times this summer and preseason but I'm not sure people actually heard him until 12 freshmen finally cracked the lineup. Beyond that I wouldn't speculate on what he takes away from the season since there are still four games to be played. As you know things could get a little better, or could get bad.
WVU Still Better ThanPitt: I know this is getting a little away from WVU football, but is there a team on this planet that can take down 'Bama? Oregon or K-State in the national championship maybe?
Jenn Menendez: Certainly. I think Kansas State is as quietly a well rounded a team as there is out there. Of course the mystery of Colin Klein's injury could change their status in a hurry, but if the guy is healthy I'd say K-State.
DeForestation: Will he have a choice?
Jenn Menendez: Sorry didn't see your follow up. I'd say no, he probably doesn't. It was Holgorsen's idea it looks like it legitimately helped
WVU Still Better ThanPitt: Tavon Austin or De'Anthony Thomas (Oregon) for your best athlete in college football...or am I leaving someone out (maybe Colin Klein)?
Jenn Menendez: Very tough question. Tavon has some really incredible speed and ability to make players miss. Klein doesn't look pretty out there all the time but has those intangibles that are so difficult to find. And Thomas is certainly a talent....I don't know that I can answer this one.
Andrew: OK State's offense looks a lot like WVU's and Texas Tech's offense...how's their defense look for this week's matchup?
Jenn Menendez: Haven't heard as much about their defense, but they have some talented DB's that will pose some tough match-ups for the receivers. They don't allow nearly as many points as WVU has, but don't have too many guady stats. If the WVU offense can get some rhythm back, this game is within reach.
Jenn Menendez: OK, well thanks for joining me today. See you next week.
First Published November 8, 2012 2:49 pm
