Editorial: Rodriquez and WVU Players Show They’re Worth It
West Virginia is blessed with several fine college athletic programs,
starting with Marshall and WVU. While HNN's heart is always first
with Marshall, we are glad to see that WVU's post-season play has
seriously improved. With bowl wins in their last two times out,
the Mountaineer football team seems to have put to rest that
old rep that they simply couldn't handle themselves on national
television in the "big game."
What is striking is the poise the Mountaineers have shown the world in their last two bowl outings. They didn't cave last year when managing to hold on for dear life last year against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Then this year -- will wonders never cease -- they actually came from behind to beat Georgia Tech in this year's Gator Bowl.
The old Mountaineers hardly ever came back from behind going into the second half. But these Mountaineers do.
Both the old and new Mountaineers had fine facilities, a strong fan base, and at least decent recruiting for an up and coming school. So what constitutes the difference that makes this batch of youngsters victorious in bowl games?
One word: Rodriguez.
Love him, hate him, like him or find him annoying, "Coach Rod" has brought more diversified offensive set-ups in six seasons at WVU than the last three coaches there before him. Quarterbacks and other offense standouts want to play for him. Some coaches nationally are beginning to adapt some of his coaching strategies.
While Rodriguez is not as flamboyant a strategist as, say, Florida State's Bobby Bowden, he is not afraid of the trick play as we saw in this year's Gator Bowl.
For example, in one touchdown passing play, the entire WVU offensive line remained motionless while quarterback Pat White scrambled in the backfield looking for a receiver in the endzone. The play obviously messed with the minds of the Georgia Tech defense, which had done quite well up to that point in the game.
Rodriguez obviously learned the first rule of combat better than most: the element of surprise. It sure beats a third down and long situation featuring a predictable run up the middle.
For WVU fans hungry for a second consecutive bowl victory against a formidable opponent, there is little doubt today that Coach Rod was worth every penny spent on his new contract.