Backyard Brawl Afterglow: Jeff Casteel Is The Man of the Hour

by JP Fanshawe on Nov 26, 2011 2:52 AM EST in Mountaineer Football

In the last few weeks, there have been some rather harsh critics of the West Virginia Defensive Coordinator Jeff Casteel. Several fans have been down on the man for an under-performing defense that at times has seemed unable to get off the field.

But as I sit here contemplating just how much the defense had to overcome in tonight's dramatic 21-20 win over our arch-rival, the Pitt Panthers, I don't think a clearer statement can be made than this: Jeff Casteel is one of the nation's best at in-game adjustment, and it made all the difference tonight.

To put it in bald, statistical terms: Pitt first half yards: 216. Pitt second-half yards: 80.

Most impressive about the defensive effort is that several WVU miscues put the defense in precarious positions where it easily could have failed, resulting in a Pitt blowout win.

A terrible penalty call in the first quarter allowed Pitt to get new life after a missed field goal on 4th-and-6, but essentially the defense had earned that stop. Seven free points for the Panthers. A muff by Ishmael Banks (really just bad luck) set Pitt up at the WVU 33, but the defense held Pitt out of the endzone. Three more free points, though. Then coming out of the half, the Mountaineers forced a punt only to watch as Tavon Austin uncharacteristically muffed it at the Mountaineer 16. Three plays later Pitt had to settle for another field goal. Another three for free.

In the fourth quarter, Tyler Urban fumbled after making a first down reception, giving the Panthers the ball just across midfield. The end-result: a three-and-out, the fourth of four that the Mountaineer defense forced on the night. And finally, when Pitt got one last chance with the ball, a questionable fourth-down measurement gave the Panthers a first down that put them just 15 yards from a game-winning field goal attempt. The defense's response: a hurry, and back-to-back sacks to secure the win. In all, the Mountaineers, who entered the game with 16 sacks, sacked Tino Sunseri 10 times.

No one can disagree that this year's defensive squad is inferior to the 2010 edition, but like all of Casteel's crews, it has improved over the course of the season and it had a shining moment in what might be the last Backyard Brawl for a while. Hopefully, Casteel's detractors will give him some of the credit he rightfully deserves.

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Exactly... I hate to do this but.... Fuck anyone who wanted him fired......That shows how little you know about football.

Casteel has had his hands full this year and has managed to do a pretty damn good job. After watching this game it is Holgs and Geno who should be getting all the shit. This game on offense was POORLY called as well as POORLY EXECUTED!!!!!!!!!!! How Geno has managed to regress this year is beyond me and ST are a totally different rant. I’m so happy the defense shined tonight especially in this game. With the offense sucking on it’s knees all night they could have easily packed it in. I saw a lot of fire on both sides of the ball something that should have been there all year. I hope this is the game where they turned the corner and we look back a year from now and say “This is where these guys came together.” I’m very happy we won… EAT SHIT PITT.

by VTsucks on Nov 25, 2011 11:40 PM EST reply actions

What in the hell...

…do you want Geno to do when he has about half a second to make the play? Geno is keeping the offense on it’s feet, albeit barely, almost by himself.

I guarantee if the offensive line knew what the hell they were doing and could protect Geno and the pocket Geno could make some big plays.

"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West

by MountaineerAirman on Nov 26, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

Have you watched a game???? he has stood in the pocket half the season unwilling to run when he could have...

not to mention his decision making has been questionable at best a lot of times. He holds onto the ball way to long, do you realize how many times this year he has held the ball for five seconds or more? You need to stop looking through the world at gold and blue colored glasses. The line has sucked at times but there have been plenty of times when Geno just shit all over himself. come on dude,

by VTsucks on Nov 26, 2011 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

Holgorsen

Actively discourages a quarterback when it comes to running. Its very, very rare. That’s one of the first things he said when he was chosen to come here. He does not like when QB’s run. When Geno ran the play in the Pitt game half the crowd almost shat themselves.

"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West

by MountaineerAirman on Nov 27, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

Geno

has 3,700 yards on the season, with 25 TDs to 5 INTs. He is smashing Bulger’s single season records. I think Geno is hardly the problem, at least in the sense he is a liability by simply being on the field. This is also the first season WVU has had two 1,000 yard receivers in the same season. Ever. Geno obviously derserves credit for lot of that.

by huggybear67 on Nov 27, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

If only Casteel was as good at game planning as he is at in game adjustments

but he had a hell of a game coaching tonight. Every game I go WTF, but then they come out at halftime and get their crap together. Hopefully we can come out and beat the crap out of USF and hope that Cincy can do their job. Lehgo Legeaux!

by Dwalk1217 on Nov 26, 2011 12:17 AM EST reply actions

+10000000

by VTsucks on Nov 26, 2011 12:34 AM EST up reply actions

Great 2nd Half Adjustments

We as fans owe Casteel more than calling for his job after arguably underperforming this season. I will always love the way he gave RichRod the old “F you buddy” when he stuck it out here through the Stew years. I like to think Casteel had his own impact on Rod’s three and out at Michigan, and that is pretty sweet. Personally, I think this year is an anomaly, and when recruiting picks back up, we will have the pieces to make the 3-3-5 work. Also, I think it is a good thing we have a quality, veteran DC on staff with Holgs while he gets his feet under him. Casteel understands the program’s history and the culture of the state. Let’s cut him some slack in the transition season, just the same as Holgs.

by huggybear67 on Nov 26, 2011 12:59 AM EST reply actions

Coach Kirlav

Coach Kirlav deserves a ton of credit for the 10 sacks tonight. Obviously, as the D-line coach, he has a lot to do with preperation. Talk about a steady figure, Kirlav has been here since before Nehlen. RichRod fried him for one season, before firguring out his mistake and bringing him back on staff.

by huggybear67 on Nov 26, 2011 1:01 AM EST up reply actions

Great Point About Kirlav, Huggy...

