Three Points: Gold-Blue Game

I. Uneventful: Even in the mundane world of spring football, this year’s Gold-Blue game was pretty uneventful. On a picture-perfect, clear, 80 degree day in Morgantown, about 22,000 fans showed up. But they didn’t see a lot of of the offense or defense. Plays were generally run well and execution was there, but nothing truly exciting to the casual fan. No kickoffs, punts, or returns. The offense was put into several different situationals, without a running clock. A modified system was used that was rather confusing, but awarded the offense for regular scoring as well as first downs, while scoring the defense for making stops and getting turnovers. In the end, the scoreboard showed Gold 65, Blue 15. The offense ran many plays long recognizable to Mountaineer fans (the bubble screen, the zone read, the stretch play) but did make a concerted effort to pass the ball more. Quarterbacks donned black jerseys and were ruled down at touch, which also quelled the excitement as Pat White and Jarrett Brown probably could have broken a few running plays, both designed and broken plays, but the plays were blown dead as soon as they were touched. There were also many times when the offense was started deep at the 20, 10 or even the 3-yard line and given the opportunity to score from there, which made the score even more lop-sided. The special teams were given several opportunities in which the offense would run a play, then a clock would run as the field goal team had to rush on the field and set and get the kick off before time expired. Pat McAfee hit 4 field goals while backup kicker Chris Glenn went 1-of-2 and third-stringer Ben Rios added one.

II. Bradley Starks: Starks is just another weapon in the offensive skill positions. He is a taller, leaner version of Brandon Hogan, and lined up both inside and outside. Lots of moves and quickness. The depth of speed at receiver is unbelievable, but the main concern will be who can actually catch the ball as there were a couple drops today. Redshirt freshman Kendall Washington (6′2″, 193 - Canton, Ohio) looked impressive with the second-team, hauling in a bomb from Jarrett Brown and having another wide-open opportunity killed by defensive pass interference, maybe he will crack into the lineup in the fall.

III. Defense: The defense looked pretty good despite the lopsided score. The only long scoring drive given up by the defense was allowed by the third-teamers. Linebacker Pat Lazear had a beautiful goal-line interception of a Pat White pass. It was not a well-thrown ball by White, who was scrambling and in a live game situation probably would have tucked the ball and never thrown the pass. Nonetheless, Lazear’s diving interception was a thing of beauty. Walk-on Najee Goode was all over the field for the third team defense, so he’s another player who may have a shot to move up the depth chart. Nate Sowers looked very comfortable on defense playing one of the safety spots and had a couple strong hits. Sidney Glover was another name called quite a bit from the safety position. I think the secondary will be just fine, as I was also impressed with Kent Richardson, Ellis Lankster and former RB Eddie Davis as well, and a wild card to watch for in the cornerback mix is redshirt freshman Keith Tandy.

Extra Point - Noel Devine: He showed every sign of being prepared for a monster 2008 campaign. He had limited carry, but broke a simple trap play up the middle for over 20 yards. His feet looked even quicker than I remember, maybe I’m just not remembering that well though.

Tags: Bradley Starks, defense, Noel Devine, Pat White, spring football