Football

The wait is finally over.   The Big 12 Conference has officially announced their schedule model — almost a month after the first decisions were made among Power 5 schools.   https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/status/1290445037776572416?s=21   According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, the Big 12 has decided on a 9-game conference schedule plus one non-conference game. There is no word on whether or not schedules will be revised. As it stands right now, WVU has their one non-conference game scheduled with Eastern Kentucky, pending a cancellation by the Ohio Valley Conference. Tune back into The Voice of Motown for more developments regarding the decision.  

In a stunning turn of events today, TCU head coach Gary Patterson has found himself in hot water. https://twitter.com/thedylanjordan_/status/1290355945395150857?s=21 In a statement released by Dylan Jordan, a former four star linebacker recruit in 2019, Patterson was accused of using a racial slur. While Jordan does state that he has enjoyed his time at TCU, he does continue that the football side of things have been rocky. Jordan was called out by Patterson in front of the defense for posting his girlfriend last week on “National Girlfriend Day” this past Sunday.  The two would later have a face-to-face discussion, and it was here that Patterson used the slur. Once Jordan informed the team of the events, the defense decided to sit out of practice on Monday morning. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown as we will continue to update you on the situation.

Morgantown, West Virginia - Former West Virginia football player Oscar Patrick, 72, passed away over the weekend. Patrick, who played for the Mountaineers in the late 1960s, was the first wide receiver in West Virginia history to catch 50 passes in one season. Patrick, who grew up in Coalwood, West Virginia, died in San Diego, California.  According to the press release on WVUsports.com, "Patrick caught 78 career passes for 1,193 yards and nine touchdowns during his three varsity seasons for the Mountaineers from 1967-69.  In 2008, Patrick was inducted into the West Virginia All-Black Schools Sports and Academic Hall of Fame and in 2013 he was inducted into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame."   Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer.   

The Big 12 is officially the last Power 5 Conference left to make a decision on their 2020 schedule. Today, the league’s presidents are set to meet to vote on a final decision on for a schedule for a fall season during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/status/1289364104365273089?s=21 According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, the Big 12 is expected to vote today on a scheduling format. Among the options will be a conference-only plus one, but the league has also discussed allowing teams to schedule as many non-conference games as they want. There is no timetable today as to when we can expect a decision today, but check back in to The Voice of Motown for updates today. College Football is almost here!

It has been a long while since former WVU kicker Pat McAfee took the field in Morgantown. With time, so does life go on. In life, there will be major events — such as marriages. Saturday, McAfee said “yup” to his forever. https://twitter.com/patmcafeeshow/status/1290092779670925314?s=21 The former Mountaineer posted on his Twitter about the marriage to his “rocketship” of a wife. The ceremony took place on Saturday, and Mr. & Mrs. McAfee are looking forward to many more years of being happily wed. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Pat McAfee!  

Morgantown, West Virginia - It's abundantly clear that when Rich Rodriguez accepted the head coaching position at the University of Michigan - leaving his alma mater and home state in the process - he made the worst decision of his life. Rodriguez was fired from Michigan after 3 seasons and a 15-22 overall record and had modest success at Arizona, finishing 43-35 in 6 seasons before being fired amid sexual harassment allegations. Rich Rodriguez would have never been fired from West Virginia University.  He literally had a dream job as the head coach of the Mountaineers, the very team he grew up watching and cheering for, and he would have been the head coach for as long as he wanted.   Rodriguez, who is no doubt itching to get back on the sidelines now, would have never had to worry about job security or insane expectations being met ever again because he was one of us, a homegrown boy who led our Mountaineers to the very top. If Rodriguez would have stayed, it's unlikely that the Mountaineers would have seen much more success than they already have in the Big 12.  The competition is very different than the Big East and West Virginia would still have recruiting difficulties and a talent disparity between the Mountaineers and schools like Texas and Oklahoma would still exist.   Of course Rodriguez is very talented at getting the most out of underrated recruits (see Steve Slaton, Pat White, etc.) and remember, West Virginia was the favorite to land 5 star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who eventually chose Ohio State after Rodriguez left Morgantown. Pryor was the top recruit in the country, and at 6'6 with incredible skill and strength, would have dominated in Rodriguez's offense. Although Pat White was one of the most talented players in West Virginia history, physically he was not on the same level as Terrelle Pryor.  Pryor went on to become the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes from 2008 to 2010, winning two Big Ten championships, and then had a long career in the NFL was a wide receiver. Rodriguez's decision to leave West Virginia was misguided for multiple reasons, but ultimately he had the best chance of winning a national championship at home in Morgantown, particularly with an ultra-talented Terrelle Pryor running his offense. When Rich Rodriguez accepted that phone call from Michigan and got on a plane to Ann Arbor, he flushed away a permanent, lifetime position as the head coach of the Mountaineers, a potential national championship and the opportunity to be a hero, a legend, a God in his own home state.

