As part of preparing for Saturday’s game and the 2024 season, West Virginia offensive coordinator Chad Scott defined what he believes is the Mountaineers’ offensive identity.
“We start up front with the offensive line. I mean, we’re a physical, tough football team that runs the football and uses the running action to set up throws down the field. And we let our quarterback do a phenomenal job of seeing that, throwing that and extending plays, that’s who we are,” Scott said.
West Virginia rushed for nearly 3,000 yards in 2023. It ranked third in the FBS in terms of rushing yards per game and first among Power Five teams. Running backs CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White each rushed for over 750 yards, while quarterback Garrett Greene wasn’t far behind. Greene scored the most rushing touchdowns with 13, followed by Donaldson with 11 and White with four.
Scott talked about Greene and how he helps define the identity of the offense. He said Greene has matured and developed his skills over the last year.
“(I tell him) Garrett, be Garrett, and that’s just for us, period. We have to be who we are, you know. Offensively, we have to be who we are. He has to be who he is, and we coaches understand that,” Scott said of Greene. “Well, he’s matured and developed a lot in the last year. So you know he has a respectful understanding of what he can and can’t do. And you know how he should be and how he shouldn’t be. But other than that, we just let him be himself.”
Scott is one of many coaches who want Greene to continue to be himself and play his game. Other staff members, like quarterback coach Tyler Allen, want Greene to play “free.” Although, as Scott said, it starts up front with the offensive line, Greene’s performance could also be the deciding factor in WVU’s offensive success. However, the staff doesn’t want him to play conservatively; they want him to stay true to his brand of football.
The Mountaineers face a tough matchup at No. 8 Penn State to open the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on FOX.
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