Holgorsen Quote: Slam on Marshall? Or Praise for JMU?

Sep 1, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen during the fourth quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

It’s tough to be a Herd fan these days. After finally getting a win over Western Carolina this past weekend, the people of Huntington can probably sleep a little easier without the threat of WVU touchdowns terrorizing their dreams.

But try as they might, they will periodically be reminded of the beating they took in Morgantown. Dana Holgorsen decided to be the first to throw salt in that wound.

This week, while talking to the media about this Saturday’s showdown with FCS opponent James Madison, Coach Holgorsen gave an interesting quote that is sure to rub some MU fans the wrong way.

“We’re anticipating this being a bigger challenge than what we faced a week ago,” Holgorsen said of the match-up with JMU.

With just a simple 14 words, Coach Holgorsen simultaneously gave praise to the Dukes while insulting the Thundering Herd. That is, to say the least, a nice duo. 

Just as with any quote, there are a multitude of ways to interpret the intended meaning. Many in the media are quick to simply dismiss the quote as “coach speak,” simply a statement meant to get the team focused on the upcoming game and to not take a lower level opponenet lightly. 

But old Holgs is a clever man, and probably chose his words carefully. The Dukes deserve praise for being one of the best FCS level teams in the country, sporting the #4 ranking in the most recent FCS poll. Coach Holgorsen also couldn’t miss the opportunity to play to the WVU fan base and get a little jab in against Marshall.

If you can motivate your team while simultaneously taking a shot at your “rival,” why not?

For another view on the quote by Holgorsen, and some additional quotes about the upcoming game at FedEx, check out wvillustrated.com.