Tony's Take - Questions Needing Answered
September 01, 2017 07:26 AM | Football, Tony's Take
Like you, I'm excited about Sunday's opener against Virginia Tech.
And, like you, I've got questions that I can't wait to be answered.
Here's what I want to know:
It's been nearly two years since Will Grier played in a real game. Does he pick up where he left off at Florida, or will it take a few weeks to find his game groove?
How will Tech quarterback Josh Jackson navigate WVU's unique odd-stack scheme? Will the son-of-a-coach dissect the unit or will he get Sam Bradforded? Bradford, who would go on to win the Heisman, was baffled by WVU's scheme as a freshman in a 48-28 loss to WVU in the Fiesta Bowl.
What benefit will former WVU defensive assistant Brian Mitchell provide to the Hokies' offensive staff? Mitchell knows how Mountaineer defensive coordinator Tony Gibson thinks. He also knows the ingredients to the secret sauce that allowed WVU to lead the Big 12 in scoring defense last season.
How will WVU's offensive attack change? New offensive coordinator Jake Spavital didn't return to play the role of a puppet. He's bringing new wrinkles from his stops at Texas A&M and California. Dana Holgorsen isn't just giving Jake the keys to the car; he's going to let him drive. The two share similar philosophies, but there will be changes.
How much will Justin Crawford improve? The talented running back went through a complete offseason conditioning program for the first time. He's stronger and his understanding of the WVU offense is light years ahead of last season when he arrived from junior college. The majority of his yards last season came in just three games. Can he be productive every weekend?
Will Kennedy McKoy's shoulder stay healthy? The Mountaineer staff has big plans for the versatile sophomore. Will he become the runner and slot receiving threat the Mountaineer offense badly needs?
Staying on the topic of receivers, the David Sills project returns. After a season playing quarterback in junior college, Sills returns as a committed wide receiver. WVU coaches are quietly giddy over what Sills brings to their attack. Will the former thrower become one of the season's top stories?
Will Dana Holgorsen's involvement and commitment to the punt return unit produce significant improvement? The head coach claims recent problems have been on WVU's blocking up front, which hasn't allowed for returns. If the Mountaineers are going to beat Tech and contend for the Big 12 title, the punt return must wake from its Rip Van Winkle slumber.
Will the defensive front be able to neutralize opposing offensive lines? It sounds real simple, but the game still comes down to one side imposing its will upon the other. Defensive line coach Bruce Tall will likely rotate multiple players up front. Will that work?
And lastly, I've already got the answer to this one. Will Dana Holgorsen's sideline demeanor become more relaxed? I really think the answer is yes. After six seasons on the job and a new contract, the 2017 Holgorsen will be more at ease. He's got his guy (Jake Spavital) calling the plays and complete trust in Tony Gibson's defense. Look for the Mountaineers coach to move into the CEO sideline role and those conversations with officials to be much more genteel.
I'll even go far enough to predict I'm taking the under at one on headset slam downs for the season.
It's time everybody. Let the questions be answered. Have a great weekend and enjoy the start of the 126th year of West Virginia football.
And, like you, I've got questions that I can't wait to be answered.
Here's what I want to know:
It's been nearly two years since Will Grier played in a real game. Does he pick up where he left off at Florida, or will it take a few weeks to find his game groove?
How will Tech quarterback Josh Jackson navigate WVU's unique odd-stack scheme? Will the son-of-a-coach dissect the unit or will he get Sam Bradforded? Bradford, who would go on to win the Heisman, was baffled by WVU's scheme as a freshman in a 48-28 loss to WVU in the Fiesta Bowl.
What benefit will former WVU defensive assistant Brian Mitchell provide to the Hokies' offensive staff? Mitchell knows how Mountaineer defensive coordinator Tony Gibson thinks. He also knows the ingredients to the secret sauce that allowed WVU to lead the Big 12 in scoring defense last season.
How will WVU's offensive attack change? New offensive coordinator Jake Spavital didn't return to play the role of a puppet. He's bringing new wrinkles from his stops at Texas A&M and California. Dana Holgorsen isn't just giving Jake the keys to the car; he's going to let him drive. The two share similar philosophies, but there will be changes.
How much will Justin Crawford improve? The talented running back went through a complete offseason conditioning program for the first time. He's stronger and his understanding of the WVU offense is light years ahead of last season when he arrived from junior college. The majority of his yards last season came in just three games. Can he be productive every weekend?
Will Kennedy McKoy's shoulder stay healthy? The Mountaineer staff has big plans for the versatile sophomore. Will he become the runner and slot receiving threat the Mountaineer offense badly needs?
Staying on the topic of receivers, the David Sills project returns. After a season playing quarterback in junior college, Sills returns as a committed wide receiver. WVU coaches are quietly giddy over what Sills brings to their attack. Will the former thrower become one of the season's top stories?
Will Dana Holgorsen's involvement and commitment to the punt return unit produce significant improvement? The head coach claims recent problems have been on WVU's blocking up front, which hasn't allowed for returns. If the Mountaineers are going to beat Tech and contend for the Big 12 title, the punt return must wake from its Rip Van Winkle slumber.
Will the defensive front be able to neutralize opposing offensive lines? It sounds real simple, but the game still comes down to one side imposing its will upon the other. Defensive line coach Bruce Tall will likely rotate multiple players up front. Will that work?
And lastly, I've already got the answer to this one. Will Dana Holgorsen's sideline demeanor become more relaxed? I really think the answer is yes. After six seasons on the job and a new contract, the 2017 Holgorsen will be more at ease. He's got his guy (Jake Spavital) calling the plays and complete trust in Tony Gibson's defense. Look for the Mountaineers coach to move into the CEO sideline role and those conversations with officials to be much more genteel.
I'll even go far enough to predict I'm taking the under at one on headset slam downs for the season.
It's time everybody. Let the questions be answered. Have a great weekend and enjoy the start of the 126th year of West Virginia football.
Players Mentioned
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