Stewart putting USF game behind, looking toward season’s final stretch

Following West Virginia's 30-19 loss to South Florida last Friday, Mountaineer head coach Bill Stewart focused on what's left of this season.

WVU has four regular-season games remaining, and the second-year head coach wants his team to treat it as a miniseason.

"That game is behind us, and hopefully, we learned something from it," Stewart said. "We are in the final stretch of our season."

West Virginia has had its share of inconsistencies this season. The Mountaineers have had strong games on offense and defense, like the 34 points scored against Syracuse or the seven points given up against Marshall.

But there have been troubles, too, like against South Florida, where the offense was held to just 323 total yards on offense but gave up 421 yards defensively.

West Virginia is ranked 35th in the country in total offense after eight games. On defense, the Mountaineers are 38th.

Both of those numbers dropped after the loss to the Bulls, though.

"You just keep calling what you are calling. Our offense is a thing of beauty at times and at times it is not," Stewart said. "When we are clicking, it is pretty."

These final four games will likely shape a part of the conference race. The Mountaineers are currently the third-place team in the conference behind No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 13 Pittsburgh.

In those four remaining games, though, West Virginia will take on both the Bearcats and Panthers, leaving the door open for an under-the-radar conference title run.

That run could come to a quick stop with a loss this weekend to last-place Louisville, in what will be a home trap game.

"When you are in the Big East, they are all trap games," Stewart said. "You let your guard down, then you are going to get beat."

NOTES

Cornerback Keith Tandy was beat deep on South Florida's first touchdown in the first quarter.

Still, Tandy was left in the game. Stewart defended his redshirt sophomore cornerback after the game and Tuesday.

"No. 8 is still my starting corner," he said.

Stewart said the pass from USF quarterback B.J. Daniels was a "perfect throw" and something that is tough to defend.

He will start against Louisville.

A position that might not be as defined is kickoff specialist. While transfer Josh Lider has done the bulk of the job, Stewart said it's likely starting kicker Tyler Bitancurt will have a chance to kickoff as well.

Bitancurt did so against South Florida because of strong winds, as he has a stronger leg, Stewart said.

"I don't know who will kick off this weekend. I will have to watch this week in practice," Stewart said. "They compete just like every other position, and I will decide on Saturday who I think had the best week."

WVU nose tackle Chris Neild went down with an injury against South Florida, but Stewart said Neild will be ready to go against Louisville.

Stewart said safety Sidney Glover is nicked up as well. Outside of him, there are no significant injuries heading into the Mountaineers game with the Cardinals.

Linebacker Reed Williams will be playing a new role on defense after dealing with reoccurring injuries. He will not play all the snaps at middle linebacker. Instead, he will be used in certain situations while Najee Goode and Anthony Leonard will likely see more time at the position.