Bill Stewart, an eight-year member of the West Virginia coaching staff, was faced with the challenge of being named interim head coach a week before the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Mountaineers ran over Oklahoma, 42-28. One day later, West Virginia locked Stewart up with a five-year contract.

With the coach that led the Mountaineers to a bowl win, Heisman-hopeful Pat White and most of the offensive and defensive line, a No. 1 preseason Big East ranking was expected.

What wasn’t expected was a possible change in offensive philosophy.

It was the second straight season West Virginia came out on top in the preseason poll to win the conference title. But this time, the Mountaineers’ may put the ball in the air more frequently.

West Virginia’s first challenge will come, Aug. 30, at home, against Villanova.

Stewart, who served as the associate head coach in 2007, has focused more on the passing game during training camp and getting the ball to freshmen Marquel Ali and D.J. Thomas, and sophomore Jock Sanders, following the loss of top backs Steve Slaton and Owen Schmitt to the NFL.

Now the offense will take on more of a committee-approach – through the air. Stewart called Sanders ‘one of the team’s most valuable players,’ because of his ability to play almost any position.

‘Coach’s offensive plan is for me to find the open space, get the ball in my hands and then let me go and run,’ Sanders said.

Sanders should be receiving the ball accurately as his quarterback led the Big East in completion percentage. White, a senior three-year starter, will be an intricate part of the pass-more philosophy Stewart is trying to implement. Stewart said he does not doubt White’s propensity to run, but feels the team could be more successful if the ball is passed more.

‘I tried to make them pass the ball to other men in the offense and that was accomplished pretty well in training camp,’ Stewart said. ‘I feel like the defensive team won the Fiesta Bowl for us, so to see them start training camp off aggressively made me happy.’

After what Stewart called a ‘very successful training camp,’ he feels he will not have to do much but sit back and watch the defense and offense execute plays. As an assistant coach, Stewart worked with the tight ends, the quarterbacks for seven years, and worked along side the special teams coordinator.

‘I told the guys I’ll have the headset on, listening to plays, but I’m into the special teams, making sure they have their act together,’ Stewart said. ‘That’s my top opportunity, we have a great offensive and defense and they do not need a whole lot of input from me. I don’t even need to worry about those guys.’

Stewart also said he felt confident in the linebackers, and could not point out a major flaw in his team going into opening day.

Stewart has the advantage of familiarity with the West Virginia program and the athletes. Stewart already has seen the weaknesses and strengthens of last year’s team firsthand.

Sanders said that Stewart has installed patience in the team. Stewart also continues to preach that passing the ball can lead to better, more successful plays. Despite the team’s No. 8 preseason national ranking, Stewart tries to make his team take one game at a time.

Teams around the conference are not only intimidated by the Mountaineers’ national ranking, but also by Stewart taking the reins.

‘I was a little upset when I heard West Virginia hired Bill,’ Louisville Head Coach Steve Kragthrope said. ‘Bill will do a great job with the team, he’s a great hire and will help build the program as they seek another bowl berth.’

Pittsburgh Head Coach Dave Wannstedt called Stewart ‘first class,’ and expects him to do great things with the program this season and in seasons to come.

Stewart said he feels the team’s match-up against Villanova will be a test for his team, and for himself.

‘I’m excited to coach my first regular season game as a Division I-A coach,’ Stewart said. ‘I know I have to stay loose though, and be ready to think when they need me. I can’t get too caught up in everything. Villanova has returned a lot of its men, and so have we. We’re going to have to play our best football.’

Pittsburgh’s Kinder is expected to play

Wide receiver Derek Kinder is healthy and will start against Bowling Green Aug. 30, according to Pittsburgh head coach Dave Wannstedt. Kinder tore his right ACL the opening week of training camp in 2007 and was forced to redshirt. In 2007, Kinder had hopes of being named to the All-American team. In Kinder’s last healthy season, he was named to the first-team All Big East.

Rutgers isn’t locked into Robinson or Youngs as running back

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said that this season’s starting running back will not be one person. Both sophomore Mason Robinson and junior Kordell Youngs will get playing time. Schiano also said it has yet to be determined the exact roles the players will have.

‘I feel Robinson and Youngs will be a good one-two punch for us,’ Schiano said. Schiano also said Jourdan Brooks and Joe Martinek will see some playing time.

During the team’s final week of practice before opening day, Schiano said they will decide which plays will be Robinson’s and which will be allotted to Youngs.

Schiano said Robinson and Young have a more similar playing style, Brooks is a large man with incredible power. Martinek, on the other hand, is a medium-sized guy with incredible balance. Schiano feels that the coaching staff has done a good job of letting everyone get some practice time, which should help the Scarlet Knights’ run the ball more successfully through out the season.

Rutgers will play Fresno State, Sept. 11, at home.

mkgalant@syr.edu

Published on August 26, 2008 at 12:00 pm