Mountaineers’ head coach likes his team’s chemistry heading into season

West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart used the word "bond" over and over in his press conference Tuesday.

That's what he's wanted his team to do in the offseason.

And apparently the Mountaineers' third-year head coach's goal was achieved. Stewart called his team a "band of brothers" Tuesday.

"I feel good that our team has bonded in a positive manner. We are a family," Stewart said. "There is a trust in the Mountaineer family."

For the first time in the 2010 season, those brothers will be tested. The No. 25 Mountaineers open the season Saturday against FCS foe Coastal Carolina in Morgantown.

"I know how we're bonding. I know we're living right, we're doing right and good things are on the horizon," Stewart said. "What can help that is coming out on the right foot Saturday."

Stewart said he is looking forward to seeing his younger players – particularly at quarterback and wide receiver – step up.

One of those players, starting quarterback Geno Smith, said he is excited to finally put the pads on and play against someone other than the Mountaineers' defense.

"I'll probably be a little anxious," Smith admitted. "When the time comes to play, I'll be ready. I just want to continue to progress as the season goes along."

Stewart said he won't tell Smith not to do something like force the ball or not turn the ball over. Instead, the Mountaineers' third-year coach said he'd be positive.

"I'm going to tell him Saturday to go get (touchdowns)," Stewart said. "Are we going to play wreckless? No. We can't do that. But, I want Geno to play and lead."

In addition to Smith, Stewart named a few key freshmen who will likely see playing time Saturday including: safety Mike Dorsey, defensive end Bruce Irvin, running back Trey Johnson, receiver Ivan McCartney, linebacker Doug Rigg. Both freshmen quarterbacks Barry Brunetti and Jeremy Johnson could play, as well.

Stewart does want to make sure everyone knows he's not thinking about playing backups, though. As a former Division I-AA coach at VMI, Stewart respects any lower-division foe.

"If people think this is a walk in the park, they have no idea what college football is all about," Stewart said.

The Mountaineers haven't lost a season opener since 2003 when they played Wisconsin. WVU will have started the season against a lower-division opponent for three-straight seasons when it takes on Coastal Carolina. WVU has beaten those opponents (Villanova and Liberty) by an average of 20 points.

Nose tackle Chris Neild said he doesn't mind going up against a lower-division team. He said the players will treat it like any other game.

"We have the same mentality. We want to go out there and hit them hard whether they're a D-II school or a big-name school," Neild said. "That's how we all feel.

Notes

WVU has yet to decide on who will start at right tackle and right guard against Coastal Carolina. Jeff Braun and Cole Bowers are battling for the right tackle spot, and last year's starter Eric Jobe and Bowers are challenging each other at right guard.

"It's still a battle, and it will probably be a battle throughout the season I would think," Stewart said.

Starting linebacker J.T. Thomas will start Saturday despite a lingering neck injury that forced him to miss some of fall camp. Stewart said Thomas has had an MRI and is "medically sound."

"Medically, he needs to play to see how he's going to react," Stewart said. "So, we're going to play him Saturday and get in there and bang. At that point, we'll see what's going on with him."

Fellow starting linebacker Pat Lazear is still nursing a bone bruise on his leg from an injury in fall camp. Stewart is unsure whether Lazear will play. The Mountaineers' head coach said he would know more Thursday when he has to submit an injury report to the Big East Conference. If Lazear is out, redshirt freshman Branko Busick will be start.