West Virginia Football: 10 Things You Need to Know About Geno Smith

Who is this first year starter Geno Smith? Where did this dominate performance against Maryland come from? Is this the best quarterback that the Mountaineers have had since their Big East championship years of Pat White?

All of these questions may have been answered after today's performance from Geno. He started strong in the first half leading West Virginia on their first two drives for touchdowns.

He finished the half strong throwing for his third touchdown giving West Virginia a 21-0 lead. The second half was no different, as on WVU's first drive of the half, Geno connected with on another touchdown pass giving him his fourth of the day.

So where did this kid from Florida come from? Click through these slides and find out 10 facts about Geno. This game against Maryland was his breakout game; now can he continue this success during their conference play? If he can, then expect to see Geno not only in mention for Big East player of the year, but also expect to see West Virginia as Big East champions.

Some Personal Information about Geno

Birthday is Oct. 10, is the son of Geno Smith, Jr  and Tracey Sellers …one of four children. His cousin, Melvin Bratton is a former Miami star.

And Geno is majoring in athletic coaching education.

Geno Was the Runner Up in the "Mr. Florida" as Florida's Top Athlete

Some other highlights from Geno's high school career.

Led Miramar High to an 8-2 record and a No. 5 ranking in Broward County by the Sun-Sentinel.

Completed 205 of 308 passes for 3,089 yards and 32 touchdowns, rushed for more than 300 yards.

Finished his career as the third-best passer in Broward County history … completed 20-of-28 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns in a 47-13 victory over Plantation High.

(Stats from West Virginia Universtiy)

Geno Went Through Spring Drills Eventhough he Suffered a Broken Foot

Geno was slated as the starting quarterback entering the preseason however broke a bone in his left foot during the offseason. But Geno toughed it out and went through spring practice.

Geno Played in Only Five Games His Freshman Year.

Played in five games and was used on more than 110 plays, including a season-high 47 against Marshall, when he had to fill in for most of the game when Jarrett Brown suffered a concussion.

Geno completed 32-of-49 passes for 309 yards, a touchdown and a long completion of 33 yards.

Geno was pushed into action against Florida State in the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl when Brown injured his ankle in the second quarter. In a losing effort Geno completed 8-of-15 for 92 yards with a long of 19 yards.

Geno's Biggest Passing Day, Against Marshall.

Two weeks ago West Virginia faced a tough test being down and possibly on upset watch against Marshall. With less than six minutes left in the game down two touchdowns, Geno led the offense on two scoring drives.

The first drive ended with a Noel Devine touchdown run. With the second drive ending with a touchdown pass from Geno with six seconds left in the game.

WVU went onto win the game in overtime 24-21.

Geno's stats for the game: 32/45 316 yards and one touchdown.

Geno Ranks in the Top 50 in Quarterback Rating and Touchdowns

Geno's 145.26 QB rating and four touchdowns have him in the top 50 in all of division I football.

The stats do not include his four touchdown performance today.

Geno is the Only First Year QB in the Big East to Have a Perfect Record

Out of the Big East as a whole Geno and West Virginia have a perfect record at 3-0, only Rutgers has a perfect record of 2-0.

However, compared to other first year starters such as Pitt's Tino Sunseri and Cincinnati's Zack Collaros; Geno has more touchdown passes throwing yards, and the perfect record.

Geno Smith's Stats This Year After Three Games Have Already Exceeded '09

Last year in only five games played and with his time in the Gator Bowl, Geno had just one touchdown and only 309 yards passing.

Geno topped that in his first five quarters of play this year.

His projected stats for the year are 3192 yards passing 18 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 145.26

Geno's Next Game Against LSU

In West Virginia's next game they have to travel to Louisana to play LSU. On the year LSU has given up on average 13.5 points per game, and in their last game against Vanderbuilt, Vanderbuilt was able to only throw for 60 yards.

If Geno can have a game like he did against Maryland today against LSU, then the Heisman talk will really start to heat up.

What Does the Future Hold for Geno Smith?

This true freshman seems to have a very bright future as the head of the West Virginia offense. He has improved in each of his games, accumulating more touchdowns to interceptions each week.

Week 1: two touchdowns one interception

Week 2: one touchdown no interception

Week 3: four touchdowns no interception

If he can keep up this pace and keep the Mountaineers winning, then there is no reason why Geno should not be named the Big East player of the year.

Thanks for reading and you can always get updates about College Football and other sports from my Twitter http://twitter.com/tjmcaloon.