Our Question and Answer session with someone from “the other side” is back this week, with Jerry McGhee of Blue Gold Sports. Jerry is an expert on all things West Virginia. Follow him on Twitter @TheDeuceWVU
Whisenant: West Virginia beat Texas in Austin last season, and its gone down hill from that point on. What happened?
McGhee: That’s a good question. Some will say that attitude was the overall problem with the team. You sent some guys to the league, which hasn’t really happened at WVU before. Add the hype of the team and the entering of the Big 12, I think they felt untouchable. Others will say talent and recruiting is a big problem, which is also true. WVU hasn’t have the depth and talent that other Big 12 have, plus in recent years, they’ve kept the numbers low… not sure why, but Dana is bringing those back up.
Whisenant: Who has replaced Tavon Austin as the “do everything” guy(s)?
McGhee: Nobody. WVU doesn’t have and likely will never have a player like Tavon Austin.
Whisenant: The defense has improved from last year. How will WVU try to shut down the run game and make Case McCoy throw?
McGhee: Traditionally, WVU has a very good run defense. The defense at times has looked good, other times they’ve looked bad. With the lack of offense, they spend a lot of time on the field. I’d look for WVU bring the linebackers down and try to stop the run, while mixing in some blitz to rattle McCoy. Morgantown at high can be pretty loud.. they need to get to McCoy early and often.
Whisenant: Who are the players Texas fans need to worry about headed into the game?
McGhee: You have to start with Charles Sims. He’s the workhorse that does everything and always gives max effort on every place. I’d like to have 22 of that guy.
Whisenant: Many Texas fans are making the trip to Morgantown. Recommendations?
McGhee: Once you get in Morgantown you can get anything you want when it comes to food. If I was coming in from out of town, I would just take in the atmosphere and enjoy the tailgating with the fans. Tailgating at WVU is probably a lot like Texas, and we have that in common. But I would sit down with a fan and have a cold own and enjoy some Saturday night football.
Whisenant: Give me your thoughts on Mack Brown and if it is time for him to go?
McGhee: I’ve thought for a long time that Mack Brown was overrated. Some in Texas may disagree, but that’s cool because I don’t live there. I think he probably needs to go and change things, but if he wins out and wins a BCS game, how do you get rid of him?
Whisenant: Where do you feel WVU can best attack the Texas Defense?
McGhee: The WVU offense isn’t what it was last year and they’re not much better this year, in fact, its much worse. WVU needs to find balance in the run and short game. Swing passes, screens, whatever.. they need balance. If they can’t find it, long night for WVU.
Whisenant: WVU has experience with Greg Robinson from his Syracuse days, and he has made UT a top 20 defense since his arrival. How much does he and what he can do concern you against Holgorsen’s offense?
McGhee: From what I’ve seen from Robinson, he made things much easier for the players to understand. He puts his players in the right spot and in a position to make a play on the football. If you look at Bill Snyder and KSU, they do it the same way. Very basic on defense and usually have a solid defense. Texas has a ton of speed and talent as always. The size upfront is a concern for WVU as well as speed at linebacker.
It’s a real challenge for Dana Holgorsen to come up with a gameplan.
Whisenant: Which Texas players concern you the most going into the game?
McGhee: Davis, Thompson, Hicks, Diggs, Shipley, Gray, Brown.. I could go on and on. Texas is just a overall talented football team on all three sides of the ball.
Whisenant: During the Longhorns five game win streak, how many of those wins, in your opinion, are tied to the poor level of quarterback play the Horns have seen?
McGhee: Oh wow. I’m not sure it mattered. In the end, good football teams find a way to win football games. I wonder what Texas would be if Robinson was the coach from the start? I know if I was a coach at Texas, I would run the ball 60 times a game, if not more.
Whisenant: Give us a score prediction.
McGhee: Hmmm.. Night game in Morgantown can be a special place… and history has shown the Mountaineers do well in these games.
Texas 31
WVU 17
