WVU = No Sales

I've often wondered where WVU stood in the pantheon on major collegiate sports outside of this area. It's hard to get a real feel for it because we are so inundated with Mountaineer sports and Mountaineer sports paraphernalia. And it's nice to hear about WVU on ESPN and other major sports networks. It's really nice to hear Mark May and Lee Corso predict WVU in the National Championship Game this year. But, where does WVU rate against the likes of Texas, Michigan and UNC when it comes to the real show of support for a college team: athletic apparel?

Well, I finally received my answer from The Collegiate Licensing Company, and that answer is not well. West Virginia University didn't even crack into the Top-75 in top selling collegiate merchandise for the July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 time period. WVU ranked behind the likes of Montana, BYU, East Carolina and Central Florida. We were behind TCU, Southern Illinois, James Madison and Nevada. WVU couldn't even muster the support to bypass Marshall, who ranks 48th on the survey.

Yes, I know it's just an athletic apparel survey but I'm really shocked by how low the Mountaineers rank considering the high profile they have enjoyed over the last couple years thanks to the great seasons in basketball and football and how much coverage they have received on a national scale. I'm sure the WVU people are also trying to figure out why Mountaineer merchandise hasn't caught on nationally because that is lost money for WVU. I've always been a big fan of the flying WV but obviously it hasn't been embraced outside the Mountain State. Take the numbers for what you will but I'm taking it as WVU remaining a regional power only.

Former WVU player arrest update = Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was arrested outside a bar early Friday and charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Way to go PACMAN!!!

Beano Cook thinks WVU will stumble and lose three games. I think Beano will stumble and lose three teeth.

Woodson beat Morgantown which means I was 2-3 for the week and WAY off on my prediction. Morgantown is no longer undefeated. Maybe this is the year...

Lastly, eastfairmont.com is looking for some columnists. If you have something to add to that site, please e-mail that address...they need some help.