Rob Christy – US Presswire
The West Virginia Mountaineers are back in business folks. Back in 2007-2008, the Mountaineers had National Championship hopes when the squad was lead by quarterback Pat White, and running-back Steve Slaton. Although that team never reached a title game, they at least sniffed the trophy. Perhaps that is the reason they fell short. We are now in the infamous year of 2012 and West Virginia again has championship aspirations. The Mountaineers are ranked 5th in the AP Poll and 6th in the Official Rant Sports Top 25. This year’s cast stars Heisman front-runner Geno Smith, and wide-receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.
Coach Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineers are 5-0, coming off a huge win on the road against the Texas Longhorns. This is the first year West Virginia is competing in the Big 12, and they are homing in on more than just a Big 12 Championship. These boys want to dethrone the SEC dominance and win the big one.
Geno Smith is undoubtedly leading the Heisman race with his 24 passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Geno can give much love to his two workhorse receivers, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.
Austin and Bailey are definitely one of the best WR duos in the country. Bailey leads the nation in touchdown catches with 13, and Austin leads the nation in receptions with 58. They have accounted for 107 of Geno’s 166 completions this year, and 21 of his 24 touchdowns. Workhorses.
Tim Heitman – US Presswire
Bailey, a junior, and Austin, a senior, both had monster 2011 seasons. They are arguably the best receivers in school history. At least the stats say so. The two account for several school receiving records. The chemistry between Geno and his boys is nothing new.
Both Tavon and Stedman are under 6’0 tall and 200 pounds, but they do get the most out of their average size frames. Clean, crispy routes, paired with the utmost chemistry with Geno equals optimal production. Let’s not forget that speed kills.
Not only will both of these cats be in contention for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the country’s best WR, one of them may end up in New York as a Heisman finalist, sitting right next to their boy Geno!
Paul Bentley is a contributor to Rant Sports. Follow Bentley on Twitter at @KKingBentley. You can also read more work from BENTLEY.
