Holgorsen excited to face Hokies in the opener

West Virginia's Dana Holgorsen is excited to face the Virginia Tech Hokies in the opener. While he isn't thrilled with the short week going into the second game the fact that the opener is on national TV and a marquee matchup it was too much to pass up.

Holgorsen said he's a fan of playing big games to start off the season. Pointed out that West Virginia has opened the season with Alabama and Missouri in the past.

As far as Virginia Tech Holgorsen knows what his team will face. "A lot of respect for Justin Fuente. His two stops at TCU and Memphis were incredibly impressive," he said.

Defensively everyone is aware of the success the Hokies have had in the past. "You can't think of Virginia Tech without thinking of Bud Foster," he added.

"Everyone knows we're going to run the ball," Holgorsen said regarding his team's offensive approach. Tech's Bud Foster knows that as well and will need to find a way to stop the Mountaineer attack.

An interesting note on the Tech offense. Holgorsen pointed out that he recruited Hokies starting quarterback Josh Jackson.

West Virginia starts transfer Will Grier at quarterback and the staff is anxious to get him in game situation and let him cut loose.

Holgorsen doesn't bite on new coordinator talk with Jake Spavital calling the plays and how it will affect the offense. He says that's kind of an advantage for his team.

At running back he expects Justin Crawford to benefit from the off-season. "I think the off-season was really good for him. He's never had one," he said.

Holgorsen said there is always unknowns and you don't know what will get exposed. Not just scheme and sides of the ball but specific players as well.

The head coach believes Grier has a good connection with three wide receivers right now. Ka'Raun White was hurt during the off-season and right now he and Grier haven't reached that comfort level.

Holgorsen said freshman Reggie Roberson keeps improving and plays hard. "He's young, eager, bright eyed and fast but he still" he said.

Holgorsen was asked if his team has top 25 potential. "The top 25 stuff is good for the program but it's all pre-season stuff. You have to line and play, you have to earn it," he said.

"There's a pretty high level of optimism here, " he added.