He was very good. Even though WVU is poor against the pass, that wind was brutal. What a player. He looks like QB back there, not just a good athlete with a good arm.
I was in the stands and was surprised to discover after the game that Sam hit on fewer than 50 percent of his passes (Geno was 22-31-0=236 yards, 2 tds; 71% completion and 7.6 ypa). Geno is a senior, Sam a rFr making his first-ever start. And, often, the failure of our rushing game on first down put Sam in a number of obvious passing downs.
You know, who woulda guessed that Sam would outrush Tavon Austin?
Sam 18-119 = 6.61 ypc
Austin 14-74 = 5.28 ypc
Watching Sam from the stands yesterday, I think what I most liked about his game is his field leadership. Seemed unflappable, seemed to have a high football IQ the way he appeared to be in control.
But, what a nice arm he does have. Just think of the growth he can make between now and next fall, with the bowl practices, bowl game, and spring ball all coming up. We can only hope, too, that he'll have strong competition for the job from Grant Rohach. That'll be key to his development, too.
