Rich Rodriguez Gave WVU’s Veterans a Break in Final Scrimmage — Here’s Why

Saturday's scrimmage wasn't as "major" as it typically is.

WVU Athletics Communications

You know the new season is just around the corner when both of West Virginia's preseason scrimmages are in the books. Now, all attention will turn to game prep for the season opener against Coastal Carolina, although they still have a full week until game week officially begins.

We won't hear from WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez until Tuesday evening, but he did give a brief update on how Saturday's scrimmage went in an interview with Tony Caridi on the team's social media account.

“Normally, it would be a major scrimmage, but we kind of gave a break to some of the upperclassmen guys. They didn’t really do much other than a couple of two-minute drills. One of the main reasons I wanted to see all these young kids is because we’re starting our scout teams on Monday, and we want to see: is this guy going to be ready to play? Is he going to be on a scout team? So put them under the gun a little bit and put them under some pressure, and I thought they got some good work in.”

Could this mean Rich Rod is confident with his starters?

WVU Athletics Communications

It could certainly mean that, yes, especially at certain positions. They have a seasoned offensive line, a battle-tested running back, and don't have anything to sort through at quarterback, with Mike Hawkins Jr. clearly being their guy. Defensively, they have played fairly well throughout camp and like where things are heading.

All that being said, I wouldn't take it directly, as Rich Rod thinks this team is about to win ten games and has seen enough to give his older guys a break for that reason. It's a long month of practice, and with the team playing eight straight games to open the season before reaching a bye week, that will be taxing on the body.

The Mountaineers are going to need depth if they want to make it through that eight-game stretch in a good spot. This is one way to try to create it. Give those youngsters another big opportunity to play their way into a role while also giving the guys you know are going to play a bit of a break.

A week ago, Rich Rod wasn't too happy with the intensity of the live work by the young guys, even dubbing it a "pillow fight." It seems this time around, it was much better.

“The depth chart on offense, defense, special teams. It’s still wide open," Rodriguez said. "And I don’t think it’ll probably be until Tuesday of game week that we’ll probably really finalize not just the depth chart, but who are the guys that are ready to win with at those positions? I hope we have at least two at every position, maybe three.

“I do think we’re deeper. Again, until they’ve played a game, you don’t know," he continued. "There’s only been two or three guys that have started games for the Mountaineers, which is kind of crazy to think about, but it’s a pretty mature group and the things we’re asking them to do adapt pretty well. We’ve thrown a lot at them. I’ve got to get the staff; we’ve got to kind of hone things down a bit. We’ve done a whole lot in three weeks, so we should know by now what we’re good at on offense, defense, and special teams, and let’s kind of focus on that.”