Week 1 review

Week 1 went pretty much as I predicted. Coach Casteel had his work cut out for him this week. The defense is still a work in progress. But coach Kirlavich was tweaking the defensive line the entire Villanova game, and I think he found the lineup he wants. Julian Miller really stood out in the 2nd half against Villanova, and may have earned himself a start against East Carolina. Larry Ford turned in a good performance too. Both should see significant playing time this season. We'll find out more on Miller's position status shortly. Coach Lockwood has some work to do in the secondary. But it's mostly missed assignments from new players. I just wonder how long it will be before Robert Sands takes the Free Safety spot. His size, 6' 4 1/2", with his speed is too big an asset to have as a special situation guy. The offense looked awesome. While the first team offense was in, with the exception of the first series, they scored every time they touched the ball. You know you're going good when you're lining up for a 47-yard FG, get a 5-yard penalty, and have the kicker sail the ball through the center of the uprights, with the ball level with the top of the posts. That kick would have been good from 65 yards. Pat McAfee is a dangerous weapon, and so far every punt has been downed inside the 20. That's one. The play of the game came from Linebacker Morty Ivy, who picked up a fumble and rumbled 30 yards downfield with Villanova's QB riding on his back. After the game Ivy said he really didn't notice him on his back, other than the fact that the added weight was slowing him down. Now comes a tougher test. East Carolina is coming off a big win over Virginia Tech in Charlotte. They'll be riding an emotional high. It's time for the Mountaineers to bring 'em back to Earth...