WVU Football: Geno Smith Has Talented Receivers; Watch for the Run: Updated!

Shawne Alston
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The West Virginia Mountaineers and Geno Smith have a stable of talented receivers this year—that has been well-documented. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey can turn a short pass into a long gain. This year, WVU can also run the ball.

Geno threw for over 4,000 yards last year with Austin and Bailey each surpassing 1,000 yards. With those two and several other talented receivers this year, even more is expected.

The offense will be more proficient at Dana Holgorsen’s “Air Raid” offense, but watch for the run.

1,500 Pounds of Blocking Power Up Front

Photo credit: BleacherReport.com

Many fans don’t realize that last year’s anemic running game was due to an inexperienced offensive line and banged-up running backs.

The receivers had to compensate for that until the Orange Bowl. That break gave injured players time to heal and the players more practice at timing.

This year is different from the start. WVU’s passing game should be improved, but one of the worst kept-secrets around Mountaineer Field is the resurgence of the offensive line and the running game.

The average starter on the offensive line weighs 312 pounds, is mobile and very strong. The second string has also developed enough to go in every fourth set of downs with very little drop off.

No sacks of Geno, he even ran well!

WVU Fullback Ryan Clarke

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WVU now has the option to use the "diamond formation" with starting tailback Shawne Alston healthy for the first time in two years. At 5'11'', 235 pounds, he has speed and moves to go with his power.

Along with him are two talented fullbacks: Ryan Clarke, 6’0”, 231 pounds, and converted linebacker Donovan Miles, 6’1”, 231 pounds.

Also coming in will be inside receivers: Dante Campbell, 6’4”, 215, or Cody Clay, 6’3”, 251. Both have very good hands, just in case Geno needs them.

Only counting the linemen, fullbacks and tailback, that’s 2,258 pounds of nasty WVU running attitude plowing ahead. Sounds a little like Texas, doesn’t it?

Forget the 'diamond', an extra fullback just gets in Alston's way!

WVU Now Has a Diverse Offense

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WVU's Geno Smith can also fake the run and give a little "bump pass" to Tavon Austin if he chooses. Clemson can tell you all about that one.

People have been wondering about that excited look on Coach Holgorsen’s face as fall practice wrapped up. Now you know why it’s there.

It’s not Geno Smith and those talented receivers. It's not even the Red Bull he drinks. It’s the running game.

I think they filled the Gatorade bucket with Red Bull! Shawne 'The Bull' Alston is a load to bring down. I though Garrison would be the alternate back. I didn't know Bouie had gained that much muscle. Watch the run!

 

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