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Jenn Menendez's WVU football chat transcript: 9.6.12
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danks: Over/Under...Geno 6 TDs vs JMU.
Jenn Menendez: I'll go with the over. Threw four against Marshall, ran one in, and I think we can all agree that was the best performance of Geno Smith's career. Arguably the Orange Bowl was as good because it was on the national stage, but all eyes were on this offense to open the season and I have to imagine he's one confident guy right now getting ready for JMU.
Dave O: Marshall put up alot of yards in their lopsided loss to WVU. Anything being done to address that before we get into the better teams in a couple of week?
Jenn Menendez: The defensive staff talked a lot about this team spending time on some basics - like tackling. it sounded like they planned to run some scrimmages this week and practice on that side of the ball. I would also imagine we will see far more blitzing as the season wares on.
TheDude: So do you see WVU being a national title contender?
Jenn Menendez: I'm not huge fan of predictions this early. Boring, I know. But that said, if this team gets to Texas on Oct. 6 with a 4-0 record, andthe defense has come along even a little bit I would say yes, that is not out of the realm of possibility. But let's face it, the critical match-ups are down the pike here a bit.
Lance: So, are we finally done waisting time with the Marshall game?
Jenn Menendez: I'm guessing you mean in the future. Sounds like the administration is not a fan of rescheduling this game over some better rivals like Pitt, Maryland, other teams that make geographic sense and bring a little more to strength of schedule.
Jenn Menendez: As an added point. I know Marshall gets the largest allotment of tickets which cuts into the team's season ticket selling ability.
TheDude: True or False: Garrison will redshirt.
Jenn Menendez: As of today, I say false. Spoke with running backs coach Robert Gillespie on Tuesday and while he said nothing more definitive than he had on the subject I just got the feeling things might've taken a turn for the better. Now I could obviously be wrong, but something tells me we see him.
Nicky the Greek: Odds on Garrison & Childress red shirting this season?
Jenn Menendez: On Childress, yes, he'll redshirt. According to Holgorsen that decision was pretty much made already going into preseason. Garrison, again, just a feeling, but I'd say 60-40 that he doesn't redshirt.
NotTheMickeyF: Do you see J.D. Woods playing a larger role in the offense as teams scheme to stop Tavon Austin.
Jenn Menendez: Absolutely. That's why I think his performance was so welcome for the team on Saturday. Seven catches, 75 yards....that's a good game. And certainly teams will double on Austin and Bailey at times, so having other weapons so to speak will be really important.
Jim: Could we really expect Pitt & MD to improve enough to help bolster the strength of schedule?
Jenn Menendez: Well they've both been competitive before, so I don't see why not. There's a big debate in college football right now on how you handle that non-conference schedule. Do you play for the easy win, do you bolster strength of schedule. I think there's a few things that need to play out still for it to become clear which direction a team will take.
EL Jefe: After week 1 is it safe to assume WVU is the king of northeastern football?
Jenn Menendez: Well, I like your style El Jefe, and I'll say this: they certainly made quite a case.
TheDude: Rumor has it that WVU is talking to both Pitt and Virginia Tech about renewing the Backyard Brawl and the Battle for the Black Diamond. What, if anything, have you heard?
Jenn Menendez: Last I spoke with Oliver Luck there had been no definitive movement on this. He did say he speaks with Steve Pederson (Pitt AD) fairly regularly but that he didn't expect any major movement on the issue for some time. As for Virginia Tech, don't know that, but can certainly look into it.
#CJK5H: I spoke to a representative from FedEx Field yesterday (he called me)... they're desperate to sell tix to the WVU/JMU game because the Redskins are on the hook for any losses... anyway, I told him if the opponent was higher-caliber, I'd make the trip. He told me that Virginia Tech was high on a lot of WVU fans lists to play, and he said, "turns out, Frank Beamer isn't real popular in Morgantown."
Jenn Menendez: Yeah, it sounds like there are a good amount of tickets left for that game. I saw someone post a link to a Groupon even on twitter today (I think it was Smoking Musket).
MacBrown: So any clue as to how my Longhorns stop WVU from scoring?
Jenn Menendez: Well I like your sense of humor, Mac. I'd say look at game tape from Syracuse last year, get to the quarterback and force him into quicker decisions.
JustWondering: Who is more valuable to the Eers... Alston or Buie?
Jenn Menendez: Ummm good question. They both bring something different to the table, but I have to go with Shawne Alston. I think he is just the kind of back that this team needed to emerge. He had quite a game on Saturday, and was really impressive with his sheer strength and will to pick up yards. Also it sounds like he is quite a leader in the locker room - which when you've got a lot of young bodies on the field has to be important. Guy calls himself "The Boss" and it's stuck.
defensveguru: Are B. Jenkins and Pat Miller really in danger of losing their starting jobs?
Jenn Menendez: I'd say anyone in this defense who doesn't consistently get the job done is in jeopardy of losing their starting jobs. Do I think it's imminent, no probably not. Holgorsen said something like if they don't pick it up they might lose their job to a freshmen. I suspect that is true. But I also suspect it was a little bit of a motivation tactic.
TheEERs#1Fan: Who has the most impact on the Mountaineers championship season: Isaiah Bruce, Karl Joseph or Ryan Clarke?
Jenn Menendez: I like how you throw "championship season" in there as fact. Judging by the game we just saw, I'm going to go with Bruce. I think he's just going to get better. He has really good instincts, and the coaching staff keeps talking about what a smart player and smart kid he is. But I think they'll be counted on for sure.
BossHoggg: Gotta love the work the O line did against hapless Marshall. Jeff Braun looks like a different kid and Josh Jenkins is a mauler. How good is this unit?
Jenn Menendez: Best game I've seen by them since, well, the Orange Bowl. And we all know the kind of points the offense can put up when they're on. The depth will really be the key as the season goes on and the tougher opponents come up, and by all accounts it sounds like they are more prepared for the rigors of a long, difficult season.
Geno "Prime Time" Smith: Can I count on I-Mac?
Jenn Menendez: Geno Smith - the real one that is - did mention after the game on Saturday that Ivan McCartney has been working really hard to get back on the field more regularly. I know the two go way back, but he seemed really sincere when he said it, which tells me that yes, you may be able to count on I-Mac this year.
Jenn Menendez: Well thanks guys, time to wrap up. Had some creative folks ask questions today. Thanks to you all for stopping by and chat with you again next week.
First Published September 6, 2012 3:53 pm
