MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – It’s been a lengthy 30 days since West Virginia’s Tyler Bitancurt connected on a game-winning field goal against USF at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Despite the mundane delay, the Mountaineers have been taking advantage of the extra practice they get between the last game of the regular season and Wednesday’s Discover Orange Bowl.

While the experienced players can also benefit from extra repetitions, it’s been a crucial month for players in all levels of the program. Players like quarterback Paul Millard, offensive tackle Marquis Lucas and defensive end Kyle Rose are among a few Mountaineers putting in the time to help mold the future of West Virginia football.

“When I came here last spring, my goal was to try and get some playing time,” said Millard before yesterday’s practice at Barry University. “I was fortunate enough to get some time as the No. 2 quarterback and play in front of our great fans at Mountaineer Field.

“But this is a good time with the extra reps to try and take advantage of my development as a quarterback. There is so much to learn in this game and so much room to grow for everyone.”

That learning curve continued at the conclusion of final exams earlier this month where the Mountaineers had an open schedule to concentrate of football.

“It’s been good to take reps with our two-deep guys, and with guys in my class who I’ll be playing with down the line,” shared Millard, a Flower Mound, Texas, native. “Back in Morgantown, we were able to get some work in with guys like KJ Myers, Connor Arlia and Dante Campbell.

“The actual team reps with them were an important step in the program’s development before coming to Miami and focusing strictly on Clemson.”

Aiding in that development has been quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital.

“We had 10 practices back home and Paul probably had 75 percent of the snaps,” said Spavital. “He’s doing all the things necessary to become a better quarterback through these extra practices. His reps will be cut down this week but he’s benefited tremendously.”

For Lucas, a Miami native, his rookie campaign has been much different than Millards.

“I wasn’t happy at first when I learned of it,” said Lucas of being redshirted, a common occurrence for linemen. “Then I realized the positives of it and saw how fast the college game was. This redshirt year has been good for me to learn to play against guys my height and my size, and with a complicated playbook.”

Lucas’ development has come under the guidance of offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh, who understands the importance of extending a season with bowl preparations.

“It’s huge for so many people, including the guys that spend the majority of the year on scout team,” offered Bedenbaugh. “The extra reps from making a bowl game give everyone a chance to perform in situations that normally just our first- and second-teamers get.”

Lucas, like many of his teammates, has enjoyed the recent challenges presented to him.

“Before Christmas break, the coaches gave us young guys the opportunity to show what we had,” said Lucas. “We took a lot of reps and were exposed to what spring practice is gonna be like next year. It was exciting to get a little more involved.”

And while Lucas won’t be making an appearance in Sun Life Stadium against Clemson next week, his work to this point has not gone unnoticed by his coach.

“He’s improved a lot in just one semester on campus for us,” explained Bedenbaugh. “He’s improved his body and really worked hard back in Morgantown before the holiday. And hopefully that momentum will carry over into a productive spring.”

Similar to Lucas, yet lining up across from him, Rose has had a productive first season as a defensive end.

“I think I’ve done a pretty good job in making the transition (to college football),” said Rose, a Centerville, Ohio, native. “You first get here and become shell-shocked at the size of the players and speed of the game. But the game slows down a bit and you become more and more comfortable each week.

“Right now, I feel good about my progress and what I’ve contributed to this team.”

Rose was penciled in along West Virginia’s two-deep earlier this season, but has yet to see game action. He too will redshirt and is using bowl preparations as a chance to showcase his skill set to the coaching staff.

“I’ve really focused on doing everything I can to contribute to the team in whatever way possible,” said Rose. “For me, that will come next year and I’m okay with that. Right now, I am helping prepare my teammates to face Clemson, and using this bowl trip as a springboard into a strong spring season.”

Bitancurt’s kick to begin the month gave the Mountaineers another Big East championship title. But more importantly, it extending West Virginia’s season, allowing the Mountaineers to invest in their future.