Football Notebook
October 17, 2008 10:16 AM | General
October 17, 2008
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The open week couldn’t have come at a better time for West Virginia, says Coach Bill Stewart. A series of physical games against Rutgers and Syracuse has left a long line of players visiting the training room this week.
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| WVU athletic trainers Dave Kerns and Tony Corley help quarterback Pat White off the field during the Rutgers game two weeks ago.
AP photo |
According to Stewart, most if not all of the walking wounded will be ready to go for Auburn next Thursday night. The possible exceptions are backup offensive guard Josh Jenkins, who left the Rutgers game late with a knee injury, and Pat Liebig, who is still suffering the effects of a concussion sustained against Colorado.
“I don’t know if Josh Jenkins will be read for Auburn but he’ll be close,” Stewart said. “Pat White is doing well. He doesn’t have any headaches and he’s bouncing around like his normal self. He just keeps tugging on my shirt because he wants to play and practice.”
White was a late scratch for last Saturday’s Syracuse game after suffering a blow to the head against Rutgers. The senior has battled a variety of ailments this year and having an extra 12 days to heal has been a blessing.
White’s backup Jarrett Brown has also been dealing with injuries. Stewart estimated Brown was about “60 percent” against Syracuse with a shoulder injury and a deep thigh bruise, which is why the coaches decided to limit the offensive package. Brown, who also doubles as the team’s third-down back taking snaps out of the shotgun, is also welcoming the extra time off.
“Jarrett Brown on Sunday couldn’t pick his arm up past his shoulder,” Stewart said. “He’s dinged up and he’s dinged up pretty bad. But he’s going to be OK.”
West Virginia (4-2) is going to have to be at full strength to face a talented Auburn team with its back against the wall. The Tigers have a surprising 4-3 record with losses coming against LSU, Vanderbilt and Arkansas. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville opted to replace his offensive coordinator three days before the Arkansas game and he is now considering lifting the redshirt off of true freshman quarterback Barrett Trotter.
However, Auburn’s defense still remains stout with one of the best front fours West Virginia will face this year. Auburn heads into Thursday night’s game giving up just 107.9 yards per game on the ground.
“It’s a great opponent coming in here,” said Stewart. “They have stumbled like we have stumbled but I’ll tell you, they have a great football team.”
Briefly:
“Sometimes we can use that as fuel and as energy to bring this team to where it needs to be. A lot of times you sense from the fans that we are 1-5, but a lot of people don’t realize that we just went on a three-game winning streak,” Jalloh said. “No matter if we win the game, 3-2, I think everyone should be happy that we came out victorious, no matter what the outcome, how the game is played out. I think they should be behind us no matter what.
“We have the greatest fans in the world and I appreciate them every time they come out to the field and support us, and I know that they will be out there with us on Thursday night, against Auburn, without a doubt,” Jalloh said.
He continued.
“They should know that we have gone through trials and tribulations this year, which we already have seen so far, but I also think they should know that we’re on the rise right now. We’re a family inside this stadium but when we step on the field, we’re all family-we’re all wearing the old Gold and Blue.”
“In the nation, everyone might say that because these two teams aren’t ranked anymore then this game isn’t as big as it should be. To us, it’s a big game,” Ford said. “To Auburn it’s big. It’s the Big East vs. the SEC – it can’t get much better than that.”
“They have some guys that are going to try to go man-to-man against us, going to take shots down field and as receivers; we just have to win those man-on-man matches,” Arnett explained.
With White back in the lineup, Arnett expects West Virginia to take some shots down field.
“That’s exciting because as a receiver, you want to go out and make big plays. It isn’t just about you but you want to help the team as much as possible,” he said.
“It’s a home-state school and I grew up hearing about it almost every day, whether it was baseball, basketball or football season,” White said.
So, what does he think about them?
“They are very athletic and they have big, strong guys up front,” White remarked.
“I’m trying to get better each week,” he said. “Having a game like Syracuse and getting the chance to go out there and play a little bit was a big confidence booster for me. I just hope I can keep it going.
“In high school, you run around and chase the ball basically. In college, there are a lot of different things that go into it and you have to know your role on each play,” Sowers added. “Sometimes you get caught up with knowing your role but you have to remember that it’s still football and you still have to make the tackle. I had a little trouble with that at first but I’ve kept going and I’m playing football and making the tackle. That’s why you are out there and that is when it’s fun.”
“It’s a different game and it takes the human element out of the game,” Stewart noted. “I don’t know how many coaches are for it, but we’re not getting playing time and it’s hard to get into a rhythm. The 40-second clock, I guess, is to pay bills and it’s not my call. It’s a faster game and you’re losing plays.”
Yes, about seven fewer plays per game so far.
