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E-mailQuanties turning into quality for WVU
But add them up. That's when the value of West Virginia's two-quarterback, four-tailback, six-wideout offense becomes more apparent.
"We've said from the start, we need unselfish players for this team to have success," West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said.
Whether Rodriguez recruited that attitude or developed it, the players' willingness to share the load has been a key to the Mountaineers' 2-0 start heading into a non-conference game against Maryland (1-1) at noon Saturday at Byrd Staidum.
There's no better example of the team-first motto than sophomore tailback Pernell Williams, who has been asked to share playing time with veteran Jason Colson and a pair of freshmen.
"As long as we're winning, I don't care who gets the ball," Williams said.
Williams has carried the ball 13 times for 54 yards, but he's had only one chance to enjoy the touchdown plunge in victories over Syracuse (15-7) and Wofford (35-7).
"We have a lot of guys, if you put the ball in their hands, they all can run and make successful yards," Williams said.
The Mountaineers' four tailbacks are off to a solid start with a combined 230 yards and two touchdowns on 59 carries.
Quarterbacks Adam Bednarik and Pat White have put up consistent numbers, but don't rank close to the NCAA leaders.
Bednarik led the victory over Syracuse, passing for 104 yards and rushing for a game-high 72 yards.
White sparked the victory over Wofford, rushing for a game-high 107 yards. He turned the corner on a 48-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Now, put their numbers together. The two quarterbacks have completed 29-of-43 passes for 339 yards and a touchdown. They have scrambled 35 times for 221 yards and two scores in two games. Most coaches would welcome that production out of the quarterback position.
Bednarik has started both games so far, but White hasn't gone a half without leading a drive.
"I don't care who starts, as long as I get on the field," White said. "I just want to play, and win."
Senior Brandon Miles leads the wide receivers with eight catches, and sophomore Darius Reynaud has seven. Perry's Vaughn Rivers has two catches for 22 yards.
Blackhawk graduate Jeremy Bruce has been slowed by an ankle injury, but the freshman finally showed his skills as a wide receiver with a diving sideline reception against Wofford.
Eleven different players have caught passes in the first two games, including Bednarik who threw a pass to himself, although not by design.
West Virginia's future is on display at tailback. Jason Gwaltney and Steve Slaton, who joined the team in August, led the Mountaineers on a 95-yard drive in the second quarter against Wofford.
Of course, the first thing they had to learn was to share the load.
"Boy, those two freshmen are stepping up their game tremendously," Williams said. "They barely knew the offense when they came into camp. Now, they know every play in our offense and we don't have to limit it down for them."
