I predicted that West Virginia would make a statement to the rest of the Big East with Louisville, but the statement was not what I anticipated. The statement they made? "We have a long way to go." West Virginia dropped the contest 38-35 to the Cardinals, who have been playing fairly well since a recent coaching shakeup. The Mountaineer defense played a poor first half as usual but this time, they returned for the second half. WVU also turned the ball over one more than Louisville. Those turnovers and two missed field goal attempts made the difference. Tyler Bitencurt missed a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter and then Louisville blocked a field goal attempt only to recover the ball and race to the end zone for a touchdown.

Aside from the turnovers, WVU's offense played well except for not being able to convert in the Red Zone. Quarterback Geno smith was 31-44 for 410 yards and Stedman Bailey caught eight passes for 118 yards. The Mountaineers amassed 533 total yards on the day.

After a performance like that it's clear the Mountaineers have a lot to do with regards to their defense and special teams work. Another weak spot at times has been the offensive's line inability to to protect Smith. in the fourth quarter, Geno showed off his arm when he had plenty of time by rolling out right and airing it out to Ivan McCartney 46 yards down to the Louisville 11. That drive resulted in a rushing touchdown by Shawne Alston. When the line protects Geno, he's incredible. When they don't, it's a bad day. You simply cannot consistently give up 30-40 points a game and expect to win consistently.

Whether it's hangover from Bill Stewart's coaching or if the existing staff needs some overhaul, WVU has work to do before entering the Big 12. Check that-they have work to do right now, while they are still in the Big East.

Meanwhile, Geno Smith was selected as the Big East Offensive Player of the Week after amassing 410 yards
passing which leads the Big East and is seventh in the Nation. He also threw three touchdowns. Smith has passed for a touchdown in the past 12 consecutive games. You can purchase Geno Smith Adult Jerseys or Nike Youth Geno Smith Jerseys from WVShop.com.

On Saturday, WVU travels to Cincinnati to take on the leaders of the BIG EAST. Cincinnati is undefeated in the conference and 7-1 overall.