As if College Football’s return isn’t complicated enough in 2020, players on the west coast are beginning to join together in ensuring their safety, and asking for benefits for playing in the middle of a global health crisis. https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/status/1289919046041899009?s=21 According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, several players from the Pac-12 Conference are “united” for their best interest during the 2020 season. While the players plan to officially release their list of demands on Monday, many outlets are reporting what has been leaked ahead of time. The most prominent demand is that of compensation. Players are asking that the commissioner, coaches, and administrators take a 50% pay cut for the year, with the revenue being distributed to the athletes in every sport. The players are also asking for there to be attention given to social injustice by the NCAA — with the group citing the association “exploiting young men of color.” With the current pandemic, players are also demanding that long-term health insurance be offered. Due to this, they also want an opt out option for this season that would let them both retain eligibility and their scholarships. Announcements are expected to come tomorrow in reference to the situation, and we will bring those to you here on The Voice of Motown.

The 2020 College Football season is right around the corner. After an off-season that was dictated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to finally talk some football. Here are The Voice of Motown’s 2020 Preseason Big 12 Power Rankings:   10. Kansas Jayhawks: The Jayhawks were able to show improvement in their first season under Les Miles, but the boys in Lawrence could take a step back this season. Not only do they have to replace starting quarterback Carter Stanley, but the starting lineups are largely depleted all across the board. Expect Kansas to be competitive, but a winless season in league play seems likely. 9. Texas Tech Red Raiders: The Red Raiders actually took a step back in Matt Wells’ first season at the helm. The success of the team will rely solely on the health of quarterback Alan Bowman. If he finds himself in the injury tent once again this season, it could be another long year in Lubbock. Tech will be fighting for bowl eligibility in late November, but yet another holiday season at home may be in the cards. 8. Kansas State Wildcats: After first-year head Coach Chris Klieman was able to splash onto the scene knocking off Oklahoma and finishing 8-5, don’t expect a repeat for the Wildcats in 2020. The offense will be replacing virtually their entire offensive line, potentially posing to be very worrisome for senior quarterback Skylar Thompson. This season will likely be spent hovering around the 6-6 mark while Kansas State builds for the future. 7. TCU Horned Frogs: West Virginia was able to knock the Frogs out of bowl eligibility in the season finale last season. Gary Patterson’s crew should make a return to the postseason, but it will not be flashy. Unless Alex Duggan can build on the flashes he showed in 2019, the offense may struggle as it has in recent years. However, five-star running back Zachary Evans could be a huge boost for the offense this season. As usual, Patterson’s defense will be stout no matter the team’s record. 6. West Virginia Mountaineers: How high West Virginia is able to climb in 2020 will depend on the improvement of their running game, and the defense’s ability to adjust to a “by committee” coordinator. However, if Neal Brown has proven anything in the past it’s that he can pull off the shocker. We expect to see that this year for the Mountaineers, but not to the magnitude he was able to at Troy. The Mountaineers will likely return to the postseason with Jarret Doege under center, and this year will be used as a building block for future success. 5. Baylor Bears: The Bears suffered a huge blow when former head coach Matt Rhule bolted for the NFL. In comes former LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, but he will be faced with a huge challenge due to the COVID-19 shortening the offseason. Charlie Brewer should have a successful final year in Waco, but the talent lost from last year up and down the board will result in the team taking a step back in 2020.   4. Iowa State Cyclones: Will this finally be the year Iowa State breaks through? It’s unlikely. However, junior quarterback Brock Purdy could lead the squad to some major upset wins in 2020. As always, Matt Campbell’s squad will be a tough outing for each opponent, and will finish the year with around 8-wins. Also, this could finally be the year Campbell decides to bolt for a bigger job — so live in the moment, Cyclones. 3. Texas Longhorns: Is Texas back? Hell no, but they will be a top contender in the conference. Sam Ehlinger will hope for huge success in his last year in Austin, and the defense will likely improve after taking a step back last season. It seems as if the Longhorns are still “one season away,” but this could be their last chance to breakthrough as they will have to replace Ehlinger in 2021. 2. Oklahoma State Cowboys: While Mike Gundy may be a dud these days, his team certainly isn’t. Returning is Heisman contender Chuba Hubbard, and Spencer Sanders should cement himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12. The Cowboys should hit double-digit victories this season, and be a serious contender with the Sooners. 1. Oklahoma Sooners: Lincoln Riley’s team will be the best in the conference once again, but this time they will have to work for it. Spencer Rattler should be the next great OU quarterback, but the fact of the matter is that he is inexperienced. Should he prove his talent worthy, the Sooners will be be in the national spotlight once again. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch should have his unit towards the top of the conference as well.  

