Tangled Web

After an exciting week of college football, there was an unfortunate shift in the top 5, as WVU dropped to #5 behind both Florida and Oklahoma (and LSU and USC). As far as I can see, LSU (3-0) deservedly should retain the top spot with a sparkling 44-0 win over East Tennessee State (0-3). LSU dominated from start to finish. They amassed 508 total yards of offenSe, which was led by a talented Sophomore during his first college start. For the game, the LSU QB threw for 304 yards and three TD's and went 20-26 for the game. Although they were playing East Tennessee, a who's who among East Tennesseans, LSU allowed only 90 yards on defenSe. Ninety yards! Noel Devine (a true-fresh at WVU and You Tube God), had over 100 yards on his first two carries in Thursday nights bout between WVU and Maryland. For a team to allow under 100 yards on defenSe for a game is impressive, no matter how lousy the other team may be.

On to other "events". I have been criticized for by previous posting on several levels. First, and possibly the most embarrassing, the fact that I did spell offenSe and defenSe with a "c". Although it CAN be spelled either way, the preferred way by my (two) readers is with an "s". So from here on out I will spell both accordingly; offenSe and defenSe.

The other issue is my loyalty, faith, and love for Mountaineer football. It may seem I "dissed" the Mounties. Here I want to clarify. I by no means wish to belittle the efforts of my Alma mater.

Through three games, in my opinion, the most improved player goes to Patrick White. Although he was already an "A" player, Patrick has shown the nation he is not just a speedy option quarterback. In the 2006 season, Patrick threw for 1477 yards and 11 touchdowns (and 5 INT's). In that season, he amassed an impressive quarterback rating of 162 while completing 66.2% of his 157 passing attempts. His impressiveness through the air was overshadowed by his ground game. His numbers would normally be that of a #1 running back: 150 attempts, 1202 yards, 8 yards per carry, and 18 TD's.

As far as this year goes, Patrick has actually improved on those already stellar numbers. In the air, Patrick's numbers are as follows: 31 of 49 with 436 yards, 4 TD's (0 INT's), and a QB rating of 164.9! On the ground he has again run like a #1 RB and gained 244 yards on 38 attempts with a 6.4 yards/carry average and 4 TD's. For the past two seasons Patrick's main target has been Darius Reynaud, who is averaging 15.6 yards/catch, 93.6 yards/game, and 0.3 TDs/game. As the season progresses, I foresee Patrick's performances to continue to be stellar and the Mounties to continue winning with the power of their offenSe.