Know Thy Enemy: WVU

As the Bulls prepare for the final game of the season, there are a lot of questions they face as they take the field for what could be the last time this season. WVU is a powerful team loaded with weapons all over the field, but yet, despite all of our research, there are still questions that remain about the WVU team. To get a better understanding of what the Bulls are facing, I asked our good friend Jim over at www.HailWV.com for his take on the WVU team and what they bring to the field.

1. Jeff Casteel is still the defensive coordinator for WVU and we all know he continues to use the 3-3-5 defense. How is this defense used and how does it compare to the 3-4 defense that continues to be a favorite around the country?

The 3-3-5 allows more speed and athletes to get on the field at one. It also brings an additional man on the backside which you might not have in another defense. In the past WVU has had experience at linebacker and speed aswell, but these guys are young and are now getting the system.

2. Holgorsen likes the passing game, there is no question about that. Geno Smith is putting up video game numbers and the wide receivers are all dangerous. But what kind of passes does he like to call the most? Does he rely on the quick bubble screens more, go to quick slants, etc? How has Geno Smith progressed this season under the new playcalling of Holgorsen?

To be honest it's still a work in progress. Geno has done a fine job of picking the system up, but as Coach Holgorsen has said, there is room to improve. Geno is the type of player that it doesn't matter the call or coverage, he can hit it in between guys. The throw he made earlier in the season at Maryland was amazing. I don't think he has a favorite throw, he can hit them all.

3. The Mountaineers are no longer the run happy team they have been over the past few years, so what can we expect from the running game of the Mountaineers?

The Mountaineers are not the zone read team they used to be. However Geno did run a zone read last night in the win over Pitt. All of our backs are young with the exception of Shawne Alston. WVU will run the ball to set the pass up, and pass to set up the run. It's a constant mind game for defenses. Do you take away the run and have Geno beat you? Do you take away the pass and make a back back you?

4. WVU is full of speed on defense. Aside from Bruce Irvin on the front line, how do they create such great pressure and how will they try to contain B.J. Daniels (if healthy to play)?

I think you will see something like you saw last season in Morgantown. WVU had (then Senior) JT Thomas to spy B.J. the entire game and it worked. I could see that plan coming into Thursday night. With our defensive line, Bruce Irvin demands so much attention it allows opportunities for guys like Miller, Taylor.

5. We have talked before if WVU fans saw USF as a "rival" or a team that they not look over. After the emotional win over Pitt in the Brawl, how are fans viewing this game with USF? Do they see USF as a beat down in the making or do they remember the past troubles they have had on the road in Tampa over the years and are a bit worried in this game?

USF has done very well against WVU in the past. With the University of Cincinnati winning on Saturday, this game is even bigger for the Mountaineers. It would be foolish to overlook or think this is a "beat down" game, these never are. From the fans view, they want Cincinnati to beat UCONN next week, and WVU to win on Thursday. If WVU doesn't take care of business this week, the other games won't matter.

Once again, thank you Jim for taking the time to answer our questions on WVU. With the Mountaineers headed to the Big 12, this might be the last time we ever get to ask these questions! Best of luck to both teams, may the best Bulls win.