Sam James is easily the most electric wide receiver on the Mountaineer Football team. After a solid redshirt freshman season, the Georgia native is primed for a huge 2020. Today, the talented James took to Twitter to make a promise to fans that should certainly have them fired up. https://twitter.com/samjames_13/status/1289630792176394241?s=21 “I promise last year was just the intro...”   Not only do we expect a massive sophomore campaign from James, but he expects it of himself. Big 12 secondaries best come to play against James every single week, or he could easily make a complete fool of them. Just ask Texas Tech.... https://youtu.be/sMdPulQqs9g   The 2019 season was only the beginning for James — now we get to witness him unlock his true potential.  

An interesting phenomena recently caught my attention.  It happened as I strolled past a gentleman with a WVU sweatshirt and a Pittsburgh Pirates hat on.  A true West Virginian would rather die than wear anything Pittsburgh related.  It's comparable to a Liberal wearing a red MAGA hat.  You can't be a Liberal and like President Trump and you simply cannot be a West Virginia fan and like anything Pittsburgh-related. How do West Virginians rationalize supporting Pittsburgh teams?  Apparently they cite a lack of proximity to any other professional teams as their reason, but ultimately what they’re doing is sleeping with the enemy.  You would never find me at a Steelers, Pirates or Penguins game. West Virginia Black Bears’ games are also out because they are an affiliate of the Pirates.  I despise everything Pittsburgh! You’ll never catch me cheering alongside snooty, uppity Pittsburgh fans! I eat my french fries plain because I won’t support the local ketchup industry.  There’s often ketchup on the table at restaurants; I kindly ask that it be removed, particularly if it’s Heinz brand.   As a young man, I was enchanted by Andy Warhol’s pop art collection and thought that it was iconic in its simplicity, but when I found out that Warhol was born and raised in Pittsburgh, I turned my nose up to his art entirely.   As a child, my family took me on a day trip to Pittsburgh; what was supposed to be a fun family outing turned into illness and vomiting the whole time; I have a natural aversion to the place, and so should every true West Virginian.   You’re probably wondering, “Is he suggesting that I’m not a WVU fan if I also support Pittsburgh professional sports teams?”  Yes, that’s what I’m suggesting! I’m a real WVU fan and a real Mountaineer, and it’s my belief that anyone that wears the gear of Pittsburgh teams or supports them in any way by watching or attending their games are not true fans.   Let’s Go Mountaineers!  Pitt? Well, they can eat sh*t!

Morgantown, West Virginia - College athletics is a major business.  Millions and millions of dollars are produced for universities every year and there is a lot riding on the image of the school remaining impeccable.  Student athletes are impulsive and reactionary, and that's why it's important that universities educate players on what is acceptable to share and what's potentially damaging. When Kerry Martin, Jr. posted his thoughts on social media regarding his former defensive coordinator Vic Koenning, virtually all parties involved agrees that it could have been handled better.  Kerry Martin was not wrong for sharing his thoughts, but perhaps if he realized in advance the consequences of his actions, he would have reconsidered. Martin did not want Koenning to be fired and it's unlikely that he wanted there to be such a controversial situation envelop the the Mountaineers' locker room. Rather than West Virginia University's misguided "brand-building classes", led by brand consultant Jeremy Darlow, the focus should remain on the football program.  Darlow's vision of building brands for college athletes will perhaps lead to a player-centric atmosphere and players being more visible for potential NFL futures, but ultimately it's difficult to see how it is what is best for the team. Remember, football is a team game.  What happens within the locker room should stay there.  Not everything should be made public.  This is a simple matter of weighing the pros and cons.  If the negatives outweigh the positives, don't do it. West Virginia University should have a yearly roundtable discussion on what should and should not be made public on social media, highlighting very specific examples and non-examples, as well as consequences for their actions.  In addition, it's important that players feel that they have an open door to approach the coaching staff with concerns.  Otherwise, all of this is meaningless. With education and transparency, situations like the Kerry Martin/Vic Koenning saga could easily be avoided.  While I stand behind a player's decision to use his or her voice, it's absolutely critical that all options are exhausted prior to a player making a personal matter the business of millions of people.

