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The Daily OrangeWest Virginia's Stewart to rely on multiple weapons
By Meredith Galante
Posted: 8/27/08, 12:23 AM EST Section: Sports
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."
"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."
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Aaron Maloney
posted 8/27/08 @ 3:50 PM EST
We beat Oklahoma 48-28.
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