…he also a freaking hilarious interview.

Now is the time boys to make a big noise.
No matter what the people say,
For there is naught to fear, the gang's all here,
So hail West Virginia, hail.

by JP Fanshawe on Nov 26, 2011 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

Good points all around

I love Casteel and I think it’s such a shame that so many fickle fans are calling for his job after one year. We had the 2nd ranked defense last year and lost a ton of starters, what do people expect from this guy?

"that place laid the foundation for who I am. A lot of outsiders make fun of it and say negative things about West Virginia. Fuck them" - Jerry West

by MountaineerAirman on Nov 26, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

fried= fired

by huggybear67 on Nov 26, 2011 1:02 AM EST reply actions

Good Call JP

Unlike the offensive unit – which may have peaked vs. LSU – this defense has improved considerably from early season.

by Mountaineer Chuck on Nov 26, 2011 1:59 AM EST reply actions

I would say the D was pretty good until the Syracuse game, and then was terrible for three games, and has been decent the last two. So really, they got worse and then got better.

by The 25314 on Nov 28, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

/signed

" Lord Stanley, scratch their names on your fabled cup" Mike Lange june 12, 2009

by oldtimehockey09 on Nov 26, 2011 5:06 AM EST reply actions

We recruit a big 320lb NT to anchor the front and that will make a world of difference. Losing Neild was the biggest hit to this D. Looking forward to the product next year after some solid recruiting.

Also we need some of those big cornfed boys from the big 12!

by TCfromDubVee on Nov 26, 2011 8:06 AM EST reply actions

^This

is right-on. Neild was a huge (pardon the obvious pun) part of last year’s defense. I think most of us thought that Miller and Irvin would pick up the slack, but the fact is that without Neild there plugging the middle, the defense has struggled against phyiscal offensive lines. Hopefully, we solve that with some recruiting this year.

Now is the time boys to make a big noise.
No matter what the people say,
For there is naught to fear, the gang's all here,
So hail West Virginia, hail.

by JP Fanshawe on Nov 26, 2011 8:13 AM EST up reply actions

I have been following the recruiting a little

and it looks like this recruiting class will be very solid!

by TCfromDubVee on Nov 26, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

we need help

on both lines

by WVUIE97 on Nov 26, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

well put jp

I’m a Jeff casteel fan, but that position sure hasn’t been popular on this blog for a few weeks. Thanks for your perspective on the matter, and I second your big F U.

by CaptainMorgantown on Nov 26, 2011 9:06 AM EST via mobile reply actions

sorry

I meant VT :/

by CaptainMorgantown on Nov 26, 2011 9:07 AM EST via mobile reply actions

How do we know if Casteel's worth anything?

Name a high powered offense he’s faced in the past 5-7 years. I think the 3-3-5 stack is just a gimmick scheme. But who cares about scheme anyway? It’s all about the talent.

I think the best defensive coordinators are those that make the offense wonder where the pressure will come from (ie. Dick Lebeau, Wade Phillips, Nick Saban, etc.).

I’m not saying he should be fired by any means, but is he really that great? Hard to say.

by WVUColumbus on Nov 26, 2011 12:44 PM EST reply actions

We certainly haven’t faced a ton of offensive powerhouses, but he did a good job against some pretty good Cincy units and Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. And I’d argue that holding bad offenses to single digit point totals is evidence that he does a pretty good job. I mean, others could obviously do worse, right?

www.smokingmusket.com
@CountryRoadsWV

by Country Roads on Nov 26, 2011 1:57 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

I can't even comment on the lame-ass-nes of that comment. we have faced a ton of good offenses since Casteel has been here.

VT- 2002, 2003, 2004
Miami- 2002,2003
Cinnci- 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
OU- 2007
Georgia- 2005
Auburn- 2009
LSU- 2011

I could go on but it isn’t worth my time.

by VTsucks on Nov 26, 2011 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

+13

Now is the time boys to make a big noise.
No matter what the people say,
For there is naught to fear, the gang's all here,
So hail West Virginia, hail.

by JP Fanshawe on Nov 26, 2011 8:44 PM EST up reply actions

Auburn, LSU, Georgia, OU, Cinci were not “powerhouse” offenses. They were decent to great overall teams. I would say that the U’s offense the year Wilson steamrolled that DB and when Pac Man and KW were battling was a “powerhouse”. Were the VPI teams really powerhouses? They may have been but I just can’t remember.

Like I posted earlier, I’m not saying he should be fired or that he’s a horrible DC, but he hasn’t been tested by great offenses….

by WVUColumbus on Nov 26, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions

there are very few true "Powerhouse" offense out there

how can you say that Cincy with tony pike and Marty Gilyard wasn’t a good if not great offense. Oklahoma was a great offense. LSU is puttine up 40 on just about everyone, Miami in 2002 still had McGhee, Andre Johnson and Kellen Winslow II, the 2003 team still had Frank Gore, Winslow Roscoe Parish. The 2005 Georgis squad had DJ Shockley at QB, Mohamed Massaquoi, Leonard Pope, Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin and Shockley combined for over 200 yards rushing in that game. I think Jeff Casteel has faced some great offenses.

Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"YOU ARE A FACTORY OF SADNESS" Angry Browns fan
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by WVPiratesfan on Nov 28, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions