Published: September 30, 2008 11:44 pm         

Brown to continue in new role

MORGANTOWN — Coach Bill Stewart readily admitted Tuesday at his weekly news conference that it is a bit risky for West Virginia to use Jarrett Brown in a role other than No. 2 quarterback, but that it will continue in future games.

He said the junior backup must practice, in which he also could be injured, and that playing slot or even running back gives him game experience which is beneficial.

Brown and starting signal-caller Patrick White both were in last Saturday’s 27-3 victory over Marshall at the same time. White later turned the reins over to Brown after his bruised thumb became sore.

Both were productive. White passed for 130 yards and two touchdowns and added 61 yards on keeper plays. Brown netted 78 yards on eight rushes, threw for 44 yards and caught a pass for minus-one yard.

Brown is listed as backup at both quarterback and slot receiver in the two-deep chart for Saturday’s Big East opener against Rutgers (1-3) at Mountaineer Field/Milan Puskar Stadium. The game is a 60,000-seat sellout.

Stewart pointed out that Bradley Starks, a redshirt freshman, also is capable of playing quarterback if needed. He is listed as both a second-team pass receiver and the No. 3 signal-caller.

“We are getting better and we’re getting closer,” the coach said. “We’re on our way back, yeah. Are we going to get beat again? Could. I hope not.

“I really think those two road games (losses at East Carolina and Colorado) made our team; I really do. We jelled a little bit on offense and a great bit on defense. There are some things we still can do.”

He revealed he has made three changes in the special team for opponent kick returns. Marshall ran back six for a staggering 373 yards.

“This football team has given up 20 plays of 20 yards or more in four games,” Stewart noted. “Eleven of those 20 were kickoff returns, so that was a big factor.”

WVU now ranks 117th nationally in that category.

There was a time when it was a proud positive, he said. However, Pat McAfee’s punting and the special team against punt returns rank among the nation’s finest.

Meantime, White was smiling when he reported to the training room for treatment of the hurt thumb Tuesday morning, according to Stewart. He had thrown the ball on both long and short plays in Sunday night’s practice session.

Practice for the Rutgers contest resumed Tuesday when the Mountaineers donned full gear.

Pat Liebig, fifth-year defensive lineman, is expected to return to action in the Rutgers contest. He was held out of the Marshall game because he had been “dinged” on a play against Colorado.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting matchup with Rutgers,” Stewart said. “Hope the weather is good. We’re trying to improve the team further. Every week is a new venture for us.”