Sloppy Play Clouds West Virginia Victory That Clinches Tie for Big East Title

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith wove through the Rutgers defense, straining to reach the goal line. His daring 10-yard dash should have put the Mountaineers up 28-7 against listless Rutgers, but a defender popped the ball out just inches from the goal line. It was that kind of sloppy offensive performance in what was otherwise a breezy blowout that has left observers scratching their heads about West Virginia -- and Big East -- football all year.

Oh don't worry, the Mountaineers won 35-14, capturing at least a share of the Big East championship. But, the sloppy play could have lost this game had they faced a more capable opponent.

In the first half alone, 17 points were left off the board thanks to a pair of red zone fumbles and a blocked field goal. Smith's mistake late in the third quarter extended the game another drive until Tavon Austin dashed up the middle for a 46-yard score to put the Scarlet Knights away.

Arguably, the difference between the TCUs and Boise States and Oregons of the world and a talented but troubled West Virginia is how they manage those opportunities. West Virginia easily could have made a statement here, cruising to something like a 52-7 epic conference win. Instead it made too many mistakes.

The silver lining is that the victory ensures a piece of the Big East crown while also eliminating preseason favorite and rival Pittsburgh's outside shot at the honors. The win pushes the Mountaineers record to 9-3 overall, with a shot at a 10th win against a to-be-determined bowl opponent.

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Afterward, coach Bill Stewart basked in the tangible signs of success, displaying to assembled media a "West Virginia 2010 Big East Champions" t-shirt. "I couldn't let that pass," he joked.

Stewart rattled off what he liked about the game, from the Mountaineers' season-high 523 total yards to the four red zone scores. "And those doggone fumbles," he said in the negative.

"We fumbled the ball too many times to enjoy (the 500-yard outing)," added offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen.

The Mountaineers' coach felt his players committed the fumbles trying to make big plays. Not ideal, but a lesser crime to him than making the mistake of just being lazy or sloppy. Struggling to explain his frustration with the mistakes, he relayed a story about how a fan mailed him a jar of Vaseline. "He said his high school coach sent it to him. Maybe it's time to get the Vaseline out, I don't know. He said put that Vaseline on the ball and it will be like chasing a greased pig."

Unfortunately, the turnovers overshadowed an outstanding afternoon for sophomore quarterback Geno Smith. The Florida native looked perfectly comfortable in the mid 20-degree temperatures, throwing for 352 yards, a career high and fourth most of any Big East passer this year.

"We've got a sophomore quarterback that is going to be phenomenal. He has a chance to be really, really special," said Stewart.

Smith's ascent has diminished the sting of a disappointing senior season for star tailback Noel Devine. Devine gained just 31 yards, and failed to score a touchdown in his final home game. A toe injury has blunted his explosiveness most of the season. He has gained just 884 yards after totaling 1,465 yards last year.

The positive news is that electric sophomore wide receiver Tavon Austin had a breakout game. His sharp route-running left him open most of the afternoon, as he hauled in six passes for 121 yards to go with that blur of a 46-yard scoring run. "From up top in the box it was impressive. Once he got past the linebacker level, you just kind of put the pencil down, with a little smile," said Mullen. "Tavon is a guy who is gonna explode next year," said Smith. "We have a great friendship, and me and him are also a two-on-two basketball team."

Mountaineer fans chanted "U-S-F, U-S-F, U-S-F" for much of the fourth quarter. Although they own a share of the Big East championship, the crown could be theirs outright if surging South Florida can topple an equally hot Connecticut. Just don't count on Smith or Stewart to be watching the game later Saturday evening. "I've got better things to do," said Smith with a smile. As for Stewart, "I'm going to put my sweats on and I'll probably hunker down in the family room and it will be a Stewart family night."