We are only weeks from the beginning of the 2020 College Football season. While there is a plethora of uncertainty as we inch closer, this does not kill Neal Brown’s optimism for his team going into his second season with the Mountaineers. Last night, Brown took to social media to share a hype video for his team. https://twitter.com/nealbrown_wvu/status/1289337520350728193?s=21   Neal Brown is ready for a new chapter, and so is Mountaineer Nation. Let’s Go Mountaineers! 

With four of the five Power 5 conferences already announcing plans for their 2020 College Football season, the Big 12 has been left in the dust. A decision is expected sooner rather than later, but their opportunity to set themselves apart as leaders has come and gone. Nonetheless, we are beginning to see reports as to what we can expect from the Big 12 when they meet to discuss the season on Monday. https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/status/1289364104365273089?s=21 According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, the Big 12 has virtually passed on a 9-game conference only schedule. What is likely to come of the meeting is a 9-conference games plus one non-conference game model, or the league may allow schools to schedule as many non-conference games as they want. At the moment, WVU only has one non-conference game left on their schedule in Eastern Kentucky. That game is set for September 12th. https://twitter.com/gallantaylor/status/1289546978725003264?s=21 This morning, G. Allan Taylor of The Athletic also reported that WVU is in preparation of moving this non-conference game to as early as August 29th — College Football’s week zero.   Things are about to get interesting in the Big 12 and around the nation, and we will have it all for you here on The Voice of Motown.

Morgantown, West Virginia - The stars appear to be aligned for the West Virginia Mountaineers to play two of their most despised opponents this season. The Marshall Thundering Herd and the Pitt Panthers were scheduled to meet on September 12th. However, the ACC announced a scheduling model that includes 10 conference games with one non-conference game.  The non-conference game will be selected by each individual school and must be played in the home state of the ACC institution.  In other words, Pitt is now unable to travel to Marshall to play that game and it has been canceled. Marshall, who already had a bye in the second week of the season on September 5th, could now potentially travel to Morgantown to play the Mountaineers.  West Virginia's season opener against the Florida State Seminoles in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta has not been officially canceled, but the ACC's ruling would also prevent that game from taking place.  Both Marshall and West Virginia have open dates and it just makes too much sense to not happen.   Although many call Marshall a lose-lose game, it is important to many West Virginians and would certainly be a great way to start the season.  Marshall is a far better, more attractive option than any of the other teams that West Virginia could replace Florida State with on such short notice.   In addition, West Virginia's game against Maryland on September 19th has also been canceled following the Big Ten's decision to go to a conference-only schedule. Pitt's game against Richmond was originally scheduled for September 19th, but the Colonial Athletic Association canceled all of its fall sports and so that game will not take place either.   Pitt and West Virginia both have open dates on September 19th and an spontaneous Backyard Brawl would be just what the doctor ordered for an otherwise messy, ugly football season.  The Mountaineers, of course, would be required to go to Pittsburgh to play the game following the ACC's ruling that all games would have to be played in the state of the ACC team, but the crowd in a game between Pitt and West Virginia at Heinz Field would be so heavily in favor of the Mountaineers, that it would essentially be a home game.   Regardless of the teams' records or the money involved, nothing is better for a Mountaineer fan than beating Marshall or Pitt.  This season, there's a very real opportunity to beat both.

Morgantown, West Virginia - With conferences changing schedules and games being canceled daily, the West Virginia Mountaineers are left with two huge openings in their schedule. West Virginia's season-opener in Atlanta in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against the Florida State Seminoles has not officially been canceled, but the ACC announced yesterday that the 2020 scheduling model includes 11 games (10 conference games and one non-conference game) and the non-conference game must be played in the home state of the ACC institution. With this said, that decision effectively ended West Virginia's game against Florida State on September 5th and the home game against the Maryland Terrapins on September 19th.   Although it's disappointing that West Virginia won't be able to play Florida State and Maryland this season, Marshall has an open date on September 5th and Pitt now has an opening on September 19th. Barstool Marshall pointed out the obvious yesterday on social media and seemed to call out West Virginia University, saying, "All right, your game against FSU got canceled and our home opener got canceled against Pitt.  Give the people from the great state of West Virginia something to look forward to and let's get a series together." https://twitter.com/BarstoolMU/status/1288636475840626688?s=20 Barstool Marshall must have forgotten that the Mountaineers hold a 12-0 all-time series record against the Thundering Herd in this "rivalry game."  Of course the game is hardly a rivalry.  In order for a game to be considered a "rivalry", the series would have to be somewhat competitive historically. Perhaps another better opponent will open up for the Mountaineers for the season-opener on September 5th, but if not, a beatdown of Marshall in Morgantown would be a tremendous way to start the season.