I haven't even started reading the analysis from around the internet about the startling comeback by West Virginia last night against Marshall.  I'm sure it's going to read something like, "West Virginia has some major question marks. Marshall is obviously better than we thought.  And how about those Buckeyes who crushed this Marshall team and racked up over 520 yards of total offense?!" Sickening!  

I have a few quick thoughts, and I'll throw them down in about the time it takes to make instant grits.  I don't expect you to like them though.  After all, "no self respecting Southern uses instant grits."

Is Marshall really that good?

The quick answer is No, but let's not over look what they did well.  The Marshall front seven put pressure on QB Geno Smith on every snap.  LB Mario Harvey and DE Vinny Curry completely out matched RT Jeff Braun, and it seemed as though these two talented defenders were in the backfield before the ball was even snapped.  Harvey and Curry combined for 27 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 3 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries.  With those numbers, how can Marshall not look like they dominated West Virginia?

Is West Virginia really that bad?

The obvious answer is NO!!!  No team that has the type of inherent issues which causes them to be dominated for 3 quarters can then mount what should have been an impossible comeback in the 4th quarter.  I think West Virginia simple came into this game expecting the win to be handed to them.  Heck, they were 9-0 in the series against Marshall, so I lay the blame squarely on Bill Stewart's shoulders for not mentally preparing his team.  West Virginia does have a problem at the right tackle position.  Jeff Braun got beat all night and Stewart will have to figure out some way to get Geno Smith some better protection from that side of the line.

Does this game really say anything about the quality of Ohio State?

Absolutely not.  Well that's not completely true, it does show that the Buckeyes have a solid offensive line that can protect Terrelle Pryor as well as shut down the play makers of an opposing defense. Curry and Harvey only combined for 16 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks in the game against Ohio State.  A solid performance against one of the toughest teams in the nation, but not the same kind of game changing impact that they had last night against West Virginia. With Pryor relaxed in the pocket, Ohio State easily walked up and down the field to win the game.

What does this mean for the Big East Conference?

I think everyone needs to be on notice that West Virginia is going to be tough to beat this year.  I haven't seen each team play yet, but the Mountaineers showed they have what it takes to win against all odds.  Noel Devine had a solid game with 174 yards of total offense and a key touchdown late in the game.  Geno Smith show the poise and mature to march a team down the field twice for touchdowns and convert a 2 point conversion to push the game into overtime.  Can anyone really ask more of their quarterback?  With Pittsburgh and UCONN left as question marks after poor Week 1 performances, I have a feeling that the Mountaineers may emerge as the team to beat in conference play.