The West Virginia side of things with EERS Authority

HS:  We last talked with you guys before the team had played a down in the new conference.  How does Mountaineer nation feel about the team playing in the Big 12 now?

EA:  I think the answer to the question a couple months ago was Mountaineer fans were relieved. I think they were relieved to be out of the Big East and into a conference more reputable. Today, I’d classify the feeling as excited.  Being in Morgantown for the inaugural Big 12 game last week against Baylor the temperature was different – a different buzz and excitement to be in the conference.

HS:  If you are Dana Holgorsen, what concerns do you have about this Texas team?

EA:  Well, that they’re really good.  This is arguably WVU’s toughest road game ever. I think Texas has the perfect combination of speed, athleticism and talent.

HS:  While Geno Smith gets the majority of the hype on the team, the West Virginia wide receivers are in a class of their own as well.  Who are the assets at receiver that Texas needs to be cognizant of and why?

EA:  I made the comment after the Baylor game that it’s not often a wide receiver catches 13 passes for 200+ yards and 2 touchdowns and be the 3rd best wideout on the field. But that’s exactly what happened to Tavon Austin after last week. The Mountaineers have a trio of front-line receivers in Austin, Stedman Bailey and J.D. Woods. Austin is known for speed in the slot, Bailey for route-running and being a deep threat and Woods for his excellent hands.

HS:  West Virginia’s starting running back Shawne Alston has missed the last few games  with an injury.  Is Alston expected to be good to go against Texas?

EA:  We’ve heard mixed reports on Alston. One source has told us that if Alston is available he’ll be “extremely limited.” That’s a definite concern for the Mountaineers. That leave Andrew Buie and Dustin Garrison (who’s still recovering from knee surgery) and the only experienced backs.

HS:  We know the WVU offense can sling it, but how’s the Mountaineer defense?

EA:  The WVU defense is a concern. Those inside the program will tell you the 63 points they surrendered to Baylor isn’t necessarily indicative of the defense. However, the truth is there are a lot of question marks on that side of the ball. It’s a defense with a new scheme, new starters and several true freshmen. I think the attitude of the defense is to stay in games, create a few turnovers, and give the offense a chance in the end.

HS:  Under what circumstances will Geno Smith NOT win the Heisman?

EA:  The only way I see Geno Smith not winning the Heisman is for West Virginia to lose multiple games. His numbers are already worthy, and I wouldn’t expect him to slow down anytime soon. With the weapons surrounding him, and an offense tailored to putting up numbers, Geno should continue to roll.

HS:  Let’s hear your score prediction for the game this weekend.

EA:  This is the game WVU has long awaited.  A game where, quite frankly, the team and the season can be legitimized with a win.  However, going on the road, at night, in Austin, isn’t going to be easy.  I think WVU will score points. And I actually feel the defense will perform better than last week against Baylor. But will it be enough? I think it will be. I think this is a West Virginia team determined to prove their worth. I expect Geno Smith to have another top performance to lead WVU to a 43-38 win.