Pat White, Pat White, and Pat White Some More

WVU fans and even casual viewers may have the impression that Mountaineers' entire offense of late has been nothing but Pat White.

This impression may be more true than you think.

Here is White's contribution of offense (running plus passing yards) as a percentage of WVU's total offense for each of the season's 10 games thus far:

1. Western Michigan: 54%
2. Marshall: 54%
3. Maryland: 32%
4. East Carolina: 37%
5. South Florida: 31%
6. Syracuse: 49%
7. Mississippi State: 43%
8. Rutgers: 75%
9. Louisville: 83%
10. Cincinnati: 68%

Observations:

• White's totals in the South Florida and Syracuse games were affected by the fact that he sat out half of each game. Had he played all 60 minutes, he would have accounted for a higher or lower percentage of WVU's total offense.

• Pat White's percentages have increased as the total team's offense has decreased. Over the first five games of this season, WVU averaged 507 yards per game. Over the second five games, WVU has averaged just 412 yards per game.

• However, WVU's scoring over the second five games of this season (38 ppg) is down only slightly from the team's first give games (40.4 ppg). So, one could make the case that WVU's offense has become more efficient. 

I suppose White's increased contribution is part of Coach Rod's adjustment to other teams' attempts to shut down Steve Slaton. And, despite the recent late-game fumbles, I can't imagine Coach Rod wanting the ball in anyone else's hands than White's when the game is on the line.

In short, even though opposing defenses have successfully curbed Slaton's productivity, they appear to have no answer for White.

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