Gold-Blue Spring Game preview

Alright, it’s that time of year! Time for the festivities known as the “Gold and Blue Spring Game.”

There’s a new attitude in town this year with Dana Holgorsen bringing his band back together for the offense. Jeff Casteel & Company are still running the defense.

With that said, let’s take a look at what to expect on Friday, after the concert and the Old-Timer’s game.

OFFENSE

QUARTERBACKS

Right now, Geno Smith is the #1 QB on the depth chart. This job is his to pretty much to lose. Last year, he put up 2,763 yards in the air with 24 TDs. This year, he should have a better offensive line to work with. However, do NOT count out freshmen QBs Paul Millard and Brian Athey

RECEIVERS
Look for Tavon Austin to lead WRs this year, stepping in to Jock Sanders’ place. Last year, Austin had 58 receptions for 787 yards, and accounted for 8 TDs. Personally, I think he could have at least a 1000 yd/10TD season (and that’s just a conservative guesstimate.) Look out for Stedman Bailey, JD Woods, Tyler Urban (who made the switch from TE to Inside Receiver in Holgorsen’s offense), Ivan McCartney (Ochocinco’s nephew), and Ryan Nehlen. Yes, the oft-overlooked Ryan Nehlen could shine in this new Holgorsen offense.

RUNNING BACKS

Freshman Vance Roberts has been getting 1st team reps this Spring because both Ryan Clarke and Shawne Alston are injured. It isn’t known if Clarke and Alston are playing on Friday.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Quinton Spain still has a way to go… but, then again, he’s had to deal with Bruce Irvin during practices and scrimmages.

DEFENSE

Jorge Wright and Josh Taylor are trying to replace Chris Neild at the Nose Tackle position. Taylor backed up Neild last season while Wright played Defensive Tackle last season.

Bruce Irvin (BRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUCCCEEEEEEEEE!!!!) got 14 sacks as a pass rushing specialist last year, and has quickly become a fan favorite. Now, he’ll be playing (nearly) every down. This is his time to shine.

Pat Miller, Broderick Jenkins and Brantwon Bowser are all competing for the starting cornerback spot opposite Keith Tandy. All three have had their good and bad moments this spring. We’ll find out before the fall who gets the 2nd CB spot.

Linebacker Josh Francis is a JUCO transfer trying to get comfortable in the West Virginia Defense. He has spent the entire spring trying to learn as much of it as he can and get comfortable playing alongside guys like Najee Goode and Branko Busick. Francis plays with a high intensity, which helps him make plays but also causes him to over pursue.

Speaking of Najee Goode is having a very solid spring. He has emerged as a leader in the middle of the defense and is taking a leadership role overall on defense. Goode is making plays and has picked off several passes this spring. His one problem at times has been covering passes downfield.

SPECIAL TEAMS

I’m going to let Charles Barkley take this one…

“Ernie, they’re turrible!”

So, there’s the short write-up preview for Friday’s game.