College Football 2008
Let the Bill Stewart Era Begin
By Adam Ripple

The West Virginia Mountaineers lost only two games last season with the second loss to Pitt knocking them out of National Championship contention. New head coach, Bill Stewart is already 1-0 at WVU after a victory over Oklahoma in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl as interim head coach. He will look to continue that winning trend in 2008.

Bill Stewart, West Virginia's new head football coach, made it very clear that for his team to have success in 2008, that his players must stay healthy.

"The guys that can make catches and put the ball in the end zone must stay healthy," said Stewart.

Stewart also stated the obvious in the fact that they must "spread the wealth."

"We must get the ball in someone else's hands other than number 5," according to Stewart.

With that being said, Stewart will look to a wide receiving core that must make big plays for teams not to put nine men in the box to stop Patrick White.

The Mountaineers will try to develop a number of playmakers to accompany White. Wes Lyons and Tito Gonzales will be two wide-outs that could be game-breakers for the Mountaineers.

Will Johnson, full back, will also be an option for White, who will be the likely candidate to replace Owen Schmidt.

West Virginia returns all five starting offensive linemen to protect White, and lead-block for Noel Devine, the man that must fill the large shoes left behind by Steve Slaton.

West Virginia will also monitor a number of freshmen, who could immediately jump in and play significant roles on defense.

Donovan Miles at linebacker is one freshmen that Stewart is already impressed with.

"He is a heat-seeking missal, who gets there fast, and is one of the nicest youngsters who I've recruited in 30 years," said Stewart.

That defense that Miles will be playing for is run by Jeff Casteel, who Stewart feels is "the best kept secret around."

The Mountaineers bring nearly a completely new coaching staff to Morgantown this season, but Stewart feels that transition period has been very successful.

"These players are saying these guys, (the coaches) are pretty special," said Stewart.

"There is a great excitement between both the coaches and players."

The changes that went on last season were "a life changing event," according to Stewart, talking about the departure of former coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan. At the same time, Stewart believes things are finally back to normal with the players.

Stewart has invoked a very simple philosophy on his players, which he "stole" from Earl Blake of Army.

"B + T x H2 = V."

What that translates to is, blocking plus tackling times hitting and hustle equals victory.

He also added that the players and coaches must have fun more than anything because ultimately it is just a game.

The Mountaineers will also change the way they practice in the off-season. West Virginia is implementing both an NFL and a college style camp.

Stewart said, "It is very unique, and I know our players are going to love it."

West Virginia will win the Big East if…

The Mountaineers averaged nearly 40 points per game in 2007 and will need those same numbers in 2008 if they look to be in BCS title contention. On offense, the team will look to senior Pat White and sophomore Noel Devine to carry much of the load.

West Virginia will not succeed if…

In 2007 the Mountaineers gave up nearly 113 yards per game rushing. If they can't stop opposing running backs from having big games, it could be trouble for the Mountaineers. Without Steve Slaton, the team must find a go to running back and find some wide receivers to make big plays.